Awarding Innovation
by Sarah Pelot
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