"Innovation Award winners"
The envelope is in and four unique products and three new boats took National Marine Manufacturers Association Innovation Awards at the Miami International Boat Show this winter.
A little bit of fishin'
Johnson Cannon Link System module enables any Humminbird fishing system to simultaneously or individually control the operation of up to six Cannon Mag 20DT and Mag 20DT/HS downriggers. The user can automatically deploy or retrieve outriggers, monitor down-rigger depth off the bottom and view temperature at depth and speed through water.
The unit really proves its worth when fishing shorthanded as the captain can operate the downriggers from the console while the mate tends to rigging lines.
The module sells for about $200 and you'll need a cable ($50) for each down-rigger. Go to cannondownriggers.com/for more information.
A little bit of sailin'
Sailors will have a harder time losing a winch handle overboard with Lewmar's new "One Touch" one-handed winch handle. Instead of fumbling with traditional locks, simply squeeze the One Touch's shaft and a lock-in mechanism is engaged or released.
Awards judge Phil Draper said, "To be able to improve on something so simple that's been around for decades is quite a feat." The handle starts at $103. For more information, go to lewmar.com.
Another Innovation Award winner was the "Windmate 350" wind/weather monitor from Speedtech. The Windmate is a comprehensive wind and weather monitor that gives digital wind speed, wind direction, temperature, barometric pressure, humidity and includes a digital compass and audio storm alarm.
"It has lots of features in a compact package," commented Jan Mundy, awards judge and DIY Boat Owner editor. "It's a complete weather station bundled in one ergonomic unit."
The unit retails for $220. Go to for more information.
A little bit of boat liftin'
For those locations that don't permit construction of boat lifts for aesthetic reasons, the new "No Profile Boat Lift" by Way Marine Design puts all of the clunky, visually unappealing lift machinery in a horizontal position, making the lift "virtually invisible," says company president Chris Way.
The lift is essentially a flat platform with composite decking or cradle that is nearly indistinguishable from the adjacent dock--there are no tall pilings or exposed cables or pulleys.
"This is a lift for boaters who don't want that Sanford & Son look," said Way. "It allows access to all sides of your boat and is ADA compliant. There is nothing to step over or under and instead of using cables that can bind or wear, we use auto leveling hydraulics," he added.
The lift can also accommodate more than one boat and if storm waters are forecast to rise, owners can quickly remove the lift's electronics controller and motor assembly--it unplugs and has a carrying handle.
Award winnin' boats
Glacier Bay's Isle Runner was the winner in the Innovation Awards' Inboard & Outboard Cruisers category. The 30-foot cat combines a patent-pending hull design, surface-piercing rails and "Super Chines" to provide a soft and dry ride.
Features include a unique sunken offside galley, port-side entry, convertible helm and dual bait well locations. "Reduced rolling, increased stability and tracking in rough seas are just some of this unique boat's features, which also offers great livability and fishability," added judge Lenny. For more info go to glacierbaycats.com.
In the Runabouts & Fishing Craft category, judges presented the award to Chris-Craft for its Catalina 23. The center console offers good looks and a serious fishing platform all in a family-friendly sport boat.
"The blind mounted T-top ensures no toe stubbing, while the roomy head provides lots of comfort," judge Suzana noted. Go to for more information.
Finally, Island Packet Yacht's SP Cruiser took the Innovation Award in the Sailboats category. The unique-looking vessel with two cockpits--one located mid-ships in front of the enclosed helm--combines good sail keeping with all the comforts of a trawler.
Judges also liked the push-button sail control with the "StoWinch" sheeting system. "This boat raises the bar on convenience and comfort in order to keep new and seasoned boaters sailing longer,"She said. Go to for more information.
