IntelligenceAUVEMARE / Story 067
IBEX 2026 Innovation Awards Put Everyday Boating Problems in Focus
12 October 2026 · 2 min read
AI-generated marine workshop still life showing fictional electrical equipment, connectors and tools. Illustrative imagery; none of the objects represents a verified IBEX award-winning product.
Image: AUVEMARE / AI-generated with OpenAI. No photographer.
The 2026 IBEX Innovation Awards recognised 12 products from 100 entries, with three additional honourable mentions. Across maintenance, electrical systems, safety and onboard equipment, the results offer a useful view of innovation aimed at making boats easier to build, operate and look after.
Recognition Across the Boatbuilding Supply Chain
Presented on October 6 in Tampa, the awards are managed by the National Marine Manufacturers Association and judged by Boating Writers International. The programme forms part of IBEX, which ran from October 6 to 8.
The selected products span several kinds of work. Propspeed’s Foulfree Multi-Surface and Spectrum Color’s TouchPro shared the maintenance award, while Big Dog Adhesives received recognition for Reload Adhesives. Scanstrut won the deck-equipment category with a wireless-powered navigation pole light.
These categories are a reminder that marine innovation extends beyond a new hull or propulsion system. Surface repairs, installation details and consumables shape the working day of a yard technician as directly as a new display shapes the helm.
Integration, Protection and Practical Use
Electrical-system honours went to ARCO’s Zeus Omega Alternator Control System and the Egis Modular Power Distribution Module. Garmin’s Signal VHF 400 won in OEM electronics, and Flow Marine Systems was recognised for FlowGuard condensate protection.
Other winners included Kenyon’s Signature induction cooktops, the Glydus telescopic and tilt mechanism, Canyon Runner Connected Vessel Intelligence, and the L&R Boat Latch. Gemlux, AquaAmp and Nextfour / Q Experience received honourable mentions.
The range is broad, but it creates a practical shortlist for builders and owners to investigate. A product may address a familiar frustration while still needing careful assessment of installation requirements, compatibility, support and cost.
From an Award to a Useful Upgrade
An award gives a product visibility; it does not establish that it suits every boat. The relevant follow-up question is specific: what difficulty does this solve on the vessel being built or maintained?
A buyer considering an upgrade can start with the existing problem, then ask the installer how the new equipment changes service access, fault finding or everyday operation. That approach keeps the selection grounded in use rather than novelty. It also makes it easier to judge whether a seemingly modest improvement deserves priority over something more conspicuous.
