MIAMI — Ten marine manufacturers were honored this morning for innovative achievement by the National Marine Manufacturers Association and Boating Writers International at the 17th annual International BoatBuilders' Exhibition & Conference (IBEX) in Miami. Winning companies received their 2007 IBEX Innovation Awards during the IBEX Industry Breakfast at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

The Innovation Awards, organized by NMMA and judged by BWI, recognize those products that best meet the following criteria: 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.

A near-record total of 79 new products were entered in this year's IBEX Innovation Awards program. "IBEX is an incredibly strong show in terms of innovative, new product introductions," says Roger Marshall, IBEX Innovation Awards chair and U.S. editor of The Yacht Report. "We saw a number of strong entries in this year's competition. There are many new products for the industry and consumers to get excited about."

Additional BWI members rounding out the IBEX Innovation Awards judging panel this year include: James Barron, technical editor and writer, Trailer Boats; Dean Travis Clarke, executive editor, Sport Fishing, Fly Fishing in Salt Waters, and Marlin magazines and host of Sport Fishing Magazine TV on the Outdoor Life Network, (OLN); Jan Mundy, editor, DIY Boat Owner; Marilyn Mower, editor, Southern Boating and Marine Business Journal magazines; Lenny Rudow, senior technical editor, Boating; and Alan Wendt, editor, Marine CEO.

In the Boatbuilding Methods & Materials category, the judges selected the G/flex Epoxies from West System, a series of high strength, low modulus epoxies designed to resist thermal movement between dissimilar and difficult-to-bond materials without compromising thermal properties. G/flex products are available as both a resin and a pre-thickened paste in a variety of sizes and adhere to resinous woods, plastics and aluminum.

"G/flex has an incredibly wide range of usability," says Clarke. "There's virtually nothing you can't do with it. It's impact resistant without cracking, bonds to aluminum, steel and fiberglass, and can be used by professionals as well as do-it-yourselfers."

An "Honorable Mention" in this category was also presented to the Twin Disk from EFC International. The product's simple, stainless steel design and unique weld technology provides a rapid fastening point anywhere in a composite structure.
The ProSafe FS Series from ProMariner was the winner in the Electrical Systems category, according to the judges. The product uses High Power Flat Pack semiconductor technology to meet the American Boat and Yacht Council's (ABYC) A-28 recommendation being released in July 2008. ProSafe lineage solves the most common forms of corrosion and zinc loss problems for boaters while the boat is connected to AC power. It's available in 30- and 60-amp models to cover all shore power applications.

"I really like the idea of using induced current to drive the fan, which only occurs when there is an actual current leakage," says Marshall.

i2Systems' Tri-Light Technology took home this year's IBEX Innovation Award in the Furnishings & Finishes category. "This product allows boaters to create their own live 'disco' on board," Clarke says of the brightly-colored, changing lights. "The lights helps prevent night blindness and are applicable for use on boats of almost any size."

In the Hardware Fittings category, awards were presented to two different companies: the Airlock Wakeboard Rack from Skylon; and Tallon Marine's Tallon System.

Skylon's rack "redefines 'Good Vibrations' for the 'Beach Boys,'" according to Wendt. "Wakeboarders have been looking for a way to prevent damage to their boards from vibration and to safely and securely carry them in racks. The Airlock secures boards, prevents damage and keeps those onboard the boat safe."
The second award in this category was presented to the Tallon System from Tallon Marine. The New Zealand-developed system enables boaters to swap out fixtures and accessories on their vessels quickly and effortlessly while preserving the boat's clean lines. It holds a broad range of marine accessories-everything from rod holders and dive racks to drink holders and powered accessories-and can be factory installed or retrofitted.


"This is a multi-use, multi-faceted, high-quality system with a virtually limitless application," explains Mundy.


In the Inboard Engines category, the judges selected Mercury Marine's Axius. Axius is a sterndrive package that uses twin, individually articulating MerCruiser Bravo Three sterndrives without the use of a tie bar. It's designed to solve one of boating's biggest challenges: Docking.
Axius doesn't use pods like other docking systems currently on the market; rather, the system has actual sterndrive engines that move independently of one another. No boat hull modification is necessary for Axius installation, allowing boatbuilders to simply install the engine with no adjustment.?

"This product overcomes the greatest challenge for every boater: Close-quarter maneuvering," says Mundy. "Until now, we've never seen two sterndrives that move autonomously. Axius is truly a unique innovation in the industry."
The Turbo Air Conditioning System from Dometic Environmental Corp. took home the award this year in the Mechanical Systems category. The product, marketed under the Cruisair and Marine Air brands, is the result of a completely new research and development project in which Dometic engineers re-invented the self-contained air conditioning unit-from the inside out. The Turbo Air system reduces unit height by up to 17 percent, increases capacity by up to 21 percent, decreases amperage draw by up to 27 percent and cuts back on installation time by 10 to 20 minutes.

"This is a prime example of a manufacturer that listened to its customer feedback and retooled the product accordingly," says Barron. "The Turbo system has a greater efficiency, faster install time and a higher BTU rating, not to mention it's quieter to run and dramatically reduces unit vibrations."


In the OEM Electronics and Electrical Systems category, judges presented the Innovation Award to EvrSafe Marine Technologies for its EvrSafe ISS 1040. The product is a multi-toxic gas sensory device that can simultaneously detect gases such as carbon monoxide, butane, LPG, nitrogen dioxide or hydrocarbons via a single sensor. The unit is both compact and can be fitted to any boat. It comes standard with four sensors and CPU, however can be fitted for up to 130 additional sensors.

"I love the simplicity of this product; it's cleverly engineered," says Wendt.
Judges felt the Yamaha F350 V8 Four Stroke Outboard was a clear winner in the Outboard Engines category. "Companies have tried V8 outboards before, but only with Two Stroke technology," explains Mower. "Yamaha is the first company to accomplish this feat with a Four Stroke engine."?

Yamaha's F350 offers easier rigging through "plug and play" wiring and laptop computer-based testing with no engine installation required. Mounting centers are identical to those on the Yamaha V6 outboards.


Finally, this year's IBEX Environmental Award was presented to Ocean Equipment for its Offshore System Deck Filler Gauge. This product enables boat owners to see a digital indication of tank levels right at the point of filling, which is particularly important when refueling. The system prevents harmful and unnecessary fuel leakage, protecting the environment and the boater from steep fines, and is certified to the National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) 2000 network standard. It can be expanded to include an NMEA 2000 Multi Tank Display capable of receiving data from up to 16 senders, displaying four of those simultaneously.

"Whatever this system might cost you to buy, it's nothing compared to the potential $5,000 fine a boater faces for spilling fuel into the water," says Marshall. "The Offshore System eliminates unnecessary spillage and does double-duty protecting boaters from environmental fines while at the same time preserving the pristine environments in which we all hope to go boating."