IBEX 365 News
2023 IBEX Innovation Award Interview with Lippert
Say farewell to bulky, cumbersome anchoring!
What problem was the Lewmar Venta Pontoon Winch designed to solve?
The Pontoon Winch is designed to provide an all-in-one automated anchoring system, removing unnecessary rope on the deck.
Who is the target market for the Pontoon Winch?
US Pontoon OEM Builders and Aftermarket Pontoon Owners.
Which builders/installers are using the winch? What feedback have you received?
Godfrey, Bennington, and Barletta are currently reviewing the product, and it’s still undergoing their testing.
Why do you think no one has built a below-deck-mounted pontoon winch before?
Traditional anchoring systems do not lend themselves to the pontoon boat market. As a world leader in anchoring systems, our engineering department developed a tailor-made system for this market.
What obstacles arose during the R&D process?
Due to being under-deck mounted, the IP rating of the system had to be very high, leading to newly developed methods of MGB and sensor sealing.
What impact do you see your winch having on the boating industry?
Traditionally, throw anchors are manually deployed and retrieved. The Venta will significantly increase the safety and user experience by offering a push button solution.
What plans do you have for the future of this design?
We’ve been working on the development of a Stern Anchoring Solution for sandbar anchoring and exploring underdeck solutions for other marine applications and vessels.
The IBEX Innovation Awards showcase outstanding marine product development to the recreational boating industry and beyond. The program, managed by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and judged by Boating Writers International (BWI), is one of the marine industry’s most prestigious honors recognizing manufacturers and suppliers who bring new, innovative products to market.
