Innovation Awards Product Winners Chosen by a Panel that Includes Compass Editor Elaine Lembo
by Elaine Lembo
When you’re aboard and you see someone on another boat with a handy aft boarding step, a complete live view of the fish, or a docking tool that uses a smartphone app, chances are the gizmos found their first platform at the Discover Boating® Miami International Boat Show and the Miami Innovation Awards competition hosted by the National Marine Manufacturers Association.
For the 2026 event, Caribbean Compass editor-in-chief Elaine Lembo joined the seven-member judging panel to evaluate and determine how nearly 50 entries across 20 categories met the criteria for innovation, modification for marine use, product refinement, consumer benefit, and cost-effectiveness. Over two days she and other judges hit the ground running early in the morning through late afternoon, then deliberated over candidates in a secluded meeting room. Winners were announced at the industry breakfast on February 12, 2026.
The Innovation Awards judges committee are Boating Writers International members who perform product testing throughout the year and have specific expertise in marine products and equipment. The panel also included Tim Murphy (chair), Ben Stein (co-chair), Kelsey Bailey, Brady Kay, Charlie Levine, and Gary Reich.
“At this moment, I can’t think of anybody luckier than an NMMA Innovation Awards judge,” Murphy said. “For two very full days, seven of us had the chance to move through the Convention Center aisles and down the docks along Collins Avenue, stepping abroad the very latest boats and examining the newest new products.
“What a year! We saw fresh thinking in the shapes of boats and how they move through water; in the propulsion we’re using to drive them; in the electrical power to run the appliances that make boating ever more comfortable. We saw electronic devices that help us look farther and deeper into dark places using sonar and lidar technology, as well as stereoscopic and thermal cameras. And we saw the way these sensors can help drive our boats remotely and even autonomously.”
Alternative Propulsion: ePropulsion, Spirit 2
Judge Kelsey Bailey said, “ePropulsion’s Spirit 2 is a significant improvement from earlier iterations of small electric outboards, with enough power and battery capacity to feasibly propel a small sailboat or large dinghy without range paranoia. The robust, field-serviceable connection between battery and unit is a highlight for off-grid adventurers.”
(Dual winner) Cabin cruisers, Motor Yachts, Trawlers: Azimut, Seadek 7
Said judge Ben Stein, “The Azimut Seadeck 7 is a tour-de-force of innovative new features and refined design in a 70-footer, with an emphasis on sustainability in propulsion and materials. The open main deck floor plan makes this already sizeable yacht feel huge, and Volvo Penta’s hybrid-electric IPS propulsion system enables fully electric navigation for short distances and zero-emission hotel mode at anchor.”
(Dual winner) Cabin cruisers, Motor Yachts, Trawlers: Hurricane Boats, SunDeck 3200
“The SunDeck 3200 redefines luxury with its carbon-fiber hardtop and premium features, all at an affordable price for a twin-engine beauty in 32 feet,” said judge Brady Kay. “The deep in-floor garage is just one of the many examples of its thoughtful and user-friendly features.”
Center Console/ Walkaround Fishing Boats: Regulator Marine, Regulator 35
Judge Gary Reich said, “Regulator has brought multiple innovations to the familiar center-console genre with its 35-footer, including Dometic’s gyro stabilization system, lithium-ion house power system, and a seachest with built-in redundancy. Pairing this with Regulator’s bulletproof build quality and refinement made the 35 a stand out in this category. “
Consumer Electronics, Mobile Applications and Software: Lowrance, Active Target
“The versatility the transducer system on the Lowrance Active Target 2XL makes 360-degree live sonar a reality on small boats and opens a very wide door to help anglers find more fish,” said judge Charlie Levine
Honorable Mention: Mercury Marine, Mercury Keyless System
Consumer Safety Equipment: LUMINSEA, Smart Channel Marker
Judge Elaine Lembo said, “The Smart Channel Marker by LUMINSEA goes beyond wood, iron, and concrete pilings to safely guide contemporary boaters through waterway channels. Its fiberglass PVC composite construction reduces risk upon impact. Using standard colors of red, white, and green, as well as digital illumination and display, it is being adopted in specific locales and is queued to make it possible for marine authorities to use it in more coastal and inland waterway destinations.”
Cuddy Cabin, Bowrider, Deck Boats: Chris Craft, Launch 27
“The Chris-Craft Launch 27 oozes refinement, from its gorgeous retro lines to the powered, Bimini that stows away neatly under the deck with the push of a button,” said judge Gary Reich. “The implementation of Simrad’s ultrawide MFDs brings modern automotive familiarity and luxury to the helm.”
Deck Equipment: Chaparral, Chaparral E-Z Step
“Mechanics and smooth handling are the key benefits of the Chaparral E-Z step,” said judge Elaine Lembo. “Its patent-pending broad aft deck lift, which can lock in stowed and extended positions, makes boarding safe and seamless, without the hassle of relying on electrical or auxiliary power.”
Fishing Equipment, Gear & Tackle: Lee’s Tackle, The Ultima Extend Outrigger
Judge Charlie Levine said, “With Lee’s Ultima Extend telescoping outriggers, you don’t have to climb up on the gunwales or pinch your thumbs to bring the riggers in our out. Being able to retract or extend the riggers with the interior halyards makes it a fast and simple process that anglers will appreciate.”
Honorable Mention: Dropback Catch, Dropback Catch
Mechanical & Electrical Systems: SmartPlug Systems, Electric Fishing Reel Plug and Receptacle System
Judge Ben Stein said, “SmartPlug has already improved AC connectors and made them safer and more reliable. Now, they bring their expertise and technology to DC connections with a positive-latching water-resistant plug – a welcome development for anglers who use electric fishing kite reels.”
Outboard Engines: Mercury Marine, Boost
“Not only did Mercury target an aspect of engine performance that’s frequently overlooked, they made their improvements in midrange acceleration available at a low price and to older models as well as brand new motors,” said judge Kelsey Bailey. “Thousands of boaters will now have easy, affordable access to fine tuning that gets them out of the hole and up to top speed faster.”
Personal Water Craft: Yamaha, Yamaha CrossWave WaveRunner
“Yamaha introduces a new direction in PWCs with its four-passenger CrossWave with a layout not seen before. The full walk-around design is just a glimpse of the innovative features on this customizable and versatile craft,” said judge Brady Kay.
(Dual winner) Propulsion Equipment & Parts: Dockmate, Dockmate PRO
Judge Kelsy Bailey, “With proportional lever controls, Dockmate Pro has seriously upped the game for aftermarket remote-controlled shift and throttle, faithfully recreating a proper helm in handheld form. Even better, this new remote is wonderfully tactile, with plenty of feedback. It felt immediately intuitive.”
(Dual winner) Propulsion Equipment & Parts: Avikus, Avikus Control
“Avikus’ Neuboat Control docks, undocks, and safely navigates the boat,” said judge Ben Stein. “The system makes docking anywhere a snap while also providing situational awareness and control in the water. Available on new builds and for retrofitting, Avikus Control brings cutting-edge advanced assistance technology to new and existing boats.”
These companies submitted entries to the 2026 Miami Innovation Awards:
Airmar Technology Corporation
*Avikus
*Azimut
*Blackfin
*Boston Whaler
*Chaparral
*Chris-Craft
*Cruisers Yachts
*Dockmate
Dropback Catch
*ePropulsion
*EZ Dock
*ezDrive Thruster LLC / ezDock ai
*FLIR
*Formula
G3 Acoustics
*Grady-White Boats
*Hurricane
IHOY Electronic Systems and Software Inc.
*Kicker Marine Audio
*Lee’s Tackle
*Livorsi Marine
*Lowrance
LUMINSEA LLC
*MasterCraft
*Pathfinder
*Mercury Marine
*Monterey Boats
*Pursuit
*Regulator
*Roswell Marine
*Saxdor Yachts
Sea Born Boats (Composite Research, Inc.)
*Sea Ray Boats
SHANGHAI ZHOUJIA ELECTROMECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
*Simrad Marine Electronics
*SIONYX
*SmartPlug Systems
Sunreef
*Yamaha
*NMMA Member
Visit www.miamiboatshow.com/en/exhibit/Innovation_awards.html for more information or contact NMMA’s Rachel Harmon, rharmon@nmma.org.
