Eight New Products from the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX).
The International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) serves as an excellent indicator of trends in the marine sector.
The trade show occurs every October in Tampa, Florida, and is exclusively an industry event organized by the National Marine Manufacturers Association. As part of this event, IBEX hosts the IBEX Innovation Awards Program, which is judged annually by Boating Writers International.
In 2023, the awards competition featured nearly 100 submissions, and upon completion of the judging, the panel selected 13 Innovation Award winners along with four honorable mentions. While not all products cater to the center-console market, there are several that will be featured in 2024 models and beyond.
Explore these award-winning products and other introductions from the 2023 IBEX exhibition.
Shine on the Water
TACO Marine introduces the Grand Slam 300 – an outrigger mount that merges stainless steel with polished, anodized aluminum, featuring a single-handle design for heightened safety and performance. This mount allows for effortless one-handed operation from the deck, enabling easy adjustments to the rotation and lift of outrigger poles using the GS-300’s ergonomic crank handle, which smoothly locks into the base.
Designed with an appealing all-metal aesthetic, the GS-300 contains no plastic components, providing superior water sealing and improved protection against harsh conditions.
The GS-300 pairs perfectly with TACO’s New Internally Rigged/Collapsible Outriggers and its Aluminum or Carbon Fiber Tele-Outrigger Poles, accommodating lengths of up to 20 feet with a pin-locking connection on the underside that eliminates the need for designated port and starboard sides.
https://tacomarine.com
Joystick Driving
Volvo Penta’s Joystick Driving technology earned an IBEX Innovation Award for its system that integrates shifting, steering, and throttling seamlessly.
Joystick Driving, an advanced system developed by Volvo Penta, enhances boat maneuverability and control. It allows for simple and precise handling, even in tight spaces and difficult situations. The system combines multiple propulsion units and steering to create intuitive and responsive boat handling, facilitating safe navigation for both experienced and novice users.
Key features of the system include dynamic positioning, autopilot capabilities, and compatibility with various Volvo Penta propulsion units, offering flexibility and versatility for boat owners and builders alike. Joystick Driving enhances the overall boating experience while boosting safety by lowering the chances of accidents during docking and low-speed movements.
www.volvopenta.com
Computing Power
Garmin secured an IBEX Innovation Award with its GPSMAP 9000 chartplotter series, which merges design, performance, and advanced connectivity through the Garmin BlueNet gigabit network.
Targeting captains who seek excellence, the GPSMAP 9000 series features touchscreen displays from 19 to 27 inches with 4K resolution. Driven by a processor that’s seven times faster than its predecessors, these multi-function displays (MFDs) provide extraordinary clarity and speed.
Beyond their visual appeal, these MFDs are powerhouses. With seven times the processing power of earlier models, they guarantee quick map rendering and optimize onboard sensors like sonar, radar, cameras, and digital switching.
The BlueNet gigabit network boosts connectivity, allowing for seamless integration with multiple devices, quicker multimedia streaming, and video incorporation. Boaters can enjoy wide-ranging integration options, including engine monitoring, digital switching, audio control, camera integration, and smartwatch compatibility.
Models in the GPSMAP 9000 series come equipped with Garmin Navionics+ mapping, featuring Auto Guidance technology and a one-year subscription for updates. An upgrade option to Garmin Navionics Vision+ premium mapping is available, introducing extra capabilities like relief shading and sonar imagery.
Retail prices start at $9,999.99.
www.garmin.com/marine
Top Audio
HARMAN International, a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics, has unveiled the world’s first fully digital marine head unit, the Harman Kardon R7100HU, utilizing its Automotive Audio Bus (A2B) technology. This innovative head unit promises audio quality that surpasses CDs, revolutionizing the listening experience on the water for boatbuilders and enthusiasts alike. The unit simplifies both installation and maintenance, providing exceptional value.
The fully digital design eliminates noise issues found in analog cables, reducing weight and installation costs while enhancing reliability with up to 32 audio channels via twisted pair cabling.
The Harman Marine Head Unit accommodates various audio sources, such as Bluetooth, USB-C, AUX, AM/FM, SiriusXM, and DAB+. It includes four zones of tone and equalizer management, with a 10-band EQ for each zone as well as independent sub-level controls. Rated IPX 67 for marine applications, it features a 4.3-inch bonded, sunlight-readable display and is NMEA 2000 certified for smooth integration.
www.harman.com
Smooth Operator
WBV Shock Mitigation Solutions is dedicated to providing a smoother ride. At IBEX, WBV showcased three distinct ranges of shock-absorbing products and presented the OMEGA shock-mitigating seat insert.
The CPR Series leads the market with its lightweight and compact units. The P Series easily attaches to standard pedestals and leisure chairs, facilitating both new installations and quick retrofits. Its flexible bolt pattern ensures compatibility with nearly any chair style.
Alternatively, the units can be securely fastened directly to a GRP base or box. For larger helm and captain’s chairs or high-performance race boat bucket seats, WBV manufactures the specialized C Series.
WBV’s innovative LT (Long Travel) Series features top-tier shock absorbers crafted by FOX Factory, which include triple chambers and precision engineering.
The OMEGA shock mitigating seat insert fits seamlessly into any size or shape seat, effectively reducing shock and vibration. The insert is priced from $95.
www.shock-wbv.com
Power Station
ARCO has unveiled the Zeus High-Energy Alternator Regulator, a product designed to improve battery charging and alternator output on boats. The Zeus Regulator provides a safe and effective solution for marine enthusiasts aiming to optimize their electrical systems.
This regulator offers benefits including enhanced charging efficiency and extended battery and alternator lifespan by preventing overcharging and overheating. Its user-friendly design makes installation accessible for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts.
The ARCO Zeus High-Energy Alternator Regulator delivers a practical and trustworthy solution for boaters wishing to enhance their battery charging and alternator functionality. It ensures a more enjoyable and hassle-free experience on the water, proving to be a valuable addition to marine electrical systems.
www.arcomarine.com
Charged Up!
The Dolphin PRO Evo3 Battery Chargers from Scandvik signify a state-of-the-art progression in marine charging technology, establishing a new benchmark for reliability and efficiency. Crafted with the requirements of boaters in mind, these chargers exemplify Scandvik’s dedication to innovation.
The Evo3 series features a sleek and compact design, making them easy to install and integrate into any marine vessel. Equipped with advanced charging algorithms, they efficiently charge and maintain a broad spectrum of battery types, including lead-acid and lithium-ion, ensuring your onboard power source is always prepared when needed.
A notable aspect of the Dolphin PRO Evo3 chargers is their sophisticated monitoring and diagnostic capabilities, providing real-time insights on battery status, voltage, temperature, and charging progress, thus offering users crucial information on their vessel’s power system health.
With various charging profiles and a robust design, the Scandvik Dolphin PRO Evo3 Battery Chargers are set to enhance the boating experience by providing dependable, stress-free power management.
www.scandvik.com
Top Fish
TACO Marine fishing poles are a revolution for deep-sea fishing.
Their innovative triple-rigged fishing pole enhances the offshore fishing experience, offering efficiency and ease of use unlike traditional options.
The three-piece construction features a latching mechanism with a Twist and Lock system, ensuring a secure setup for anglers venturing offshore. This design allows for rapid and easy assembly, eliminating the hassles associated with other fixed or complex setups.
A standout characteristic is the adjustable ratchet base and threaded locking collar, allowing users to accurately index the halyard line. This precision reduces chafing and guarantees a smooth rise and fall of outrigger lines, a unique feature of TACO Marine.
www.tacomarine.com