The annual International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition & Conference (IBEX) is currently underway in Tampa, FL, and today’s Industry Breakfast hosted the announcement for the year’s IBEX Innovation Award winners. The awards recognize achievement in product development across 10 areas in the marine industry and are decided by a panel of judges from Boating Writers International (BWI), a diverse group of writers, photographers, publishers, editors, and other professions within the boating industry.
This year’s 2017 IBEX Innovation Award winners:
Boatbuilding Methods & Materials: CEproof Group, ICOMIA Technical File Generator
Deck Equipment & Hardware: Aluna Systems, Light Pole; Honorable Mention: SUREFAS B.V., CAF-COMPO screw-stud
Mechanical Systems: Seakeeper, Seakeeper 3
Electrical Systems: JL Marine Systems, Power-Pole CHARGE
Outboard Engines: Dual Winners: Suzuki Motor of America Inc., DF350A; Yamaha Motor Corporation, F25C
Boatyard and Dealer Hardware and Software: Gemeco Marine Accessories, TDT1000 Transducer Diagnostic Tester
Propulsion Parts, Propellers: BRP US Inc., Evinrude iDock; Honorable Mention: PowerTech! Propellers, CushionLok2
OEM Electronics: Dual Winners: JL Marine Systems, Power-Pole VISION; Lumitec, Power Line Instruction Technology
Trailers, Parts and Trailer Accessories: Gatorbak LLC, Premium Clear Bunk Covers
Safety Equipment: Vesper Marine, deckWatch App
"These awards signify the importance that innovation plays in our industry, and IBEX is honored to recognize these key innovators and their products that keep the boating industry at the forefront of cutting edge trends," says Anne Dunbar, IBEX show director. "With more than 95 product entries, competition was tight and the winners chosen from our top-tier panel of BWI judges represent the best the industry has to offer, all of which can be viewed along Innovation Way in aisle 100 throughout the Show."
"This year the entries reflected many of the changing consumer trends and expectations of today's boating lifestyle. Competition reached new levels, and many product innovations were designed for easier user interface," says Alan Wendt, Chair of the Innovation Awards and Past President of Boating Writers International.
