If you’re considering equipment upgrades or changes, the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) has announced 12 winners of its 2026 Innovation Awards, recognizing new products and technologies across the recreational marine industry.
Announced Oct. 6 during the show’s annual Industry Breakfast and Innovation Awards presentation in Tampa, Florida, the winners were selected by a panel of judges from Boating Writers International (BWI). The program, managed by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), evaluated 100 entries from exhibiting marine companies. Three additional products received honorable mentions.
The awards span 11 categories, with dual winners in Boat Care and Maintenance and Electrical Systems. Recognized innovations include solutions that reduce waste, improve onboard electrical systems, protect vessel interiors from leaks, and enhance navigation and safety.
In Boat Care and Maintenance, Propspeed won for Foulfree Multi-Surface, a non-toxic, three-step coating system that protects underwater components, including transducers, interceptors, and bow thrusters, against marine growth. Spectrum Color received the second award in the category for TouchPro, an aerosol-based kit that repairs scratches and finish defects on powder-coated metal surfaces, using color matches that correspond to original equipment manufacturer palettes.
Big Dog Adhesives received the Boatbuilding Methods and Materials award for Reload Adhesives, a reusable caulking cartridge system that reduces waste by allowing users to replace spent foil cartridges rather than discarding entire canisters.
In the Deck Equipment and Hardware category, Scanstrut was recognized for its Wireless Powered All-Round White LED Navigation Pole Light, which uses wireless power delivery and a water-resistant mount to eliminate traditional metal-to-metal electrical connections that are prone to corrosion. The light has a range of two nautical miles. Gemlux Deluxe Antenna Mount received an honorable mention in the category.
Electrical Systems had two winners. ARCO’s Zeus Omega Alternator Control System separates the alternator drive and control modules, simplifying wiring and supporting up to six alternators across 12- to 48-volt systems. Egis Mobile Electric won for its Modular Power Distribution Module, which consolidates fuses, resettable circuit breakers, Deutsch connectors, and NMEA 2000 control into a sealed, ignition-protected unit. The AquaAmp Smart DT Connector received an honorable mention in the category.
Kenyon received the Furnishings and Interior Parts award for its Signature Induction Cooktop Series. The cooktop features matte-black glass-ceramic designed to eliminate reflective glare and visible marks, along with a bridge function that links two burners to provide even heat across a griddle or for oversized cookware.
In Mechanical Systems, Flow Marine Systems won for FlowGuard Integrated Marine HVAC Condensate Protection. The system combines a drain-pan water sensor with control-board logic that alerts operators to leaks and shuts down the air conditioning until the leak is resolved, helping protect cabinetry and furnishings from water damage.
Garmin USA received the OEM Electronics award for its Garmin Signal VHF 400, which integrates a VHF radio, DSC, and a Class B SOTDMA AIS transponder into a color touchscreen unit. Features include simultaneous monitoring of three channels, a three-minute audio replay, and diagnostic tools for antenna and cabling issues. The Nextfour Q Experience Q Float display received an honorable mention in the category.
Glydus won in Propulsion Equipment and Parts for its Telescopic and Tilt Mechanism, which provides two inches of telescopic adjustment across 34 positions and tilt capability to improve helm ergonomics and accommodate different operator positions.
The Safety Equipment award went to Canyon Runner for its Canyon Runner BRIZO Connected Vessel Intelligence. The service combines live vessel data, predictive analytics, weather intelligence, navigation insights, and crowdsourced information to support decision-making for recreational and professional captains, without requiring replacement of existing marine electronics.
In Trailers; Parts and Accessories, Launch & Retrieve Boat Latch was recognized for its L&R Boat Latch, a system that simplifies launching and retrieving trailerable boats, especially for solo operators. Its bow-snare mechanism can be engaged or disengaged from the helm.
