Nine marine manufacturers were honored for their innovative achievement by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and Boating Writers International (BWI) at the 2008 Miami Boat Show. Yamaha Corp. won the Innovation Award in the “PWC, Jet Boats and Pontoon Boats” category for its WaveRunner SHO, which features several PWC-industry “firsts,” including: a Nano-engineered hull that decreases the craft’s weight by 20 percent; a No-Wake mode that automatically sets engine rpm at optimal no-wake speed; and cruise control. In the “Runabouts and Fishing Craft” category, Boston Whaler won the Innovation Award for its 230 Dauntless. The revolutionary approach to functional seating in the 230 — with a new level of comfort and maximum use of space — sets it apart in its class. The Environmental Award went to the EcoStar 200 electric boat by Starcraft Marine. The EcoStar 200 combines access to electrical motors with exceptional maneuverability of twin propellers on a deck boat platform.

Additional winners included:
"Consumer Electronics & Software" category: NavNet 3D multifunction navigation suite by Furuno USA Inc.
"Consumer Installed Non-Electronic Hardware" category: AirBattens from UK-Halsey Miami
"Consumer Personal Gear" category: Coastal Compact Life Raft from Revere Survival Products
"Consumer Installed Docking & Fendering Equipment" category: H2 LED Dock, Marina and Pier Lights from TouchStone Accent Lighting
"Inboard & Outboard Cruisers" category: True North 24 from Pearson Yachts/True North Yachts
"Inflatables, Small Boats Up To 15'" category: Airis High-Pressure Inflatable Kayak from Walker Bay Boats