Boating Writers Present 2016 Innovation Awards

Boating Writers International (BWI) and the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) honored 17 winners in 16 categories with 2016 Innovation Awards this month during the annual Industry Breakfast held in conjunction with the Miami International Boat Show.

This year’s program evaluated 77 products across 31 categories. Listed below are the 2016 winners, by category, company and product:

Boat Care and Maintenance: Glen Raven Custom Fabrics, Contour.

Center Console/ Walkaround Fishing Boats: Scout Boats, Inc., ForwardFIVE Performing Seating Station.

Consumer Electronics, Mobile Applications and Software – Dual Winners: Simrad-Navico, StructureScan 3D; and FLIR Systems AX8 Thermal Monitoring Camera.

Consumer Safety Equipment: Weems & Plath, SOS Distress Light.

Honorable Mention: Spinlock USA, LumeOn Lifejacket Illumination.

Cuddy Cabin and Bowrider Boats: Bayliner Marine Corporation, VR5 Runabout.

Deck Equipment: Premier Marine, Inc., Ricochet Ladder.

Honorable Mention: Anchor & Docking, Inc., Anchor Turner Kit.

Docking and Fendering Equipment: Bellingham Marine Ind., Inc., Portable Floating Timber Dock System.

Electric Motor/ Battery Powered Propulsion: Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc., Minn Kota Riptide Ulterra.

Fishing Equipment, Gear & Tackle: Taco Metals, Inc., Carbon Fiber Outrigger Poles.

Furnishings & Interior Parts: Westhead Group, Flexima Nautic.

Jet Boats: BRP U.S. Inc., Intelligent Shift and Throttle.

Mechanical & Electrical Systems: Indmar Products Co., Inc., Strainer Pro.

Outboard Engines: Seven Marine, LLC, 627 SpectraBlade.

Personal Gear, Soft Goods: Grundens USA, Breakwater Pants.

Honorable Mention: Gill North America, Ltd., FG2 Tournament Jacket.

Personal Watercraft: Yamaha WaterCraft Group Company, TR-1 Marine High Output Engine.

Pontoon Boats: Premier Marine, Inc., Dodici.

The Innovation Awards judging committee is comprised of BWI members who perform product testing throughout the year and have specific expertise in marine products and equipment. Boating Writers International president, Alan Wendt, and journalist Zuzana Prochazka co-chaired the 2016 the judging committee.