What better way of showing one’s appreciation than by giving gifts on Valentine’s Day? Ten marine products felt the love when they were honored with Innovation Awards by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and Boating Writers International (BWI) at the Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show & Strictly Sail on February 14.
Eight products took home these awards for innovative achievement and two more were recognized as honorable mentions during NMMA’s State of the Recreational Boating Industry Breakfast held at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
The Innovation Awards, organized by NMMA and judged by BWI, recognize products that best meet the following criteria: innovative distinction from other products currently being manufactured; benefit to the marine industry and/or consumer; practicality; cost-effectiveness; and availability to the consumer within 60 days of award receipt.
“As judges, every year we see dozens of terrific products and debate the definition of innovation,” said Zuzana Prochazka, Innovation Awards judge chair and immediate past president of BWI. “We had a really impressive group of entries this year and look forward to seeing those recognized today enter the marine marketplace.”
Innovation Awards and honorable mentions went to the following:
Consumer Electronics, Mobile Applications and Software
Dragonfly by Raymarine
B & G SailSteer and SailTime by Navico (honorable mention)
Mechanical & Electrical Systems
50-amp Inlet & Connector by SmartPlug Systems
Personal Gear, Soft Goods, Watersports and Fishing Equipment
Locking Pickup Truck Rod Rack by Boat Outfitters
Pontoon and Deck Boats
Crowne 250 by Harris FloteBote
Power Boats
370 Venture by Sea Ray
325 Center Console by Belzona (honorable mention)
Propulsion Inboard and Outboard
Deep Blue by Torqeedo
PWC and Jet Boats
Yamaha 192 Series with Thrust Directional Enhancer by Yamaha Watercraft
Runabouts and Fishing Craft to 24 Feet
230 Vantage by Boston Whaler
For more information, visit the NMMA website.
