Images photographed by Sheldon Baldie
Thirteen marine products were honored for innovative achievement by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and Boating Writers International (BWI) at the 2014 Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show. Thirteen products took home 2014 Innovation Awards during NMMA’s State of Recreational Boating Industry Breakfast, held February 13th, at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
Photo Credit: Sheldon Baldie
The Progressive® Insurance Miami International Boat Show® - the world’s premier boat show, Feb. 13-17, 2014, brought more than 3,000 boats and 2,000 companies from across the globe to three locations – Miami Beach Convention Center, Sea Isle Marina & Yachting Center and Miamarina at Bayside. From the newest luxury motor and sailing yachts, family cruisers, engines, electronics and marine gear, to dozens of attractions and on-water workshops, the Miami Boat Show provided attendees an all-access pass to enjoy the boating lifestyle and shop the newest in recreational boats and marine accessories.
Visitors had the rare opportunity to board and compare the world’s leading boat brands side-by-side at competitive bargains and find exclusive show specials on the newest marine accessories, gifts and electronics. In addition, each show venue featured a variety of interactive education and activities for boaters of all ages and experience levels. Visitors were able to take the helm during on-water training courses at the show’s two in-water locations, reel in new angling skills at the Big Game Room, and enjoy a free sail ride along Biscayne Bay, plus mingle with boating’s favorite celebrities.
The annual Miami Boat Show draws more than 100,000 visitors from around the world and is city’s largest event with an economic impact of 597 million dollars in Florida, generating big business for the state and U.S. recreational boating industry.
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 debate the idea of innovation amongst many great products,” said Zuzana Prochazka, Innovation Awards judge chair,freelance writer and photographer for various boating publications including Sea, SAIL, Yachtworld.com, Boat US, Boats.com, Cruising Outpost and current Chair of the BWI New Products Committee. “We look forward to seeing how these products adapt in the marketplace and advance recreational boating.”
In addition to Prochazka, rounding out the panel of judges for this year’s Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show & Strictly Sail Innovation Awards were: Nigel Calder, author of Boatowner’s Mechanical and Electrical Manual and Marine Diesel Engines; Alan Jones, writer and editor for Boating World magazine;Ann Dermody, managing editor of BoatUS magazine; Lenny Rudow, senior editor for Dominion Marine Media, including Boats.com and Yachtworld.com; Alan Wendt, first vice president of BWI and contributor to various marine industry publications, including Lakeland Boating; and, Roger McAfee, regular contributor to Pacific Yachting, Sea, Southern Boating, Lakeland Boating, and ShowBoats International.
Thirteen Innovation Awards were presented today in the following categories:
Boat Care & Maintenance
EZPoxy2, by Petit: Single-serving gel pouches of hardener and a longer pot life make this paint more user friendly, even for the do-it-yourselfer, potentially lowering the cost of boat maintenance and upkeep. Judge Lenny Rudow said, “If you love your boat, Petit.”
Docking and Fendering Equipment
ShoreStation Boat Hoist, by Midwest Industries: A well-designed and well-executed hoist, it solves many problems and minimizes cable ware. “It is fast and low maintenance,” noted Alan Jones.
Furnishings & Interior Parts
Dynamic Cabin System on the Boston Whaler 345 Conquest, by Boston Whaler: This sleeping arrangement of retractable cushions solves the big issue of where to store the cushions when not in use. “At the press of a button you can turn a double bed into a dining room. It’s the James Bond of beds!” exclaimed Nigel Calder.
Mechanical & Electrical Systems – Co-winners
EZ-Mount Battery Switch, by Marinco Mastervolt
SNAPP Fuel Filter/Water Separator, by Racor/Parker Hannifin
Both of these products are solving traditional installation and maintenance challenges. “These will save you time and your knuckles,” said Lenny Rudow.
Personal Gear, Soft Goods, Watersports and Fishing Equipment
Zayak Sea Sled, by Tropical Paradise Plastics: For kids, older folks or anyone with a fear of snorkeling, the Zayak Sea Sled opens up a whole new world of underwater exploration. Judge Ann Dermody summed it up by saying, “it has all the advantages of snorkeling without the need for a mask and tube.”
Pontoon and Deck Boats
Expanding Pontoon Boat, by Island Boats: This is the first expandable-width pontoon boat that goes from 7’ 4” to 10’ wide. “With a narrow beam for storage and trailering, this boat expands to optimize social space for everyone aboard – it’s not a pontoon; it’s a dance floor,” noted judge Alan Jones.
Boats (25′ to 60′ including Fishing Craft)
390Z, by Sea Vee: This 39-footer pops up on plane with minimal bow rise, turns like a ski boat, and delivers higher top speeds than conventional hulls. “One look at the hull will make you want to do the sea trial, and one ride will convince you this is a new kind of stepped hull,” said Alan Wendt.
Propulsion Inboard and Outboard
Gen2 Surf System, by MasterCraft: The Gen2 Surf System combines advanced hull design, weight distribution, custom wake shaping devices and onboard software to create a wide range of wake options. “It doesn’t matter how big or small or young or old you are, with this system, Mastercraft gives you the perfect wake,” said Lenny Rudow.
PWCs and Jet Boats
Spark PWC, by Sea-Doo: Welcome to the water – Sea Doo is expanding the entry level of boating. For half the weight, half the power and half the price, you can still have maximum fun on the water. “Four hours later, I can still taste the adrenaline,” said Ann Dermody.
Runabouts and Fishing Craft to 24’
ProStar, by Mastercraft: With innovations like a convertible bow, an intriguing storage system for your skis and an even flatter wake, Mastercarft gives serious water-skiers the best of all worlds. “Mastercraft’s passion for performance on the water is contagious,” noted Alan Wendt.
Sailboats
Oceanis 38, by Beneteau: Beneteau has found a way to attract younger families to sailing with this convertible boat that grows with you. “It’s almost enough to turn you from power to sail,” said Roger McAfee.
Consumer Electronics, Mobile Applications and Software
NSO16 evo2, by Simrad: The NSO16 evo2 brings big boat glass bridge style to midsized power and sportfishing boats. With one black box running two completely independent screens, the NSO16 also adds affordability to the navigation suite. “More computing power, less installation complexity and incredible functionality is a winning combination,” said Chairperson Zuzana Prochazka.
The Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show is produced by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), the world’s largest producer of boat shows and the leading association representing the recreational boating industry. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters and anglers throughout the U.S. and Canada. The association is dedicated to industry growth through programs in public policy advocacy, market statistics and research, product quality assurance and promotion of the boating lifestyle. For more information, visit www.nmma.org.
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