Ten marine manufacturers were honored for innovative achievement by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and Boating Writers International (BWI) at the 69th annual Miami International Boat Show & Strictly Sail Miami.

The Innovation Awards, organized by NMMA and judged by BWI, recognize products that best meet criteria based on innovative distinction from other products currently being manufactured; benefit to the marine industry and/or consumer; practicality; cost-effectiveness; and availability to the consumer within 60 days of award receipt.

Innovation Awards were presented to the following companies in these categories:

Consumer Electronics & Software

Company: Standard Horizon
Product: MATRIX AIS
This compact, affordable combination of Class D VHF and AIS brings two important safety and communication features into the hands of the average boater. Judge Pete Swanson said, “This is one compact unit that anyone can afford.”

Honorable Mention

Company: Simrad
Product: NSE12 Multifunction Marine Display

Consumer Installed Docking and Fendering Equipment

Company: EZ Dock
Product: EZ Launch
EZ Launch provides ease of entry and exit, and allows quick launch and recovery for kayaks and canoes. Swanson noted, “The EZ Launch opens up paddle sports to a wider range of people, including older and mobility-limited boaters.”

Consumer Installed Non-Electronic Hardware

Company: Hunt
Product: Adjustable Table
The hardware of the Hunt Adjustable Table allows you to change the shape and location of the table, while adding versatility to the furniture and the space. Judge Mark Corke added, “This is a deceptively simple solution to the age-old problem of making onboard furniture smaller, moveable and adaptable.”

Consumer Personal Gear

Company: Sailology
Product: WinchRite
This cordless electric winch handle was designed for easy cranking of sailboat winches at an affordable price. Judge Darrell Nicholson noted, “This affordable device makes every winch a power winch and will extend boaters’ sailing careers.”

Cruisers (25 feet to 140 feet, including fishing craft)

Company: Boston Whaler
Product: 370 Outrage
The 370 is an amalgamation of features including the elimination of the motor well, forward sun pad with underneath storage, retractable shade top and molded in bow thruster. Judge Alan Jones said, “Boston Whaler took a hardcore fishing boat and made it family friendly and versatile enough to spend a week plus on the water.”

Honorable Mention

Company: Rinker
Product: 310 Express Cruiser

PWC, Jet Boats & Pontoon Boats

Company: Sea-Doo
Product: RXT-X 260 Watercraft
The RXT-X’s digitally controlled fly-by-wire system adds functionality and adjustability to give you complete control of this 260 horsepower water bike. Judge Lenny Rudow, after riding it, commented, “Even at 60 miles per hour, the control is so good that the RXT-X feels like a part of your body.”

Runabouts & Fishing Craft to 24 feet

Company: MasterCraft
Product: X-25
The digitally adjustable wake system, tracking camera and variable seating configuration of the X-25 combine to make this a unique 22-foot platform. Jones noted, “This boat addresses the wake surfing market, which is one of the fastest growing segments of the industry, and does it in a fun, innovative way.”

Safety Equipment

Company: FLIR Systems Inc.
Product: FLIR First Mate
This portable and affordable thermal imaging handheld device heightens safety and security when boating at night. Judge Frank Lanier said, ”This is a powerful navigation tool that significantly reduces the hazards of nighttime travel. There’s no longer a reason to be afraid of the dark.”

Water Sports and Equipment

Company: BRP
Product: BRP Advanced TEC iCATCH PWC Trailer
This PWC trailer allows the rider to launch while seated on the PWC and walk around the trailer without getting in the water. Lanier said, “This trailer makes launching and retrieving faster, easier and safer.”

Environmental Award

Company: Torqeedo
Product: Travel 503/1003
The display integrated into the tiller GPS receiver provides information without the remaining range at current speed, power consumption and state of charge. Prochazka added, “Torqeedo continues to show its commitment to providing alternative propulsion solutions and we felt this was an admirable step in the right direction toward environmental causes.”