By Brady L. Kay

The MSP 7

Innovation on display in Minneapolis

The MSP 7

Innovation on display in Minneapolis

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) has been recognizing manufacturers for innovation at the Miami International Boat Show as well as the International Boat Builders’ Exhibition & Conference (IBEX) for decades. The Innovation Awards honor manufacturers and suppliers who bring new, innovative products to market for the recreational boating industry and are judged by a panel of marine writers who are all members of Boating Writers International (BWI).

In 2018 the NMMA – in an attempt to broaden its reach – expanded to the Minneapolis Boat Show with its Innovation Awards to include smaller boats as well as pontoon boats that typically aren’t found at the other two Florida-based boat shows, at least not to the same degree as in Minnesota.

As the current president of BWI I’ve been fortunate to be involved in the judging process in Minneapolis each year since the beginning, and over those years I’ve had a front row view to some truly innovative and unique new boats, layouts and features. Back in January I was at it again and the 2023 entrants for the Minneapolis Innovation Awards didn’t disappoint. Here are seven NMMA award entrants that really stood out and are a direct fit with our targeted audience as a publication.

Barletta Meridian Lounge

The Lusso 25M from Barletta was entered in the furnishings category and its Meridian Lounge made a great first impression. Providing the best of two worlds, the unique layout is a “mash-up” of Barletta’s unique Ultra-Lounge and the traditional Quad-Lounge and it gives you all the seating versatility and function with the advantages of still having a center walk through.
Brady Kay and Chris Stockbridge stand near a podium shaking hands

Brady Kay (L) presents award to Barletta’s Chris Stockbridge

Convertible, multi-function seating on the port side and in the stern allows for you to create a variety of seating orientations to connect all of your guests (including the captain) while out on the water. The Meridian Lounge ended up winning an Innovation Award in this category, the manufacturer’s second NMMA award in six years. (www.barlettapontoonboats.com)
Crest Current

The Current is the newest addition to Crest Pontoon’s model lineup and I absolutely love the name. Naming an electric propulsion pontoon Current is brilliant, and thanks to its direct-drive technology, the ePropulsion Navy 3.0 electric outboard motor is quiet, low-maintenance, and reliable. The included E-Series 175 battery is designed for optimal performance, providing long life cycles and consistent smart operation for the easiest ownership experience – suitable for salt or fresh water.

Crest Current

Godfrey Mighty G
Gone are the days of retrofitting electric outboards. Crest offers a 100 percent factory-assembled pontoon, regardless of lake limitations or personal preferences and the boat is well-equipped with all of Crest’s signature features. The 20-foot electric pontoon also boasts a specially constructed deck to support the model’s two, 25-inch diameter aluminum tubes, and L-shaped sunpad with seating for up to 10 passengers. (www.crestpontoonboats.com)
Godfrey Mighty G
Ah the Mighty G, another great name for the new versatile pontoon from Godfrey Marine that was designed from the ground up to be powered by either electric or gas-powered engines. The power is not an afterthought, as the Mighty G features dedicated locations for battery storage and built-in charging, as well as a singular gauge that supports both electric and internal combustion propulsion options. With a length of 15 feet, 7 inches, and a 7-foot, 6-inch beam, the Mighty G offers plenty of room for up to seven passengers, while the shortened deck height off the tubes creates a stiffer chassis that lowers the pontoon’s center of gravity and helps contribute to efficiency and added performance.

Available in two models for either cruising or fishing, the Mighty G can be equipped with Torqeedo Cruise 3.0, Cruise 6.0 or Cruise 12.0 electric engines or up to 50hp for gas-powered motors. (www.godfreypontoonboats.com)

Innovation Award Winner signage
Harris Solstice

The Solstice is the next progression in the new direction of Harris and it includes a new fence design, an interior that brings back classic yet contemporary styling, and an impressive new helm. The updated Solstice is sleeker with features such as LED light pods, minimized rail design, contemporary furniture, and all-new colorways that integrate exterior and interior color customization.

The designed furniture exudes clean lines, simple forms, and angles that deliver a modern look, and the all-new helm is lighter, robust, and ergonomically designed. It’s available with CZone and Simrad go7’s standard and features an upholstered dash, wireless charging pocket, and controls for lights, performance systems, and navigation on the boat. (www.harrisboats.com)

Manitou Explore

Starcraft MVX Surf

Premier Sunsation Angler

Harris Solstice

Manitou Explore

The Manitou Explore from BRP earned an NMMA Innovation Award as a dual winner in the pontoon category for its bold, easy-to-maintain exterior created through an exclusive, industry first aluminum transformation process typically found in the luxury automotive sector. When paired with the all-new Rotax S, the world’s first outboard featuring Stealth Technology, the Manitou Explore is clearly like nothing else on the water.

Explore models powered with Rotax S come equipped with the all-new MAX Deck, which provides 38 square feet of additional functional space while adding refined lounging. The rear Switchback loungers create the opportunity to sit forward-facing while in motion and rear-facing while at rest to utilize the MAX Deck as a lounging platform. (www.manitoupontoonboats.com)

Premier Sunsation Angler

The all-new Sunsation Angler is designed for recreation at the front and purposeful fishing in the back. Bow port and starboard loungers and a mid-ship couch provide the comfort, while the stern features a fishing layout with everything the angler needs.

The new angler station in the stern comes complete with a large livewell, designated baitwell, six rod holders, tackle storage with three tackle boxes, ruler, tackle and tool holders, cupholders and a storage drawer.

award winners take a group photo with Brady L. Kay at the Minneapolis Boat Show
What helped earn it an NMMA Innovation Award as a dual winner in the pontoon category is its patent-pending Open Water Panels on both the port and starboard sides in the aft. With the simple lift of a lever, anglers can swing open the rear side panels, locking them into place on the outside of the pontoon, keeping the inside free of clutter while giving anglers the feeling of being on the deck of a bass boat. (www.pontoons.com)
Starcraft MVX Surf
A true Water Sports Utility Vehicle, the all-new MVX Surf from Starcraft does it all by excelling at water sports, delivering the ideal wakes for boarders, tubers, skiers and surfers of all skill levels. Standard features such as retractable, wave-shaping surf tabs, Mercury Smart Tow control, a CZone digital control platform and a Simrad touchscreen display with an integrated wake management system work with up to 2,000 pounds of ballast to serve up the kind of clean, crisp wakes that water sports enthusiasts dream about.

What’s more, its premium sound system, power water sports tower with rear-facing speakers, huge passenger side storage, comfortable seating for 12 people and interior RGB mood lighting system all come as standard equipment, elevating the entire on-water experience for riders and passengers alike. (www.starcraftmarine.com)

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