Rewarding Ingenuity. Honoring Excellence.
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. Exhibitors can access full program details here.
2022 Judging Panel
Boating Writers International (BWI)
BWI is a professional organization consisting of writers, editors, publishers, photographers, broadcasters, public relations specialists and others in the communications profession associated with the boating industry. Members are active marine journalists across the United States, Canada, Europe and beyond.
Ed Sherman
Ed is a semi-retired ABYC Education Vice President. Author or co-author of five technical how-to books covering marine service and repair.
Steve Davis
Steve has been sailing since age seven, has a USCG licensed 100 Ton Master (sail and power), served as a charter, delivery, shuttle, and tour boat captain for more than 20 years. He is the editor-in-chief of Southern Boating magazine and is currently a BWI board member and judge for the BWI writing contest.
Zuzana Prochazka (Chair)
Zuzana is a freelance writer and photographer with regular contributions to more than a dozen publications. A USCG 100 Ton Master, Zuzana has cruised, chartered and captained vessels in most parts of the world and founded a flotilla charter company called Zescapes. She serves as an international presenter on charter destinations, safety issues and technical topics, and she’s the Executive Director of BWI.
Phil Gutowski
Phil founded the battery-powered air conditioning company, BoatRx. Together with his team, he designs and installs cutting edge systems which increase comfort and reduce reliance on generators.
Tim Murphy
Tim is a lifelong sailor and Coast Guard 100-ton master, Tim Murphy has authored or co-authored books including Use of the Sea, Fundamentals of Marine Service Technology and ABYC marine trades certification guides.
Ben Stein (Co-Chair)
Ben Stein is editor of Panbo.com covering the marine electronics industry. He also serves as electronics editor for Power & Motoryacht and PassageMaker magazines and is a regular contributor to Soundings. After 15 years in financial services technology, he left the corporate world to pursue his passion in boating. A USCG 100 Ton Master, Ben has completed the Great Loop and currently lives aboard his boat with his wife and two daughters.
Julia Carelton
Julia is the Operations Manager at OceanPlanet Energy, a consulting & distribution company specializing in lithium battery & charging systems as well as custom solar solutions. She has worked extensively on sail training vessels and ocean research vessels. She holds a 500 GRT Oceans Master and a BS in Electrical Engineering.
Ryan Gullang
Ryan is a freelance writer, recent college graduate, and former recipient of the BWI Active Interest Boating Media Journalist Scholarship. Alongside working as the Editorial Assistant for Phlotilla.com, Ryan has been writing articles for FishTalk, SpinSheet, PropTalk, and Boats.com with topics ranging from the health benefits of crabbing to the technical limitations of electric propulsion.
Discover the 2021 award winning products below. All 2021 product entries can be reviewed here.
Boat Care and Maintenance
Gibco Flex-Mold Inc., Re-Deck
Re-Deck, Gibco’s newest non-skid solution, can be applied using pressure-sensitive adhesive or epoxy for a true bond. Cut any shape with quality shears or a CNC machine. Gibco patterns are easy on feet, knees & bathing suits. Deck foam eventually gets replaced and thrown away, Re-Deck is here to stay! Learn More
Boatbuilding Methods and Materials
Sika Corporation, Adekit A236
Adekit® A236 is a high-performance alternative to conventional structural bonding products in deck to hull, stringer, and bulkhead to hull applications. It is a zero odor, low exotherm, and 1:1 Polyurethane structural adhesive. Offered in two open times, a builder has the option of a 25 min and 120 min version. Learn More
Deck Equipment and Hardware
LilliPad Marine, Ghost Mount
With innovative hardware that adapts to wood, fiberglass, carbon-fiber and metal substrate applications the Ghost Mount packs incredible strength into an easy to install, low-profile, accessory mount that’s virtually unnoticed when installed on a boat. Learn More
Deck Equipment and Hardware
Seaworthy Innovations, Scuppers
Electrical Systems
Discover Battery, LITHIUM BLUE
Discover Battery introduces LITHIUM BLUE batteries for marine deep-cycle loads and trolling motor applications. It incorporates a BMS that controls the safety of the battery and real-time Bluetooth access to the battery’s charge, voltage, current and temperature. Features a built-in suitcase-style handle, and field-serviceable fuse to protect the user’s investment. Learn More
Electrical Systems
Raymarine, YachtSense Modular Digital Control System
Entertainment
RideController, LED+
The LED+ platform brings forward thinking, unique, concert level lighting control to the marine market. Featuring up to four RGB/WW, a market first four digitally addressable zones, a simple control API, full customization, and real time adaptive music synchronization. The LED+ is the ultimate lighting experience. Learn More
Furnishings and Interior Parts
GUARDTEX, Kanvaslight
New, Patented, Kanvaslight technology allows you to bring your textile structure as a broad lighting surface. It creates a perfectly diffused light for gathering and entertaining beneath. Kanvaslight creates a smart, clean-line installation that is only there when you need it. The technology is designed specifically for the outdoor industry. Learn More
Mechanical Systems
XLYEM, Jabsco Quiet Flush E2
Building upon the original, the Quiet Flush E2 has been completely redesigned to solve some of the biggest marine waste challenges a boat owner and boat manufacturer face. Its simplified installation, easy serviceability, and sleek digital control panel brings a whole new level of convenience and comfort onto the water. Learn More
OEM Electronics
Volvo Penta, Assisted Docking
Assisted Docking is a new boat docking system that compensates for some external elemental forces and allows you to navigate tight areas with higher precision. Combining automation with control, it provides ease to seasoned boaters and beginners learning how to dock a boat. Learn More
Propulsion Parts, Propellers
Hydrofin, Super Fly
Hydrofin Super Fly is an engineered hydrofoil system designed by Morrelli & Melvin specifically for double pontoon boats. Designed to carry 40% of the weight of the boat, these underwater wings create lift and reduce drag. Boats with Hydrofin Super Fly are faster, more efficient, and better riding. Learn More
Safety Equipment
OSCAR Navigation, OSCAR Sentry
OSCAR Sentry takes situational awareness for skippers to a new level: Combining latest camera technology with artificial intelligence, OSCAR Sentry scans the environment continuously and automatically detects and recognizes any floating obstacle – large and small, day and night. Key features include collision avoidance, perimeter surveillance, and object tracking. Learn More
Trailers, Parts and Trailer Accessories
Innovative Group Inc., Roller Bunk
Extruded aluminum housing, stainless steel internal roller shafts and lifts. 4″ marine grade actuator. Non marking marine grade Wobble wheels. Carpeted surface. Powder coat finish. Wireless remote. Learn More
For questions, contact:
Rachel Harmon
NMMA
T: 312-946-6247
E: rharmon@nullnmma.org
