Vencedores do Prémio Inovação 2020 Anunciados na Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show, apresentado pela West Marine

A National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) e a Boating Writers International (BWI) homenagearam hoje os vencedores dos Prémios de Inovação do Salão Internacional de Seguros Progressivos de Miami 2020, reconhecendo novos produtos marinhos de consumo excepcionalmente revolucionários. Os prémios foram entregues durante o pequeno-almoço anual da exposição de barcos Innovation Breakfast, realizado no Rusty Pelican on Virginia Key. O programa deste ano avaliou 71 produtos em 21 categorias. Os juízes acabaram por seleccionar 18 vencedores.

O comité de juízes dos Prémios de Inovação foi composto por sete membros do BWI que realizam testes de produtos ao longo do ano e têm experiência específica em produtos e equipamentos marinhos. O comité de juízes é co-presidido por Zuzana Prochazka e Ben Stein. Outros juízes foram: Kaylie Jasinski, Alan Jones, Lenny Rudow, Ed Sherman, e Alan Wendt.

Boat Care and Maintenance, Finsulate Panama – Finsulate: “An innovative solution to an age old problem,” said Jones.

Cabin Cruisers, Cutwater Boats – C-32 CB: “A lot of engineering went into making a trailerable 32-foot retractable flybridge boat with all of the features included,” said Jasinski.

Center Console/Walkaround Fishing Boats, Solace Boats – SOLACE Boats 345 Luxury Center Console:

“With a combined 150 years’ experience in the boating business, the judges unanimously agreed we’d never seen this much innovation in a center console,” said Rudow.

Consumer Electronics/Mobile Applications & Software, Maretron LLP – Maretron N2KView Anchoring: “For a cruiser who anchors regularly, this brings precision and certainty to the frequently imprecise and stressful task of anchoring,” said Stein.

Consumer Safety Equipment, ACR Electronics – ACR ResQLink View Personal Locator Beacon:

“When your life is on the line, knowing that your distress signal has been sent and the PLB is working correctly can make all the difference,” said Stein.

Cuddy Cabin and Bowrider Boats, Sea Ray Boats – SLX-R 400e Outboard: “Sea Ray’s SLX-R 400e is an example of integrating a series of innovations, including their Fathom E-Power generator-free boat electric system, to make a better boat,” said Wendt.

Deck Equipment & Hardware, Chaparral Boats – Infinity Power Step: “It’s an easy way to enjoy relaxing in the water and will be the hottest thing at the sand bar this year,” said Jones.

Docking & Fendering Equipment, Golden Boat Lifts – Golden Dock Stabilizer: “A wonderful solution to the age old problem of a wobbly dock,” said Sherman.

Electric Motor/Battery Powered Propulsion, Correct Craft - Ingenity Electric Drive System: “They’ve gone farther than anyone to date in bringing a high level of electric propulsion to the tow boat market,” said Sherman.

Fishing Equipment/Gear and Tackle, GemLux – Coastal Base: “It’s a great multi-tasking base that allows recreational boaters to install outriggers, rods and sun-shades,” said Jones.

Inboard Engines, Pleasurecraft Marine Engines – PCM Z Series Engines: “With common service points, catalytic converters, closed cooling, and the ability to run on 89 octane, PCM’s Z series engines are environmentally friendly and provide a wide range of power options,” said Wendt.

Mechanical & Electrical Systems, Seakeeper Inc – Seakeeper 1: “This brings the magic of Seakeeper and a stable boat all the way down to a 23-foot boat and makes installation easy,” said Stein.

Outboard Engines, Mercury Marine – Mercury Racing 450R: “The first of a new generation of super-charged V8s with mind blowing potential,” said Jones.

Personal Gear/Soft Goods, Stay Put Systems – Magnetic Coasters: “There’s no more crying over spilled chardonnay!” said Prochazka.

Personal Watercraft (PWCs), Hobie Cat – Mirage Drive 360: “The best in a peddle style kayak designed for fishing,” said Rudow.

Propulsion Equipment & Parts, Sharrow Engineering – Sharrow MX1: “This is a breakthrough prop design that promises lower vibration, increased efficiency and could truly change the industry,” said Sherman.

Tow Boats, Nautique Boat Company – G23 Paragon: “With a host of innovative features like a telescoping tower, hull-sides used as a running surface and the ability to literally dial in your ideal surf wake, this boat has it all,” said Wendt.

Watersport Equipment, International Leisure Products Promarine Division – Pup Plank: “This is a deep, easy entrance for your dog, and it stores and folds easily – a great way to get your dog on board,” said Jasinski.

Celebrando os milhares de produtos, ideias e serviços inovadores apresentados todos os anos durante o Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show, apresentado pela West Marine, o Innovation Breakfast apresentou uma série de apresentações de prémios em homenagem a pessoas e produtos que deixaram uma marca na indústria náutica e que a estão a impulsionar para a frente. O pequeno-almoço incluiu também um orador convidado especial Noah Valenstein, Secretário do Departamento de Protecção Ambiental da Florida, um discurso do Presidente da NMMA Frank Hugelmeyer, e uma apresentação da SVP de Marketing e Comunicações para a Fundação de Náutica de Recreio e Pesca (RBFF), Stephanie Vatalaro.