BWI selects five new products for innovation

CHICAGO – Three new boats and two consumer electronics products were chosen by Boating Writers International judges to be honored for innovative achievement by National Marine Manufacturers Association, NMMA reported in a statement yesterday.

The five winning products were honored yesterday at the annual Miami International Boat Show Media Breakfast held at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

“There was a great crop of new products at this year’s Miami International Boat Show, especially among the new consumer electronics that were on display,” said incoming BWI President and Editor of Dockwalk magazine Roger Marshall.

The quality of electronics products was so strong, that the judges decided to award two new products for their innovative qualities, according to NMMA.

Digital Antenna won an award for its Three-Watt Cellular Mobile Dual Band Amplifier/Repeater System. The digital mobile antenna extends the range of existing mobile phones, working across all wavelengths including wireless computer bands. It provides cell phone users great power, longer range and greater reliability. Boat owners can now reach shore-based phones from much farther out at sea, giving them increased confidence and security, stated the association.

Maretron’s SSC2000 Compass was the other winner in the Consumer Electronics category. Maretron’s compass is the only solid state marine compass using magnetometers to sense magnetic fields and compensates for it. The entire unit is solid state with no moving parts and is NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000 compliant.

“The SSC2000 can measure yaw, pitch, roll and heel and can be used at any angle. By turning a circle at the onset of a voyage the unit measures deviation and sets up accurately with no more action required by the user,” said BWI judge and Editor for Power & Motoryacht Bill Pike.

In the Fishing Boat category, Everglades 290 Pilot took top honors. Everglades built this model with many new features, including a fold-down transom seat contained in a box that can be lifted to provide access to the boat’s batteries and other equipment. Judge Lenny Rudow from Boating magazine was impressed by the integrated tracks that are used for canvas attachment and the tackle station that includes running salt and fresh water.

Zodiac’s Cadet was recognized in the Inflatables, Small Boats and Tenders category, NMMA reported. The new Cadet series is the first inflatable tender to support heavier four-stroke engines while also achieving faster planning, superior performance and increased stability.

“I like the thought that has gone into the boat, the tapered tubes and the innovative running strakes under the hull to help keep it directionally stable. Small inflatables tend to scoot around, but the Cadet runs really well,” said judge Chris Landry from Power Boat Reports.

The final winner was The Moorings 4000 Cat in the Sailboat category. The 4000 Cat uses a single-level bridgedeck. After ascending two transom steps, there are no further changes in floor level throughout the cockpit or saloon, which is accomplished by utilizing a structural grid under the cockpit, eliminating the need for an aft beam bulkhead. The boat is safer and user friendly, NMMA reported.

“This is unusual in a catamaran,” said judge and freelance writer Zuzana Prohaska, “because most catamarans have cross beams that crews must step over to get from bow to stern. The Moorings 4000 catamaran has been designed without these beams by using an innovative honeycomb floor that stiffens the entire hull and allows it to be one level throughout the yacht.”

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