MIAMI — The National Marine Manufacturers Association and Boating Writers International awarded their annual Innovation Awards at the Miami International Boat Show today.

The Innovation Awards, organized by NMMA and judged by BWI, 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.

“The number of entries this year exceeded our expectations, and all of the products we reviewed paint a bright future for boating industry evolution,” noted Zuzana Prochazka, Innovation Awards’ Judge Chair and President of BWI Board of Directors. “The winners recognized at the boat show today are a testament to the ongoing commitment to boating ingenuity necessary to the future of our industry, and we’re excited to see how these products adapt in the marketplace.”

Award winners include:

V-Lift by Sunstream Boat Lifts: The V-lift is 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. Honorable Mention: Eel Shore Power Cord by Marinco.

InReach by Delorme: This global satellite communicator affordably delivers two-way texting, delivery confirmation, and SOS messaging anywhere in the world. Honorable Mention: MS-AV700 Audio and Video Entertainment Package by Fusion Electronics.

SCUBA Donning Assistance System by Dive Mate: This simple and affordable add-on can help anyone don their dive gear using an insert that goes into an existing rod holder.

Battle Saddle by Release Marine: The Battle Saddle functions like a classic fighting chair in the cockpit of a sport fishing boat but only takes up one third of the space which is perfect as it was designed for boats 30-40 feet.

AIS Watchmate Vision by Vesper: The WatchMate is a dedicated AIS display that combines a touchscreen, WiFi and NMEA 2000 in a compact unit and adds iPad and iPhone apps for added functionality.

Propane Outboard by Lehr: The Lehr outboard is powered by propane from many sources including the small green BBQ bottles. With zero evaporative emissions and no winterization needed, Lehr makes sure some boaters never need to carry gasoline aboard.

The Miami International Boat Show runs February 16-20.

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