Innovation Awards - IBEX

Judge Pim Van Hemmen said, "It’s always fun to see someone cook up a really clever, simple, inexpensive solution to a problem that has vexed boaters ever since the onboard fuel tank was invented. The CLiX fuel spill prevention product is simply brilliant and revolutionary."

Judge Tim Murphy said, "Nearly every boat needs to be protected from galvanic corrosion, but our typical metal sacrificial anodes add toxic metals to the water we boat in. The CMP Smartyr impressed-current cathodic protection solves this problem, and satisfies the ABYC E-2 power requirement with a self-contained lithium battery charged by solar cells. The unit senses hull potential, self regulates and indicates proper functioning with LED lights. It’s a clean solution at a similar price to of sacrificial anodes."

Judge Charles Doane said, "This inventive product, designed to replace marine plywood in boatbuilding and other applications, hits a lot of buttons. Fabricated from recycled plastic, it is itself recyclable. It is rot-proof, price competitive, weighs the same, and is more versatile. An important step forward!"

Judge Brady Kay said, "The Self-Booting Bimini is the next evolution in power tops with a truly innovative design where the canvas top retracts automatically into an integrated boot box with a simple push of a button. Say goodbye to zipper Bimini boot struggles."

Judge Tim Murphy said, "From simple center consoles to complex cruising yachts, the Egis XD Series remote relay offers an elegant priceworthy solution to delivering power throughout the boat. The relay’s modular design, together with NMEA 2000 monitoring and control, promises to significantly reduce long heavy wire runs, and does so with comforting analog redundancy." 

Judge Brady Kay said, "As boats continue to trend towards automotive-like comfort, the XPower Seat with memory settings and 4-inches of movement in all directions takes marine seating to new heights. The electric seat base is integrated to move on the post for a sleeker and more efficient solution to marine seating."

Judge Charles Doane said, "This clever but simple product takes a critical and ubiquitous bit of kit, the Racor fuel filter, and helps it work even better. The easily removed heat shield bowl enhances key features—the ability to detect water in fuel and easily drain off contaminants—and improves functionality."

Judge Theresa Nicholson said, "Tocaro Blue Proteus distills RADAR information to bring an easy awareness of waters around the boat. Proteus helps the user digest and understand information from their boat’s Radar, sonar, and AIS systems." 

Judge Brady Kay said, "With Honda’s first production V8 engine, their high-power outboard integrates innovative highlights including a fully balanced 60 degree offset crankshaft that eliminates the need for a harmonic balancer along with key exclusive features found in Honda's DNA. The development of the BF350 enhances its existing lineup and takes Honda power to the next level." 

Judge Richard Armstrong said, "The Lenco Pro Control Auto leveling system leverages existing plane mounting points to and counteracts dynamic running conditions to improve stability, reduce pitch and re-entry impact. This cost effective system is a snap to install and configure." 

Judge Pim Van Hemmen said, "As someone who’s spent the past decade clambering onto his trailered boat by using the trailer head and the spare tire to get over the bow cleat without hurting himself, the G2 bow step is a welcome innovation. It’s a smart, well-engineered product that makes getting into a trailered boat so much easier." 

Judge Julia Carleton said, “Seascour combats scale and barnacles at the chemical level by breaking down the calcium bonds using an organic, non-corrosive solution. From flushing heat exchangers to cleaning hulls, the environmental benefits are far-reaching.”

Judge Andy Adams said, “Infinity Luxury woven flooring with self-adhesive backing delivers significant labor and cost savings. Installation is simple and best of all requires no mess.”

Judge Ed Sherman noted, “Voltsafe is the future of dockside shorepower systems for marinas and boats. It revolutionizes shore power connectivity by addressing critical drawbacks of traditional methods.”

Judge Steve Davis observed, “The underdeck pontoon winch is completely waterproof and stays clear of passengers on deck. The unit slides into a mount so the winch is easily installed and removed as seasons change, and the spring-loaded roller keeps the anchor under the deck until deployed or retrieved.”

Judge Steve Davis noted, “The simple, lightweight design of the Temo 450 electric motor is an innovative way to power small boats and dinghies. The tubular design with built-in motor and battery is waterproof, simple, efficient, and easy to mount and operate.”

Judge Ben Stein stated, “Arco’s Zeus answers the call for advanced alternator regulation aboard today’s boats and their increasingly complex DC power systems. With connectivity capabilities not previously seen in an alternator regulator, Zeus delivers the configuration, insight, and diagnostics needed for advanced, high-output 12-, 24-, and 48-volt systems.”

Judge Tim Murphy said, “Roswell Marine uses the magic of slap bracelets to solve a longstanding problem in marine canvas – how to roll sections of biminis or dodgers when they’re opened up. With Roswell’s Auto Rolling Fabric System, boaters simply unzip sections of the canvas, and it automatically rolls out of the way – no snaps, no Velcro.”

Judge Ryan Gullang noted, “Scanstrut’s ATMOS 12-volt Integrated Airstation is an elegant and effective solution to the relative drudgery of inflating water toys.”

Judge Ben Stein said, “The GPSMap 9227 is a quantum leap forward for marine navigation electronics. 4K resolution on its large display means more information at the operators’ fingertips. Plus, dramatically faster processors and gigabit Ethernet ensure nearly instant response.”

Judge Steve Davis noted, “Joystick control has been around, but primarily used for docking, and Volvo Penta has taken to new heights with the innovative ability to drive the boat without touching the steering wheel. The system integrates shifting, steering, and throttle and easily installs into the driver’s armrest for ergonomic driving and comfort.”

Judge Ed Sherman said, “The float/sensor technology of the WIF-Pro offers outboard boat owners a safety feature when out at sea through a fuel filter system with an externally mounted sensor ring that detects and alarms the captain when five ounces of water gets in the fuel system. Once the filter bowl is drained, the system clears and you’re back underway.”

This clever combination of a salt chlorinator cell and seawater strainer reduces biofouling in raw water-cooled marine plumbing systems.

The Massivit 10000 dramatically simplifies and shortens the process for producing complex custom molds. By combining multiple cutting-edge technologies, they have created a tool that will significantly benefit any marine manufacturer working with composites.

Starting with a simple telematics device, Radian IoT is a broad information system that promises to revise the social contract among boatbuilders, dealers, trucking companies, banks, insurers, and boaters. From a single data platform it provides boatbuilders with live inventory tracking, dealers with predictive sales analytics, and other stakeholders real-time assurance about the state of their present and future assets. 

Overboard’s mounted dehooker helps anglers get from one catch to the next more quickly while reducing the amount of handling caught fish face. Fewer skewered fingers and lower mortality rates—that’s a game changer regardless of which end of the fishing rod you’re on.

Egis’ XD Series Triple Flex Relay offers simple configuration and rich functionality. Its modular approach reduces components and complexity.

 As an advocate for higher voltage DC systems on boats due to the enhanced efficiency these systems provide, I applaud Kenyon for introducing their 48-volt grill to the industry. Get the LP gas off the boat!

The Seakeeper Ride is a vessel attitude control system that uses an innovative rotary blade system to control roll and pitch while underway through its proprietary inertial sensing hardware and software. 

Garmin’s Surround View Camera System eases challenging docking and tight-quarters handling with a birds’ eye view of the boat and its surroundings. Integrating up to six cameras, it gives the kind of visibility we all want when inches matter. 

The QMI Group’s Accuthrust pontoon thruster is an intuitive, flush-mounted, in-tube system that won’t restrict pontoons or tri-toons from getting into shallow depths. Even if weeds or debris get caught up, the reverse clean-out function quickly clears out the system. It’s fully waterproof and, for safety, only operates when the engines are on.

 Deploy your boat hook like a lightsaber!  This fun accessory was genuinely inspired by technology from the space industry.

This is a comprehensive selection of gelcoat decking patterns that simplifies and reduces the cost of decking repair.

A great low temperature curing, high-strength, two-part adhesive that can be used in volume without discoloring gelcoat.

Nearly invisible yet unbelievably strong, this versatile floor-mounting system is a true game-changer for both builders and consumers.

 Completely serviceable in the field, Lithium Blue is sure to have an impact on this growing segment.

This is an innovative use of neopixel LEDs and advances the art of yacht lighting.

The flexibility of the optical fibers in this product is a versatile way to provide practical and decorative lighting integrated into a soft Bimini top. 

A simple solution to a potentially messy situation.

Volvo’s Assisted Docking lets the skipper take a breath in stressful situations while giving them pinpoint control of the vessel.

A well-engineered hydrofoil system that significantly improves the ride and performance of any double pontoon boat.

The Sentry’s advanced use of machine learning from millions of on-water events makes boating safer underway and at rest.

 A new way to avoid powerloading and boat launch erosion that can be adapted to an existing trailer.

A clever, inexpensive fix to an annoying problem.

SKU Flatteing, easy to install, and now the consumer doesn't have to choose fized or rotating, they get both.

A real breakthrough that will create more power for increasingly electrically hungry outboard boats.

 A brilliant application of simple physics to solve a major bilge pump problem.

Veratron's LinkUp solves the challenge of configuring NMEA 2000 sensors, even when they are not yet installed.

Finally precise joystick steering is offered for single outboard applications.

 A simple, self-contained solution for those looking for affordable electric steering in the 90 to 200 horsepower outboard range.

With high gloss, repairable, scratch resistant, extended in-service life, the difference is clear, literally.

In an age of synthetic decks, a real wood solution takes the prize.

 A relief for marine mechanics. Diagnostic testing can now be done on any engine with one piece of equipment.

 Save your fingers and your boat with STREX Fasteners that works on existing covers and makes it no longer a pain to cover your boat.

 The Revo Boarding Ladder is like a stairway to heaven making access to the boat from the water easy for everyone.

A serious game changer in the industry, the Integrel system is a serious leap in power generation. Nigel Calder can finally retire.

With the industry's first light permeable speaker housing, Roswell Marine Pro-Tower Speakers will transform your evenings on the water into an experience for the senses.

We applaud the inventive use of what is normally wasted space for entertaining obboard pontoons.

The ability to re-engineer both the D4 and D6 propulsion systems brought out about higher horsepower, better fuel effieciency, significantly lower maintenance cost, extended service intervals and stationary positioning for stern drives.

Made to bend and not break. The H2O Light Saver from Quality Mark eliminates the need to lower or remove your sternlight when an obstacle may arise.

The air conditioner to replace them all. Dometic goes global with support for any voltage around the world.

A simple gear pump integrates flow rate control and reversibility without external components.

Ditch the hoses, ditch the hydraulic fluid, ditch the pumps, perople - the Optimus E-Actuator eliminates them all.

Finally, a 115-horse two-stroke outboard that can compete head to head against any four-stroke on the market and in some ways, maybe even beat it.

 I want one for Christmas! With so many twin, triple and quad engine boats, there has to be a great market for prop repair and tuning.

Cortex - it's not a VHF radio...but it is. It's not an AIS...but it is. It's not a MOB system...but it is, and it's a whole lot more.

Awlgrip cuts down on builder production time with the new Quick Build coating and also saves on product inventory with the interchangeable reducers and accelerators.

By introducing a highly flexible gel coat, CoCure impressed me with the possibility for building fiberglass structures that absorb shock and reduce overall weight.

I loved the cover’s simplicity and straightforward design.

This product proves that simple just works - no stains, no maintenance.

Unprecedented insight into the health of your boat’s batteries.

Impressive features like digital signal processing, Wi-Fi streaming and ApplePlay compatibility combine to create an incredible audio package.

 A smooth stable ride is easily attained through the ability to air pressure tune the SHOXS X pedestal at home.

The ORPHOS eliminates substantial builder time with its easy installation and the integrated system offers consumers a simple, user friendly product.

BG One is a reliable bilge pump with extensive features including oil and fuel detection and non traditional mounting options.

When I have to run eight miles in the dark every morning to catch bait, it’s a lifesaver. 

Yamaha’s 425 V8 XTO Offshore impressed with numerous industry firsts including direct fuel injection, integrated electronic steering and the highest compression ratio in a four-stroke outboard.

Tiller steering just became comfortable and intuitive, even for south paws.

Like a backup camera for the bow, Medallion's docking/trailer camera will show you what's right ahead and down low whether it's the trailer hookup or your kids so it's an added measure of safety for tow boats.

The Technical File Generator is a unique online software tool that simplifies the entire process of managing documentation requirements for compliance with the new European Union Recreational Craft Directive.

TDT1000 Transducer Diagnostic Tester takes the guesswork out of troubleshooting both conventional and Chirp transducers by utilizing the TDT1000 and SensorCheck App to compare transducer performance against factory provided performance data.

The Aluna Light Pole technology is a patented light conduit technology that replaces electrical contacts with light coupling for high reliability removable navigation lights.

The Power-Pole CHARGE Marine Power Station is the world's first AC/DC and bi-directional DC/DC, all-in-one marine battery management and charger.

The Seakeeper 3 is the first exclusively 12-volt DC powered gyrostabilizer designed to eliminate up to 95% of boat roll on vessels from 30-39 feet—eliminating the seasickness, anxiety, and fatigue that go along with it.

Power Line Instruction (PLI) is an innovative, proprietary communication protocol used to send control/configuration instructions to Lumitec luminaires over the standard power wires.

The Power-Pole VISION onboard marine accessory management and multi-media tablet is an all-in-one touch-screen tablet that allows multiple boat accessories to be connected and controlled by one smart device.

Suzuki’s DF350A is a design engineering tour de force, applying new thinking and new technology to the outboard category.

Yamaha's all-new F25 is the lightest, most portable 25-horsepower outboard in the industry.

The Evinrude iDock system, with an affordable price point and other industry-leading system innovations, allows users to easily maneuver their boat using a joystick for simple docking, in even the toughest conditions.

Vesper Marine deckWatch App – smartAIS safety alarms and navigation data on your smartwatch. When it comes to safety at sea, every second counts. In case of potential collision situations, anchor drag or man overboard, the deckWatch App gives boaters immediate visibility of alarms from their smartAIS transponders, over WiFi directly on their smartwatch.

Gatorbak LLC, Synthetic Bunk Covers, Premium Clear color option allows total customization of bunk color and optional LED lighting.

Rapid coat build-up combined with the ease of water-based clean up makes SeaGold a marine finish worthy of the 21^st century.

Banova is a unique balsa-based plywood up to 70 percent lighter than conventional plywood.  It is an excellent option for wood based panels and linear and curved furniture and cabinetry.  It can be worked using standard woodworking techniques and faced with a number of laminates.

The flexible fiberglass whip and “Air Line” style quick disconnect base of the Snapflex LED Stern Navigation light beautifully eliminates the common issues of bent aluminum stern light poles and corroded power connections.

I believe the Roswell Marine Triton Board Rack is an important innovation for the boating industry to attract the millennials.

The first marine use of magneto resistant fluid technology that improves the vessels handling, safety and enjoyment.

Fireboy has addressed environmental concerns regarding potential climate changing chemicals by replacing HFC extinguishing chemicals with 3M’s new Novec 1230 which has an extremely low global warming potential rating of less than one.

In the world of all things digital Kenyon advances digital controls taking advantage of new processes, new technologies. They are advancing the art and science of grilling a great steak.

Being able to quickly drain the engine at the push of a single knob and without having to pull the boat out of the water allows boaters to extend their season without fear of a cold snap damaging the engine.

Rule has taken virtually everything boat owners dislike about submersible bilge pumps and introduced a new bilge pump that operates safely, eliminates backflow, and reduces air locking.

The Doppler technology in the Fantom 6 allows boaters to detect moving targets in color and in real-time, letting them navigate around hazards or severe weather, or find fishing spots where birds are feeding at the surface.

Wet Sounds’ digital sound processed marine amplifiers are tuned by the manufacturer to match the sound characteristics of each OEM’s boat model to provide optimum sound performance.  This takes the guesswork out of the builder or dealer’s hands and makes it easier for owners to have the best sound experience possible.

Honda’s lightweight outboard has addressed a major issue with vibration, hard starting and instant power off amongst other major issues.

Mercury Marine’s VesselView Mobile system, which includes an affordable onboard interface that syncs to a free app, either iOS or Android, and a free Web portal, is ideal for boaters who want to take advantage of their SmartCraft-equipped motors to view engine performance parameters, among other vital engine information.

Everyone knows that Outboard Engines operated in Saltwater require thorough flushing after each use. Everyone also knows that flushing twin and triple outboards can be a real pain.  This product solves that problem by eliminating the transom gymnastics usually required to perform this necessary task.

Designing this tower which provides flexibility to the builder to match gel coat and interior finishes allows for a custom look at a reduced cost.

Pontoon boaters often have to fight a battle to store their bimini and often they don’t win.  The simple and elegant design of the Dowco Easy-Life bimini system now makes that battle winnable.

LED Power Switch with built in resettable fuse built into the switch –  The Bocatech BT1 LED Power switch solves the problem of having the switch and circuit protection exist as separate components. In a single waterproof unit, the Bocatech switch reduces not only the complexity of on board electrical systems but also the cost of installing them.  

Well documented that we are seeing a major shift by municipal and government vessels using natural gas and it’s nice to see this move into the outboard category. This company is ahead of the innovation curve in blending economic and environmental benefits with this plug & play engine.

Elage addresses the traditional challenges of vinyl.  It stays cooler in the sun, impedes stain absorption and migration, and eliminates PVC content and plasticizers so it won’t dry or crack and provides a safer seating solution.

Titanium Shell, lower power level needed to drive this unit and a different architecture – many design features.  The Italians are known for heating things up, now they’ll be known for cooling things down. Their presentation gave me chills...

See near, see far with Simrad’s Halo Pulse Compression solid state radar. This dual radar, duel marpa radar provides reliability from the harbor to the horizon.

MotorGuide’s X5 with variable ratio steering lets an angler fine tune a trip down a shoreline, but when the inevitable submerged stump turns up, quickly avoid a loud, fish-spooking collision.

Mercury’s Flo-Torq SSR HD Hub gives smooth, quiet starts with big power.

This product is actually two good bottom paint technologies made to work together.

A marine exterior fabric with a ten year warranty, made from an advanced polymer alloy, and built to withstand the harshest environment is unheard of.

This is a product that simplifies the sales and order process and also begins the proper documentation and diagram of the electronics on a boat.

This product from Syntec Industries is an invitation to boat builders everywhere to trick out their boat steering wheels with wireless or Bluetooth communication.

The Environmental Valve Vent is a perfect example of using the power of IBEX to solicit input from design engineers from the major OEMs. This yielded an improved product that solves forthcoming EPA regulations.

The Fastmount Very Low Profile Clip vastly improves panel mounting with no special tools.

Dometic has come up with a smart solution to fitting marine toilet into today's multi-angled small space heads.

Simplified installation and no calibration make Raymarine's Autopilot a game changer.

The Glass Cockpit System sets a new industry standard for the intergration of engine and navigation data.

This highly versatile four stroke power platform featuring a narrow footprint and ability to retro fit has a very broad appeal for both the end user and the marine industry.

The Lower Unit Fill/Drain Kit will encourage owners to take better care of their lower units by being environmentally responsible.

This app is personalized to your size boat and a necessary good start for the large percentage of boaters who do not buy through a retail dealer who would otherwise provide new boater instruction.

Being able to access a database of thousand of Gelcoat colors from dozens of manufactureres is impressive, but the innovation may well be in the method of injecting catalyst into an aersol can for easy spray-on Gelcoat repair for the DIY at a low cost.

The smart energy controller is a simple-to-install kit that can be retro-fitted to any brand of DC refrigerator reducing refrigerator battery consumption up to 50 percent.

The V8-380 brings new generation engine technology to the sterndrive market. Its performance, fuel economy and carb 4-star rating raise the bar for sterndrive engines.

Syntec's proprietary cooling feature removes prior interior design restrictions allowing boatbuilders to introduce dark colors to vinyl seating.

Teleflex bridges the gap between hydraulic and conventional cable steering with an affordable, easy-to-install steering system that makes driving mid-sized boats a pleasure.

Easily the most anticipated and exciting product category at this year's show, joystick docking for outboards will do for outboards what pod drives have done for inboards.

While acknowledging that this prop is not for the tournament or performance market, PowerTech has a rather convincing presentation that the word safer blade edge design and props can be menitoned in the same sentence.

BEI's port features a reusable aluminum bushing, allowing set up to be simple and efficient. This part is a new, inexpensive and practical solution to some of the problems that can oftnn hold up a job's progress.

This is the product for individuals who always turn their battery switch to ‘both’ because they don’t know which is the ‘house’ and which is the ‘engine.’

A marine tank monitoring system that virtually eliminates the possibility of overfilling the tank. It is easy to use and solves a lot of problems plaguing older systems.

The seat uses an elastomeric mesh to help distribute a person’s weight evenly and relieving pressure from concentrated areas.

These counters tell a boat owner precisely how much anchor line is out and is capable of resetting itself if the anchor line slips.

It is the first new drive system in more than 40 years.

The refrigerator employs a reverse stirling cycle engine and natural refrigerants such as helium and carbon dioxide to cool the unit, and contains only two moving parts.

The digital system allows a boater to control his or her engines with just two throttle controls.It is totally electronic and can have a plug-and-play installing for a second control station.

The system features a unique bit capable of drilling through gel coat without it chipping. The hole saw is also self-cleaning. No longer does a boat owner have to lose time digging a plug out of the saw.

It is a boon for boatbuilders who must make a part a number of times. It enables the builder to lower costs, time, and investment and still have a fully finished vacuum bagged part.

Safety is really important in the boating realm and I applaud Westerbekes’s development of this line of gensets. I look forward to the time when we see a propulsion system that uses their technology.

It reduces weight, virtually eliminates corrosion in the heat exchanger jacket, is easy to design for specific applications, and can be retooled almost within hours.

A water based, VOC free, single part vibration dampening coating that is applied by spraying to a total thickness of 40 mils. It is a US Coast Guard approved for use in engine compartments to reduce noise. 

The Hi-Mod insulator is the only fail safe wire rigging insulator on the market.

At last a fire suppression system that is affordable, does no damage to the engine, and easy to activate. Every boat should have one.

The installation savings alone makes the system worth it. You don't have to take down the overhead, run wires through the mast or behind furniture. Now you can install an instrument package that has no power draw from your sailboat's batteries.

About the only thing traditional about this engine is the prop nut. Everything else has been designed from scratch making it totally new for the marine industry.

Saves time and money for production builders by cutting out several steps from mold maintenance. Starting out as four micron particles, the product gradually breaks down to 0.05 microns, saving time by eliminiating the need to use different particle sizes when polishing a mold or other finished boat products.

Developed in an eight-foot module that interlocks with a unique locking device, allowing its length to be adjusted to fit many different size boats. The corrosion-resistant, roto-molded pontoons can be fitted by OEMs or retro fitted to existing pontoon boats and docks.

An easy-to-use diagnostic tool that verifies the polarity and level of AC voltage in an electrical system. It measures the existence and magnitude of stray electrical currens and can be used to locate the precise location of the item aboard a boat that is putting electrical current into the water.

This product is a brand new solid state switch with no moving parts. It is reliable, waterproof, completely corrosion proof, and idiot proof.

Designed to replace an outboard motor - Comprised of a 150 hp diesel engine mounted directly on top of a ten-inch water jet, its watertight housing provides additional buoyancy so that boats can float relatively level.

Eliminates the center of the disc and does away with the cornrows that the slower turning center portion of the disc generates, while its wavy outer edge makes it easy to get into corners and provides a higher polish to the finished product.

The EEz-In Ladder adds a huge level of safety to any boat it is fitted on.

Provides cooling for refrigeration, freezers and air conditioning in one unit. Measuring twelve inches deep, thirteen inches wide and nine inches high, it has sound deadening panels to reduce noise levels while using half the energy of other systems.

It is the first web-based, real-time system to connect repair facilities, dealers and their customers in real-time, requiring only a simple Internet connection.