NMMA Innovation Award Winners Announced

As part of the Preview Night for the Discover Boating Minneapolis Boat Show last night, the winners of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) Innovation Awards were announced after a record number of entrants participated this year. The four-day show officially kicks off today at 2pm.

The Innovation Awards program presented at the Minneapolis Boat Show, honor manufacturers and suppliers who bring new, innovative products to market for the recreational boating industry and are judged by a panel of marine writers who are all members of Boating Writers International (BWI).

There are four categories including two that are specific to our niche in the boating industry: Furnishings and Pontoons. The other two categories are Aluminum Fishing Boats and Fiberglass Fishing Boats. With the most entrants once again, the pontoon category, being arguably the hardest to judge. In the end dual winners were awarded. Below are the 13 NMMA Innovation Award entrants (and winners) from the pontoon and furnishings categories that are a direct fit with our targeted audience as a publication.

Barletta Lusso L25UCAT
Twin engine floorplans with the engines mounted on the outside exterior tubes have been around for years, but what earned Barletta an Innovation Award in the pontoon category was how they changed up the design. The Indiana-based manufacturer built a custom engine pod and mounted two engines on the center of the transom, similar to what you see on fiberglass center console fishing boats.

The patent-pending design, coupled with its patented VIP technology, and its patented hull structure, created a hull design capable of speeds just shy of the 70 mph mark. The center mounted engines help eliminate competing prop wash and blowouts in corners.

“We're used to seeing twin engine pontoon models, but Barletta's custom engine pod design is unlike anything else out there,” said the BWI Judges. “Mounting the two engines together increases the functionality for a smooth and powerful ride.”

Available in two different floorplan options, the Ultra-Lounge with Captain’s Chair and the 2023 Innovation Award winning Meridian Lounge floorplan, the twin engines are currently offered in the Lusso Series. According to the manufacturer, plans to expand to the Reserve and the Reserve Leggera are currently underway. (www.barlettapontoonboats.com)

Harris Crowne 250
Designed to inspire, the Crowne 250 earned an Innovation Award in the pontoon category for its sharp color and lighting options, iconic full fiberglass exterior and striking Apex Tower. And with a JL Audio Platinum Elite sound system custom-designed for Crowne, your entertainment potential is limitless.

Everything aboard Crowne simplifies boating, from thoughtful details like wireless charging to innovative tech integration such as dual Simrad NSX 12-inch screens with a custom interface. Also included is digital switching, simple battery management, connectivity to your boat’s live data through the My Harris mobile app, and optional Single Engine Joystick Piloting. Plus the main highlight that savors absolute luxury, the ergonomic Ultralux reclining helm seat and an electric lounger provides contoured leg support for Zero-G comfort.

“From its new Zero-G Lounger to a newly designed chassis, no details went unchecked in the next iteration of the Crowne from Harris,” said Judge Adam Quandt. “Bow to stern, the Crowne takes boating in luxury and comfort to the next level.”

Experience pure exhilaration with a horsepower capacity of up to 500hp and Harris’s RPM Technology, which lets you hit higher top speeds, accelerate faster and enjoy a smoother, quieter ride than previous models. (www.harrisboats.com)

Premier Angler
You don't need to be a die-hard fishing enthusiast to appreciate the all-new Premier Angler as it clearly stood out as a deserving recipient of an Innovation Award in the furnishings category. The Minnesota-based manufacturer has develop a robust fishing-focused pontoon with dedicated angler features, while retaining the versatility, comfort, and entertainment capabilities of a traditional pontoon.

The all-new Premier Angler Series includes dedicated fishing chairs for two, four, or six people. Each fishing chair location is accompanied by a fully-equipped angler station or caddy featuring rod holders, tackle boxes, tool holders, and more, all within easy reach.

The Angler models feature two new angler caddies at the bow, two new angler stations located mid-ship on the port and starboard sides; and a fully-equipped rear angler station that includes a bait bucket and live well. However, the most talked about feature on the new Angler is the exclusive Troll & Stow system.

“As impressive as the Premier Angler is, there is one new feature that stands out above all others and that's the exclusive Troll & Stow system,” said the BWI Judges. “Truly a game-changer, the revolutionary trolling motor design stows completely below deck for a clean, clutter-free deck.”

The quick and easy deployment of Troll & Stow allows you to convert the Premier Angler from fishing boat to cruiser in just seconds.

In addition, each Angler Series model features its Open Water Panels that swing and stow out of the way for unimpeded access to the water, providing ample room to cast, troll, and land fish. Finally, the PTX 28 Angler Series features Premier's new, next generation PTX chassis that has been tested and proven to deliver a smoother, faster, and more efficient ride, allowing anglers to confidently and quickly fish big water while at the same time use less fuel. (www.pontoons.com)

LilliPad Easy Step Boarding Ladder
In the furnishings category, LilliPad Marine’s Easy Step Boarding Ladder earned an Innovation Award for its ladder that was designed to be a “dream boarding ladder” for people and pets, suitable for aftermarket installation. The challenge of this dream ladder was engineering a mounting system that could properly distribute the force of the ladders comfortable stairwell design on boats that were not originally designed to handle this type of stress.

The innovative mounting system of the Easy Step distributes the stress on the mounting system in multiple ways. First, the design utilizes 17 attachment points that are strategically spread across angled mounting plates on the handles and a mounting bridge over the rear cross member. Each screw is designed to hold a minimum of 470 pounds of pull-out strength.

“It's not just another ladder, designed with simple, common sense features for aftermarket use, the LilliPad Marine Easy Step Ladder incorporates hidden, innovative features,” said Judge Bill Gius. “It's built for easy installation with versatility to accommodate the boater and their pets use on new or vintage boats.”

The stainless steel handles have been engineered to push into the rear of the chassis through the rub rail at the mounting bridge. Coupled with the pulling force on the handle mounting plates, they were able to triangulate the applied forces and use the strongest part of the boat to resist movement. The triangulated system essentially binds itself into the structure of the boat ultimately, making the deck stronger.

The ladder is secured into mounting brackets built into the bridge of the handles. The rectangular mounting points strengthen the stainless-steel bridge minimizing the overall pressure transferred to the rub rail. The Easy Step Boarding Ladder allows boaters to replace their existing boarding ladder with a revolutionary ladder that makes boarding easy for both people and pets. (www.lillipadmarine.com)

Avalon Carbon Fiber Excalibur
The Avalon Excalibur offers carbon fiber in a unique capacity, allowing more quality control over the final product as well as streamlines the production process allowing the Michigan-based manufacturer to produce on a larger scale. Carbon also allows Avalon to create more visual interest using lines and shapes and is formed with true engineering tolerances verses fiberglass, which according to the manufacturer, you cannot control thickness, part variations and places limitations on the assembly process. Carbon fiber is also more durable and lighter weight, increasing performance efficiency. (www.avalonpontoons.com)

Bennington S Swingback
Bennington had two entries this year for NMMA Innovation Award program with the first being its new S series in the pontoon category. The interiors of the S models include all-new refined styling and attention to detail throughout, as well as a mix of premium Serene Soft Touch and Simtex vinyl. The furniture appeals to the senses, while bold accents modernize the look.

The S model has standard seat and lumbar accents that draw inspiration from premium European car interiors. Open lumbar supports on the benches and extended bench width when lounging, creates a roomy feel and additional storage for necessary gear. The swingback bench is new to the S, allowing guests to sit facing the bow, while a lounge-facing aft lets guests relax in comfort with convenient cupholders on both sides.

The helm has been redesigned from the ground up with a helm station that features updated ergonomics for a seamless boating experience with more space. The standard binnacle arm provides fingertip control, which is unique for a pontoon at an entry level price point. Leg room has been extended for increased comfort, while a beautiful beveled stainless steel steering wheel and easy access inline rocker switches are situated to give improved sight lines to the gauges. For added convenience, the S offers a shaded wireless phone storage pocket with Qi Charger (optional), as well as a locking glove box. A top phone mount also comes standard on non-fishing models and the new models come with a Sure-Last Mooring Cover with an easy access entry zipper. (www.benningtonmarine.com)

Bennington Heated & Cooled Seats
In the Furnishings category, Bennington entered its heated and cooled helm chairs. Partnering with the Polaris supplier that developed heated and cooled saddle seats for Indian motorcycles, Bennington is offering a pontoon industry first of heated and cooled seats.

Offering exceptional added comfort for weather extremes, the cooling feature is intended to alleviate a “sweaty back” when sitting in the captain or co-captain chairs for extended periods on a hot day, while the heated seats are perfect for cooler or rainy days on the water. The system is tuned to have the optimal heating or cooling power to make the boater comfortable for long days on the water using revolutionary thermo-electric technology that in the case of cooling, pulls heat away from the body without blowing cold air from a refrigeration-cycle device. This technology reduces complexity in the overall design. (www.benningtonmarine.com)

Godfrey XP
Godfrey Pontoon Boats has launched its new XP Series, the pinnacle of sport luxury. Perfectly blended with performance, the XP is packed with advanced technology offering modern boaters an extremely high level of comfort on the water.

The modern hand-wrapped helm features a dedicated wide-screen 12-inch display and 7-inch touchscreen displays, which controls everything from the JL Audio sound system to the RGB LED accent lighting and even the two forward facing cameras, making close quarters navigation a breeze. For windshield-specific models, the co-captain’s seat is also equipped with a 7-inch display allowing control of audio and RGB lighting, which is the industry’s first application of Digitally Addressable Lighting, capable of unmatched customization.

For added comfort, the XP is appointed with a folding, action-powered Bimini that allows for 11 feet of shade coverage, optional Cool Touch seating, lockable storage compartments and cooled cupholders and plenty of USB-C chargers throughout.

The XP’s exterior and interior are completely customizable, including a variety of color selections forthe exterior, vinyl, vinyl accents and flooring. The sound system works seamlessly with the RGB lighting for the ultimate in on-the-water entertainment, with 2100 Watts RMS standard or 2350 Watts RMS with optional tower speakers and Integrated high and low beam docking lights are standard. The 2024 Godfrey XP is available in two lengths across six layouts, in either single or twin engine configurations. (www.godfreypontoonboats.com)

Harris SL Layout With Zero G Lounger
In the Furnishings category, Harris entered one key feature from its Innovation Award-winning Crowne 250, its Zero G Lounger. The Indiana-based manufacturer has taken all the comfort and functionality of its popular SL layout and amped it up with the addition of the Zero G Lounger. With infinite positions that are easily adjusted with the push of a button, you're sure to have a comfortable lounging experience.

The Zero G lounger provides the three traditional seating positions that boat owners are used to seeing along with multiple positions in between with the ability to adjust leg position. Moving to the middle of the boat, the convertible co-captains chair allows for a passenger to sit facing forward or for you to fold down and sit multiple people by the helm. Along with an integrated cooler below the seat, your beverages will stay cold, within easy reach of everyone on the boat. The bow of the boat boasts ergonomically designed sofas that have suspension seating and integrated arm rests. (www.harrisboats.com)

Princecraft Vectra 23 WRL
For 2024, the entire lineup at Princecraft has been reviewed and revamped completely. Based on this full revamp, the manufacturer saw an opportunity for the consumers, which lead to entering its Vectra 23 WRL into the NMMA Innovation Awards program.

With this line, Princecraft created a pontoon with high-end features, but at a more affordable price point. The 23-foot pontoon includes a full windshield to compete against other high-end products and gives consumers the benefit of a windshield in a more affordable way. In regard to the layout, the seating inside is also ingenious. On the passenger side, you could switch from a full side lounger to a passenger seat base. Also, this model is built using aluminum and roto-molded material, no fiberglass. The Vectra comes standard with the sport configuration, which is two full logs and one in the center that is about 3/4 of the floor. It can also be switched to a performance configuration for a full three log hull. (www.princecraft.com)

South Bay 224E
Forest River Marine entered the all-new 224E South Bay, a revolutionary pontoon that combines automotive-inspired features with cutting-edge innovation. This pontoon is packed with exciting updates, including the groundbreaking AQR gate, enhanced entertainment table, and the incredible NYTCRUZ system.

Starting with the AQR gate, which boasts an Automotive Quick Release mechanism. Not only does this feature give the pontoon a sleek and polished appearance, but it also simplifies usability. Say goodbye to gate stops and piano hinges, as this gate eliminates them entirely, providing a seamless and high-end automotive feel. This groundbreaking design is currently pending a patent, setting it apart from any other pontoon on the market.

The NYTCRUZ safety system serves as an auto-anchor and navigation lighting sensor, activating your navigation lights automatically at dusk. Designed to function flawlessly in extreme weather conditions, NYTCRUZ offers peace of mind, and convenience to boaters after a long day out on the water.

The redesigned table is another amazing feature, which takes functionality and style to new heights. The impressive table features an integrated accent light with concealed wiring, providing a visually stunning ambiance. The unobstructed bar top surface offers ample space for all your dining and entertainment needs, while the multi-functional shaded shelf includes convenient cupholders. Furthermore, the stainless steel bar support posts come with an integrated footrest, ensuring maximum comfort for all occupants. (www.southbaypontoon.com)

SUN TRACKER Party Barge 20DLX
For 2024, White River Marine Group set out to change the dynamics and aesthetics of the SUN TRACKER brand by introducing new consoles, a new SUN TRACKER FLARE touchscreen gauge display, QuickLift canopies, and an all-new design language featuring a TRACK FORMED exterior.

SUN TRACKER invented the patent pending TRACK FORMED fencing process – pressing designs into pre-painted aluminum sheets. This is done by forming a flexible, thin sheet into a pattern of ridges and grooves using wrinkles or creases, the structure gains significant resistance to bending. Using the same amount of material, a simple corrugation can see an increase in stiffness of about three orders of magnitude according to the manufacturer, multiple patterns were developed and tested to determine optimal shapes and features. The new SUN TRACKER design language portrays the fun and the sport with TRACK FORMED fencing, emphasizing essence of movement on a fixed surface.

Working closely with local U.S. based manufacturers, WRMG invested heavily in the development of the proprietary machines and tools to produce the desired effect with increased efficiency. The design process involved pattern evolution, critical behavior testing, and production evaluation. The results were favorable: an increased boat structure at significant production cost savings reducing the retail price for the customer for 2024. (www.suntrackerboats.com)

Wave Armor Pro 170/200 Sea-Doo Switch Port With Power Launch
Designed specifically for the 17- and 22-foot Sea-Doo Switch pontoon boats, Wave Armor entered its new port in the furnishings category. The all-new port is designed with a launch assist as well as a canopy that is in accordance with Sea-Doo’s storage recommendations. 

With a simple press of a button, the launch assist slides the Sea-Doo pontoon (or any other similar non-propeller boat) off the port and back into the water. It then automatically retracts so it's in position once again when you return. (www.wavearmor.com)

Again, an extremely competitive lineup of amazing models and truly innovative designs didn't make the judging process easy. The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) has been recognizing manufacturers for innovation at the Miami International Boat Show as well as the International Boat Builders' Exhibition & Conference (IBEX) for decades.

In 2018 the NMMA – in an attempt to broaden its reach – expanded to the Minneapolis Boat Show with its Innovation Awards to include smaller boats as well as pontoon boats that typically aren't found at the other two Florida-based boat shows, at least not to the same degree as in Minnesota.

As the current president of BWI I've been fortunate to be involved in the judging process in Minneapolis each year since the beginning, and over those years I've had a front row view to some truly innovative and unique new boats, layouts and features.