IBEX announces Innovation Award winners
IBEX
October 3, 2012
Filed under News
Press Release
Seven Companies Honored for Technology Innovation at All-Industry Breakfast
LOUISVILLE, KY – Oct. 2, 2012 – (Marine NewsWire) The International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) today announced the winners of the 2012 IBEX Innovation Awards. The winning products were selected by a panel of experienced technical boating journalists and editors from Boating Writers International (BWI), and were presented at the All-Industry Breakfast.
IBEX, the premier boating industry technical trade show and networking event, is taking place this week at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville.
“IBEX is where the future of boating begins,” said show director Anne Dunbar. “It’s where companies introduce their new products and technologies that will improve boatbuilding and enhance the boating experience for consumers in the years to come.”
Alan Wendt, chairman of the BWI judging panel, said, “From a five-dollar part to highly engineered superyacht technology, the judges found innovation for all classes of boating. These are the products that make boating not only more affordable but also easier for the consumer.”
The 2012 IBEX Innovation Award winners are:
Boat Care Maintenance: Dolphinite GelMatch Gelcoat Color Matching System
“Being able to access a database of thousands of Gelcoat colors from dozens of manufacturers is impressive, but the innovation may well be in the method of injecting catalyst into an aerosol can for easy spray-on Gelcoat repair for the DIY at a low cost,” stated Judge Roger McAfee.
Electrical Systems: Indel Webasto Marine Isotherm Smart Energy Controller Kit
“The smart energy controller is a simple-to-install kit that can be retro-fitted to any brand of DC refrigerator reducing refrigerator battery consumption up to 50 percent,” said Judge Captain Lou Gainor.
Engines: Volvo V8-380 Engine Sterndrive
Judge Alan Jones stated, “The V8-380 brings new-generation engine technology to the sterndrive market. Its performance, fuel economy and carb 4-star rating raise the bar for sterndrive engines.
Honorable Mention: Suzuki DF20A/DF15A
Furnishings and Interior Parts: Syntec Industries – CoolTouch Vinyl Technology – Don’t burn your buns.
“Syntec’s proprietary cooling feature removes prior interior design restrictions allowing boatbuilders to introduce dark colors to vinyl seating,” commented Judge Zuzana Procheska.
Honorable Mention: Caframo Limited Taku Hatch Fan
Mechanical Systems: Teleflex Marine Xtreme Mechanical System
“Teleflex bridges the gap between hydraulic and conventional cable steering with an affordable, easy-to-install steering system that makes driving mid-sized boats a pleasure,” said Judge Milt Rosko.
Honorable Mention: Dometic Marine
OEM Electronics: Teleflex Marine Optimus EPS/360 Joystick Docking System
Judge Alan Wendt stated, “Easily the most anticipated and exciting product category at this year’s show, joystick docking for outboards will do for outboards what pod drives have done for inboards.”
Propulsion Parts, Propellers: PowerTech Propellers and the PowerTech! Safety Prop
Judge Captain Fred Davis said, “While acknowledging that this prop is not for the tournament or performance market, PowerTech has a rather convincing presentation that the word safer blade edge design and props can be mentioned in the same sentence.”
The BWI members serving on the judging panel were:
•Alan Wendt (Chair) – First vice president of BWI – freelance writer, former boating magazine publisher forGetaways and Adventures, past editor of CEO Magazine and producer of boating rendezvous events for manufacturers and retail dealers.
•Zuzana Prochazka – Former president of BWI – freelance writer and photographer for Sail, Sea, Boats.com, Yachtworld, Lakeland Boating and other publications – also editor of TalkOfTheDock boat and gear website – presents on a variety of topics at boat shows and private seminars – holds a USCG 100-ton master license.
•Alan Jones – Executive editor of Boating World Magazine – author of hundreds of articles about a wide variety of boating topics, including technical articles, features and gear reviews – tests nearly 100 boats per year – member of BWI Board of Directors and judge for Innovation Awards seven times.
•Captain Fred Davis – Freelance writer whose bylines appear in Heartland Boating, Mid-America Boating, Woods-N-Water News and a weekly Hearst newspaper column – owned and operated a marine salvage business, and served as a BoatUS towboat operator and captain of a passenger charter boat on Lake Huron for 30 years – currently serves as marine insurance company consultant and arbitrator for BoatUS.
•Captain Lou Gainor – Award-winning host of Nautical Talk Radio, heard in New England states on 95.9 FM WATD for 20 years – active member and Flotilla Staff Officer of U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary – has cruised with his family from Maine to Florida numerous times on both the inside and offshore.
•Milt Rosko – Award-winning boating and fishing writer with nine books to his credit – recipient of Lifetime Achievement Award from the Fisherman’s Conservation Association for his dedication to the angling community.
•Roger McAfee – author of The Warm Dry Boat, guest lecturer, contributor to Pacific Yachting, Sea, Southern Boating, Lakeland Boating, Showboats International and Dockwalk – former lawyer and past president of the Metal Boat Society.
