10 of the Best New Boat Products From IBEX

The International Boatbuilder’s Exhibition and Conference, or IBEX for short, is the largest boating parts and equipment show in North America, and it’s the place where many of the top manufacturers choose to unveil their latest gear. The industry-only trade show ran last week in Tampa, Fla. and Boat.com was there to check out all the newest equipment. Here are 10 great new products from IBEX, which you’ll soon see in dealer showrooms.

Aluna Flex Glow Light Pole
MSRP: $120

The Aluna Flex Glow Light Pole deals with the age-old problem of corroded stern lights in a simple way. Where old-style lights connect to the boat with a metallic ferrule that will inevitably wear and corrode, the Aluna Flex Glow Light Pole houses the actual light in its base, where all electrical components can be completely weather-sealed for long life. The pole itself functions like a huge piece of fiber-optic cable, transmitting the light in the boat to the clear head in the pole, where it glows 360 degree to a Coast Guard-approved range of two miles. Best of all, unlike traditional aluminum poles this one is flexible, so if you hit a low bridge it will bend rather than snap.

Blue Guard Innovations BG One
MSRP: $219

Blue Guard Innovations has developed what it says is the world’s first smart bilge pump switch, sensing water levels in a boat’s bilge and activating the bilge pump automatically should water levels rise too high. Beyond that, the unique device features a built-in integrated oil and fuel detector to help mitigate the risk of accidental oil and fuel discharge from the vessel’s bilge, so it lets the bilge pump push out the water, but not any residual oil. It mounts on a simple bracket that can be positioned at any height in the bilge for easy installation.

Caframo Sirocco II Elite
MSRP: $200

Caframo’s Sirocco II Elite cabin fan features a powerful and efficient brushless motor that lasts up to 20,000 hours of use. Along with 360-degree airflow that allows air circulation throughout the entire cabin, the Sirocco II Elite has four speed settings, four timer settings, a premium stainless-steel grill and a safety blade that stops should an errant finger get in its path. It works with both 12-volt and 24-volt systems, and provides up to 30 percent more air flow than previous models.

Dowco CruiseAir
MSRP: $750

Who doesn’t appreciate a little creature comfort? Dowco Marine used the IBEX show to launch its new patent-pending boat suspension seat, which not only absorbs shocks but features an industry-first independently adjustable seat and back. Pressing a button on the side of the automotive-style seat inflates or deflates the cushion to provide just the right amount of extra support when you want it at the end of the day.

Garmin inReach Mini
MSRP: $349

The Garmin inReach Mini is a palm-sized satellite communicator that lets you stay in touch when out on the boat. It provides global two-way messaging and interactive SOS, plus basic navigation. Wireless connectivity lets you remotely sync to send/receive messages using compatible Garmin handhelds, wearables or other mobile devices while online location tracking with the Earthmate app lets you share your whereabouts with friends or loved ones at home.

Glomex ZigBoat
MSRP: $999

The ZigBoat from Glomex is an innovative wireless system for monitoring and interacting with your boat, either remotely or while on board. The system consists of a core module and a series of standard and optional sensors that can be added to fit your specific needs. Thanks to ZigBee and Wi-Fi wireless technologies, which have direct communication with onboard sensors without the need for a cloud, ZigBoat sends real-time push notifications to let you know if you have a thief breaking into your boat or a raccoon looking to set up house.

Raymarine Axiom ClearCruise Augmented Reality
MSRP: $799

ClearCruise Augmented Reality from Raymarine brings leading-edge AR technology to Raymarine’s family of Axiom multifunction displays, making navigation easier than ever before. Using HD video and advanced image stabilization technology, Raymarine ClearCruise AR helps captains make smarter and faster navigation decisions with visual overlays of nearby navigation aids, AIS traffic, and destination waypoints. The display updates in real-time and the image is digitally stabilized by a unique sensor to compensate for maneuvering and sea conditions.

Taylor Made Pole-less Self-Draining Pontoon Cover
MSRP: $600

Pontoon boat owners use all sorts of tricks to support their boat covers and keep rain from pooling on it – usually with questionable results. Taylor Made addresses this old problem with its all-new Pole-less Self-Draining Pontoon Cover, featuring an integral drain that runs the length of the cover, capturing the water and funneling it off the deck. The cover installs in minutes by simply clipping it onto the rails of any pontoon boat. It’s even trailerable.

Siren Marine Connected Boat System
MSRP: $599

Siren Marine’s Connected Boat system is a compact anti-theft and remote monitoring kit that uses advanced marine specific software, a full network of proprietary wireless/wired sensors, reliable cellular connectivity and GPS tracking so that you can always know exactly where your boat is. It operates on a companion app that makes the system easy to install, simple to set up, and practical to use.

Kenyon Combi System
MSRP: $4,495

Let’s be honest, cold sandwiches aren’t always the most attractive lunch when you’re out on the water. For boaters with a bit of counter space, the Kenyon Combi System lets you cook up a storm with two independently controlled, 1,500-watt elements that allow you to grill simultaneously at different heat levels, plus an induction cooktop. Touch controls allow for precise temperature selection using familiar swipe gestures.