Miami Innovation Awards

The Innovation Awards program presented at the Discover Boating® Miami International Boat Show® honors manufacturers and suppliers who bring new, innovative products for the boating industry to market. The Miami program offers twenty-one product categories for entry. Complete details can be reviewed on the program webpage.

 
 

Miami International Boat Show Innovative Products Categories

  • Alternative Propulsion (electric motor/battery powered, hybrid, hydrogen, solar, and other emerging and alternative propulsion technologies)
  • Boat Care and Maintenance (coatings, chemicals, paints, finishes, additives, oils and tools)
  • Cabin Cruisers, Motor Yachts, Trawlers
  • Center Console/Walkaround Fishing Boats
  • Consumer Electronics, Mobile Applications and Software
  • Consumer Safety Equipment
  • Cuddy Cabin, Bowrider, Deck Boats (boats intended for family day use)
  • Deck Equipment (rigging, rope, anchoring equipment, boat covers, canvas work, T-tops/arches, stainless work, mooring gear, steering mechanisms and wheels, exterior and underwater lighting, BBQs, blocks, winches/winch handles, screens, vents, rod holders, outriggers, etc.)
  • Docking and Fendering Equipment
  • Fishing Equipment, Gear and Tackle
  • Furnishings and Interior Parts (appliances, furniture, lighting, testiles, galley, etc.)
  • Inboard Engines
  • Inflatables and Tenders
  • Mechanical and Electrical Systems (AC/DC onboard and shore power systems, batteries, control apparatus, battery management tools, inverters, chargers, air conditioning, heating, plumbing, ventilation, pumps, tanks and fuel systems, solar panels, etc.)
  • Outboard Engines (including trolling, propane and electric motors)
  • Personal Gear, Soft Goods (clothing, footware, etc.)
  • Personal Watercraft
  • Power Multihull
  • Propulsion Equipment and Parts (gauges, trim tabs, propellers, steering systems, thrusters, etc.)
  • Sailboats (multihull and monohull)
  • Tow Boats
Miami Innovation Awards By Years

2026 Miami Innovation Awards Winners
Alternative Propulsion

ePropulsion, Spirit 2

Judge Kelsey Bailey said, “ePropulsion’s Spirit 2 is a significant improvement from earlier iterations of small electric outboards, with enough power and battery capacity to feasibly propel a small sailboat or large dinghy without range paranoia. The robust, field-serviceable connection between battery and unit is a highlight for off-grid adventurers.”


Center Console/Walkaround Fishing Boats

Regulator Marine, Regulator 35

Judge Gary Reich said, “Regulator has brought multiple innovations to the familiar center-console genre with its 35-footer, including Dometic’s gyro stabilization system, lithium-ion house power system, and a seachest with built-in redundancy. Pairing this with Regulator’s bulletproof build quality and refinement made the 35 a stand out in this category."


Consumer Electronics, Mobile Applications and Software

Honorable Mention: Mercury Marine, Mercury Keyless System

Lowrance, Active Target

“The versatility the transducer system on the Lowrance Active Target 2XL makes 360-degree live sonar a reality on small boats and opens a very wide door to help anglers find more fish,” said judge Charlie Levine. 


Consumer Safety Equipment

LUMINSEA, Smart Channel Marker

Judge Elaine Lembo said, “The Smart Channel Marker by LUMINSEA goes beyond wood, iron, and concrete pilings to safely guide contemporary boaters through waterway channels. Its fiberglass PVC composite construction reduces risk upon impact. Using standard colors of red, white, and green, as well as digital illumination and display, it is being adopted in specific locales and is queued to make it possible for marine authorities to use it in more coastal and inland waterway destinations.” 


Cuddy Cabin, Bowrider, Deck Boats

Chris Craft, Launch 27

“The Chris-Craft Launch 27 oozes refinement, from its gorgeous retro lines to the powered, Bimini that stows away neatly under the deck with the push of a button,” said judge Gary Reich. “The implementation of Garmin's ultrawide MFDs brings modern automotive familiarity and luxury to the helm.”

Dual Winner: Azimut, Seadeck 7

Said judge Ben Stein, “The Azimut Seadeck 7 is a tour-de-force of innovative new features and refined design in a 70-footer, with an emphasis on sustainability in propulsion and materials. The open main deck floor plan makes this already sizeable yacht feel huge, and Volvo Penta’s hybrid-electric IPS propulsion system enables fully electric navigation for short distances and zero-emission hotel mode at anchor.”

Dual Winner: Hurricane Boats, SunDeck 3200

“The SunDeck 3200 redefines luxury with its carbon-fiber hardtop and premium features, all at an affordable price for a twin-engine beauty in 32 feet,” said judge Brady Kay. “The deep in-floor garage is just one of the many examples of its thoughtful and user-friendly features.”


Deck Equipment

Chaparral, Chaparral E-Z Step

“Mechanics and smooth handling are the key benefits of the Chaparral E-Z step,” said judge Elaine Lembo. “Its patent-pending broad aft deck lift, which can lock in stowed and extended positions, makes boarding safe and seamless, without the hassle of relying on electrical or auxiliary power.” 


Fishing Equipment, Gear and Tackle

Honorable Mention: Dropback Catch, Dropback Catch

Lee's Tackle, The Ultima Extend Outrigger

Judge Charlie Levine said, “With Lee’s Ultima Extend telescoping outriggers, you don’t have to climb up on the gunwales or pinch your thumbs to bring the riggers in our out. Being able to retract or extend the riggers with the interior halyards makes it a fast and simple process that anglers will appreciate.”


Mechanical and Electrical Systems

SmartPlug Systems, Electric Fishing Reel Plug and Receptacle System

Judge Ben Stein said, “SmartPlug has already improved AC connectors and made them safer and more reliable. Now, they bring their expertise and technology to DC connections with a positive-latching water-resistant plug – a welcome development for anglers who use electric fishing kite reels.”


Outboard Engines

Mercury Marine, Boost

Judge Kelsy Bailey, “With proportional lever controls, Dockmate Pro has seriously upped the game for aftermarket remote-controlled shift and throttle, faithfully recreating a proper helm in handheld form. Even better, this new remote is wonderfully tactile, with plenty of feedback. It felt immediately intuitive.”

 

Personal Watercraft

Yamaha, Yamaha CrossWave WaveRunner

“Yamaha introduces a new direction in PWCs with its four-passenger CrossWave with a layout not seen before. The full walk-around design is just a glimpse of the innovative features on this customizable and versatile craft,” said judge Brady Kay. 


Propulsion Equipment and Parts

Dual Winner: Avikus, Avikus Control

“Avikus' Neuboat Control docks, undocks, and safely navigates the boat,” said judge Ben Stein. “The system makes docking anywhere a snap while also providing situational awareness and control in the water. Available on new builds and for retrofitting, Avikus Control brings cutting-edge advanced assistance technology to new and existing boats.”

Dual Winner: Dockmate, Dockmate PRO

Judge Kelsey Bailey, “With proportional lever controls, Dockmate Pro has seriously upped the game for aftermarket remote-controlled shift and throttle, faithfully recreating a proper helm in handheld form. Even better, this new remote is wonderfully tactile, with plenty of feedback. It felt immediately intuitive.”