13 Innovation Award Winners in Miami

The National Marine Manufacturers Association announced the 13 winners of its annual innovation awards at the Miami show last week. The awards, judged by members of Boating Writers International, were made at the NMMA’s annual breakfast at the start of the show.

The awards recognize boating manufacturers and suppliers who introduce new and innovative products to the market. The eight judges were all member of BWI who have experience in writing about boats and marine equipment. They were Ben Stein, Tim Murphy, Kelsey Bonham, Kevin Falvey, Alan Jones, Adam Quandt, Gary Reich, and Tony EspositoThis year’s winners are:

The 2024 Miami Innovation Award winners are:

Cabin Cruisers, Motor Yachts & Trawler: Boston Whaler, 365 Conquest – “The unsinkable Boston Whaler 365 Conquest (pictured) proved unbeatable in its category. Drawer style seats, point of use storage and moving the galley topside makes for an offshore boat of great versatility,” said Kevin Falvey.

Center Console / Walkaround Fishing Boats: HCB Yachts, HCB 48′ Campeón – “The HCB 48 Campeón takes the idea of the custom boat to a new level with an ultra-widescreen display that can be customized to the owner’s desires and a one-touch digital switching system that powers up only the systems specified by the skipper,” Gary Reich noted. “The build quality and attention to detail overshadowed entrants in the category.”

Consumer Electronics, Mobile Applications and Software: Skyhawk Oversea, Skyhawk Oversea –“This is an easy, affordable boat monitoring system that requires no hardwiring or technical knowledge,” said Tony Esposito.

Cuddy Cabins, Bowriders, and Deck Boats: Boston Whaler, 210 Vantage – “This dual console, 21-footer with its convertible portside lounge brings many of the features of much bigger boats to this 21-foot boat,” said Tim Murphy.

Deck Equipment: Shadow-Caster LED Lighting, Eagle Ray Light Bar – “From a hyper-focused long-distance spot to a diffused flood light, the Eagle Ray Light Bar offers flexibility and low energy usage in one simple installation,” noted Murphy.

Honorable mention: MasterCraft Boat Company, Power Board Racks

Electric Motor / Battery Powered Propulsion / Hybrids and boats: Nautical Ventures, ePropulsion eLite – “There are other electric outboards on the market, but the ePropulsion eLite beats them all in simplicity, weight and price point,” said Kelsey Bonham. “This is perfect for a thrifty cruiser, a savvy kayaker and many in between.”

Fishing Equipment, Gear & Tackle: Taco Marine, Open Water Internal & Collapsible Carbon Fiber Outrigger Poles – “Taco’s carbon fiber outrigger poles are lightweight collapsible, easy to ship and can be setup without tools. Go fish!” exclaimed Alan Jones.

Furnishings & Interior Parts: SeaDek, Backlighted SeaDek – “SeaDek’s embedded RGB lighting takes the ubiquitous EVA foam decking, coaming pads, and step pads to a new level of functionality and owner customizations,” said Falvey.

Inboard Engines: Pleasurecraft Engine Group, PCM ZZ8S and ZZ8R Engines – “The highest performing marine engines have historically demanded the highest-octane fuel. PCM blows that paradigm out of the water with the ZZ8 engine series which makes gobs of torque and a heard of horsepower on 89 octane fuel,” noted Falvey.

Outboard Engines: Mercury Racing (Mercury Marine), V8 500R – “Mercury Racing didn’t just add 50 horsepower to create the 500r, they also made it stronger, increased fuel and airflow, gave it the ability to compensate for humidity and yet it still runs on 89 octane,” said Jones.

Personal Gear, Soft Goods: SeaSucker LLC, Basking Bag – Esposito noted, “It solves a real-world boating problem. Who among us hasn’t had to turn about to retrieve an overboard trash bag?”

Personal Watercraft: Sea-Doo, RXP-X – “The Sea-Doo RXP-X 325 takes an already strong power platform in the PWC market to a completely new level,” said Adam Quandt. “Featuring a new Rotax power plant, all while not adding any weight or size, the RXP-X 325 is a true rocket on the water.”

Propulsion Equipment & Parts: Dockmate, Dockmate DPS – “Dockmate DPS brings the benefits of dynamic positioning systems to hundreds of thousands of boats that previously couldn’t leverage its safety and convenience,” said Reich.