Award Winners from IBEX in Tampa
The IBEX Awards are presented annually at the show, honoring manufacturers and suppliers who bring new, innovative products to the boating industry. The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) manages the program, and select members of Boating Writers International (BWI) judge the entries.
Here are some of the winning entries that caught our eye:
In the category of Mechanical Systems, there were two winners: Phiber Systems and OhNoH20.
About Phiber Systems, judge Theresa Nicholson says: “After four years of development, Phiber’s pressurized, hydro injection for brine evacuation and remediation is the first product to streamline the flushing process and to have universal application. Phiber makes freshwater flushing maintenance an intrinsic function for any system that uses raw water for cooling, at the touch of a button.” https://www.phibersystems.com
On the WIF-Pro WIF-Shield by OhNoH2O, judge Charles Doane says: “This clever but simple product takes a critical and ubiquitous Racor fuel filter and helps it work even better. The easily removed heat shield bowl enhances key features—the ability to detect water in fuel and easily drain off contaminants—and improves functionality.” https://www.wifpro.com
In the category of OEM Electronics, the winner was Tocaro Blue for its Proteus Hub.
Judge Theresa Nicholson says: “Tocaro Blue Proteus distills radar information to bring an easy awareness of waters around the boat. Proteus helps the user digest and understand information from their boat’s radar, sonar, and AIS systems.” https://tocaroblue.com
In the category of Outboard Engines, the winner was Honda Marine for the Honda BF350 V-8.
Judge Brady Kay says: “With Honda’s first production V-8 engine, their high-power outboard integrates innovative highlights including a fully balanced 60 degree offset crankshaft that eliminates the need for a harmonic balancer along with key exclusive features found in Honda’s DNA. The development of the Honda BF350 enhances its existing lineup and takes Honda power to the next level.” https://marine.honda.com/outboards/models/highpower/BF350
In the category of Propulsion Parts, Propellers, the winner was Navico Group for the Lenco Pro Control.
Judge Richard Armstrong said: “The Lenco Pro Control auto-leveling system leverages existing plane mounting points … and counteracts dynamic running conditions to improve stability, reduce pitch and re-entry impact. This cost-effective system is a snap to install and configure.” https://lencomarine.navico.com/trim/pro-control
In the category of Safety Equipment, the winner was Banshee Marine Audio for the Banshee VA1.
Judge Richard Armstrong noted: “The Banshee VA1 isn’t the first VHF radio extension speaker, but it’s the clearest and loudest with a 10-watt integrated amplifier and DSP to filter out background noise and emphasize the human voice. The versatile mounting options make it easy to fit on any boat.” https://www.banshee.rocks
In the category of Trailers, Parts and Trailer Accessories, the winner was Quality Mark, Inc., for the Bow Step G2.
“As someone who’s spent the past decade clambering onto his trailered boat by using the trailer head and the spare tire to get over the bow cleat without hurting himself, the G2 Bow Step is a welcome innovation,” judge Pim Van Hemmen said. “It’s a smart, well-engineered product that makes getting into a trailered boat much easier. https://www.qualitymarkinc.com/bow-step