Eleven products were honored with Innovation Awards at the annual International Boatbuilders Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) yesterday.

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

Deck Equipment & Hardware winner Nautilus Marine Group for the Windlass V500.

Electrical Systems winner Charles Industries for the Intelligent Marine Charger.

Furnishing & Interior Parts winner Thetford Curve for the Porta Potti.

Inboard Engines winner Indmar for the 5.7L Assault 345 Inboard.

“Wakesurfing is rapidly growing in popularity,” said judge Brady Kay. “However, the strain on engines required proactive engineering to reduce engine failure. Indmar has a workhorse for rugged watersports.”

Mechanical Systems winner Attwood for the Universal Sprayless Connector.

“This category begged a focus on new ABYC and future EPA rulings regarding fuel shut-off systems and inlets,” said Judge Frank Lanier. “There were several intriguing fuel inlet designs, each with different approaches. Attwood’s Universal Sprayless Connector, however, stood out in both simplicity, ease of adaptation and global application.”

OEM Electronics winner Raymarine for the e7D Multifunction Display.

Outboard Engines category had two winners: Honda Marine for the BF 250 Outboard Engine, and Mercury for the 150 FourStroke Outboard.

Propulsion Parts, Propellers winner Powertech Propellers for the Power Stop Propeller.

Safety Equipment winner Protomet Corp. for the Panoramic Mirror System.

Environmental winner US Marine Products for the EFOY Fuel Cell.

The awards, organized by the National Marine Manufacturers Association and judged by Boating Writers International, recognize 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. 

For more information, visit www.ibexshow.com.