IBEX 365 News

2022 IBEX Innovation Award Interview with QMI

News Date: May 31, 2023

ACCUTHRUST

The QMI Accuthrust is specially designed and patent pending in tube docking thrusters for pontoons and tri-toons. Fully concealed and flush mounted, the Accuthrust can be run onto a sandbar or direct contact to the bunks on your trailer with zero interference.

What problem does this product solve?
The Accuthrust simplifies the often complicated maneuver of docking a pontoon or tritoon boat. Even captains with little experience can enjoy the ease and comfort that this technology provides.

How did you become aware of this problem?
I am a lifetime boater and have worked in developing steering technology for the marine industry.

Who is the target market for this product?
Our target market are pontoon and tritoon boat owners and manufacturers, as well as anyone who enjoys boating, new or experienced.

What is noteworthy about the technology used?
The technology in Accuthrust is intuitive and easy to use. It uses a 4-thruster system that makes docking and maneuvering in tight spaces fingertip easy. The thrusters are mounted inside the toons in each corner, completely flush with the bottom to allow full operation when driving onto the trailer or beach or sandbar.

How is it different from any other solution on the market?
The thrusters are flush mounted, do not articulate out of the tubes, can be used while running directly on a trailer, sandbar, beach, etc.

What obstacles did you encounter in the R&D process?
We face challenges of being able to create a one size fits all due to the varying tube dimensions and concentricity styles in the metal tube market, but eventually were able to design the product to best meet our customers needs.

What customizations can be enabled to personalize/differentiate this product or solution?
We currently do not offer customizations since each package includes everything needed for installation and use.

How has the product been received?
Our product has been received extremely well and has been performing better than our team and customer base even expected.

Additional comments (anything else we should know?)
This is a 12 volt system capable of using one battery.

To see all the 2022 IBEX Innovation Award winners, click here.