Innovation Awards from 2012 Miami boat show

Thirteen companies took home a prestigious boating industry 2012 Innovation Award and two received Honourable Mentions from the National Marine Manufacturers Association and Boating Writers International at the 71st Miami International Boat Show & Strictly Sail held earlier this week.

The prestigious Innovation Awards recognise: innovative distinction from other products currently being manufactured; benefit to the marine industry and/or consumer; practicality; cost-effectiveness; and availability to the buyer within 60 days of award receipt.

Despite tough times, the marine industry judges said they were pleasantly surprised by the number of entries. The standouts for the 2012 Innovation Awards, and those with local relevance or potential, include:

- Runabout and Fishing Craft to 24’

: The Pro Skiff 17 by Mako (once a popular badge here) uses an innovative hull shape to deliver superior stability, good rough water handling and a greater load carrying capacity. The 17-footer (image 1.) is said to be a boat, motor and trailer package that punches above its weight. Mako is a brand that could probably make a successful return to form in the current Australian market.

- Cruisers (25' to 60' including fishing craft): The Sea Ray SLX 250 (image 2.) with Quiet Ride Technology lessens the total noise and vibration levels by 20-50 per cent, depending on a person’s location on the boat, claims Sea Ray. Independent judging noted audible and tangible benefits to the extensive manufacturing efforts at reducing noise. See separate news item on Quiet Ride hereabouts.

- PWC & Jet Boats: The Sea Doo RXP-X 260 (image 3.) by Bombardier features an ErgoLock seat, angled footwells, and T3 hull to create a PWC with impressive turning ability and maximum driver comfort. PWC buffs loved the way you could lock yourself in during tight turns.

- Sailboats: The Oceanis Series 48 (image 4.) by Beneteau with electric transom opens up the cockpit and adds three feet to the boat when you want it. Even powerboaters appreciated the extra waterfront real estate available at the press of a button.

- Docking and Fendering Equipment: V-Lift by Sunstream Boat (image 5.) is said to be twice as fast as existing air lifts, has no air hoses or power pack to contend with, and is perfectly portable because it can be towed with a boat from slip to slip.

- Consumer Electronics and Software: InReach by Delorme (image 6.) is a global satellite communicator that is said to affordably deliver two-way texting, delivery confirmation, and SOS messaging anywhere in the world. (Honourable Mention: MS-AV700 Audio and Video Entertainment Package by Fusion Electronics).

- Consumer Installed Non-Electronic Hardware: SCUBA Donning Assistance System by Dive Mate (image 7.) is described as a simple and affordable way to don your dive gear using an insert that into an existing rod holder.

- Water Sports & Equipment: The Battle Saddle by Release Marine (image 8.) functions like a classic fighting chair boat but only takes up one third of the space, making it perfect for boats 30 to 40 footers.

- Outboard Engines: The DF300 AP (image 9.) by Suzuki Marine with Selective Rotation combines standard and counter-rotation operation into the same outboard by switching an electronic circuit. This will save money as the same outboard can be configured for single or twin, port or starboard, installations.

- Consumer Safety Equipment: The AIS Watchmate Vision (image 10.) by Vesper is a dedicated AIS display that combines a touchscreen, WiFi and NMEA 2000 in a compact unit, while adding iPad and iPhone apps for added functionality. Instantly see targets around you and who’s headed your way on a clear colour screen.

- Pontoon & Deckboats: The winning Ambassador (image 11.) by Avalon apparently has the industry’s only electric reclining rear loungers and pop-up wine rack. Rather than a pontoon boat, it was likened to a yacht-toon.

- Environmental Award: The Lehr outboard is powered by propane from many sources including those small green BBQ bottles you buy in the supermarket. With zero evaporative emissions and no need to carry gasoline, it’s been hailed as a great tender propulsion unit.

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Innovation Awards from 2012 Miami boat show

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