Minneapolis Innovation Awards
Minneapolis Boat Show Innovative Products Categories
- Aluminum Fishing Boats (new model or significant changes to an entire boat)
- Fiberglass Fishing Boats (new model or significant changes to an entire boat)
- Furnishings (specific features such as a helm, furniture, lighting, tow bar, fishing station, etc.)
- Pontoon Boats (new model or significant changes to an entire boat)
Renegade, Lund
“The Lund Renegade takes a bass boat and makes it more family friendly without compromising fishing ability. Anytime you can enhance a boat’s versatility that’s a bonus,” says judge Eric Colby.
Puma STS, Bass Cat Boats
“The bass boat market is so hotly contested that small details make big differences, from the magnetic buckle rod straps to the dual electronic shelf to the new lift latches the Bass Cat Puma STS is the sum of it’s parts,” says judge Eric Colby.
Intrigue Rev with Mercury 600XL Verado, Premier Marine
“Offering versatility is crucial in boaters ever evolving needs today. Premier’s 360 degree seating offers new experiences for all at every turn,” says judge Adam Quandt.
Honorable Mention: Mercury Marine for Joystick Piloting for Single-Engine Pontoons, Brunswick Corporation
Sea-Doo Switch Pontoon, BRP
“With so many families wanting to get into boating for the first time, the development of the new and affordable Sea-Doo Switch is not only great for the pontoon industry, but it’s huge for the entire boating industry,” said judge Brady Kay.
2020
Active Performance (AP-X) Hull, Crestliner Boats
"The Crestliner Active Performance Hull (AP-X) blends their established hull manufacturing with the new, unique keel design to enhance low speed handling and high speed efficiency," noted Innovation Awards’ Judge and Chair Brady Kay.
219 TFX, Yar-Craft
"Yar-Craft has brought unique design improvements and quality manufacturing elements together in their 219TFX. A monocoque, uni-body Iike built, multi-species boat delivers a strong, efficient hull combined with a full featured deck to serve a variety of anglers needs," said Innovation Awards’ Judge Bill Gius.
Honorable Mention: Bennington Bowrider
Waketoon-Surf Series, Avalon & Tahoe
"The Avalon Waketoon has presented the industry with an innovative design that could become a popular segment within the pontoon boat marketplace. Wake surfing has become one of the most popular “tow” sports and this boat marries that with the most popular boating segment on the water," said Innovation Awards’ Judge Adam Quandt.
2019
Adventure, Lund Boats
"The versatility with very thoughtful and well-designed features including the SportTrak/ProTrak allowed for the use of various accessories from fender holders, rod holders and cup holders.” – Brady Kay, Innovation Judge
WX2200, Skeeter Boats
“The engineers took on the technical challenge of melding aluminum and fiberglass to create a stronger, but lighter deck and usable storage space.” – Alan Wendt, Innovation Judge
Mirage 8524 DLZ Bar, Smoker Craft, Inc.
“The design responds to consumer trends for a large, comfortable aft lounge area that through innovative design transforms into an attractive social area with the touch of two buttons and a little elbow grease.” – Bill Gius, Innovation Judge
2018
Impact XS, Lund Boats
WX2060, Skeeter Boats
L-Class, Barletta Boats
