All racers battle for the top spot on the podium or in other words, they want to finish ahead of everyone else so they can stand victorious on the winner’s platform. Same could be said when it comes to the Innovation Awards from the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). For decades it has been the measuring stick for innovation and awarded at the Miami International Boat Show as well as the International Boat Builders’ Exhibition & Conference (IBEX).

In 2018 the NMMA – in an attempt to broaden its reach – expanded to the Discover Boating Minneapolis Boat Show with its Innovation Awards to include smaller fishing and electric 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. Minneapolis, with nearly 270 pontoons in the building this year, has become [the] pontoon show in the world!

As a member of Boating Writers International (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 at the Minneapolis Show, the NMMA Innovation Awards were announced to honor manufacturers and suppliers who bring new, innovative products to market for the recreational boating industry. The products are judged by a panel of marine writers who are all members of BWI.

There are five total categories including two that are specific to our niche in the boating industry: furnishings and pontoon boats. The other three categories are aluminum/non-fiberglass fishing boats, electric boats, and fiberglass fishing boats.

Below are the ten NMMA Innovation Award entrants (and winners) from the pontoon and furnishings categories that are a direct fit with our targeted audience as a publication.

Available in 25- and 27-foot configurations, what caught our eye as far as innovation is concerned was the contour of the exterior that could be mistaken for fiberglass, but is actually made with ABS, bonded with an acrylic skin laminated on it. The acrylic-ABS side panels provide a modern and unique design with a reinforced dual skin construction for increased resistance.

“The new contoured side panels with a dual-skin design are formed of smooth acrylic that is backed by an ABS structure,” said judge Charles Plueddeman. This material offers an outstanding finish and the opportunity to form complex shapes, is very durable and is lighter than fiberglass. It is the first time this construction has been featured in the marine industry.”

“The revamp of the Vogue for 2025 provides our customers modernized style, ease of convenience, and an affordable pontoon that is unlike anything we have ever brought to market,” said Rodier Grondin, president of Princecraft Boats. “We are thrilled to introduce this outstanding new product and look forward to bringing it to market.” (www.princecraft.com)

Barletta was a dual winner in the furnishings category for the functionality that is achieved through integrated microcontrollers that send digital signals to each LED, determining its color, brightness, and behavior. The addressable lighting is standard in the Barletta Reserve series, and it combined with its re-imagined helm design that truly teleports the user to a high-end luxury experience. (www.barlettaboats.com)

The Retractable Keeper Rail was developed to eliminate this trade-off. Merging style and security, this feature rail is designed to revolutionize usability and comfort on the water while affording a safer experience. This product proves practicality and aesthetics can go hand in hand. The result is a manual feature that is user-friendly for adults and children alike. It solves the choice of limiting floor plans and options and elevates the pontoon experience.

“Keeping aft seating passengers secure and comfortable, the Retractable Keeper Rail is now available on several models,” said judge Bill Gius. “The high polish, stainless steel rail and linked chain system easily clicks into place for running underway or slides out of the way with the operation of three locking pin sets, to allow for easy access on or off the aft lounge and voluminous swim platform area.” (www.benningtonmarine.com)

However, it’s Bennington’s proprietary Vivid UX Digital Control System that is offered as a standard feature that deserves some accolades. The on board technology supports advanced usability and control while underway with the digital dash and optimizes the performance of every system seamlessly. The M series merges what the manufacturer refers to as the ‘best of Bennington’ with bow to aft feature innovations, enhancing safety and amenities in a blend of design culminating in a pontoon that defines elite performance. (www.benningtonmarine.com)

Early adopters of electric boats often felt anxiety when it came to their experience and the reliability of being able to safely return to their dock. So Harris incorporated some additional features such as a house battery monitor in place of the traditional ignition switch. The multi-function display gives clear and easy-to-read data on speed and battery life to ensure a worry-free trip. An added electric trim plate allows boaters to trim the small motor from the helm just as they would a combustion engine, making the transition that much easier.

The electric model is built on the same platform as its other boat models so the open back deck space is possible by incorporating a cover plate over the motor pod to make the swim deck even more impressive. (www.harrisboats.com)

The integration of these polyethylene pieces offers significant weight reduction, making the boat easier to tow and more fuel-efficient. Additionally, the durable polyethylene material is resistant to scratches and dents, ensuring that the boat maintains its appearance and structural integrity over time.

This material also contributes to the boat’s cost-effectiveness, as it is less expensive to produce than traditional materials and requires less production line installation, allowing Sylvan to deliver affordability to the end consumer.

The design further minimizes noise and vibration, offering a quieter, more comfortable ride. Overall, the Sylvan A-series boats (starting at less than $25K) are a smart choice for those seeking durability, ease of transport, and an enhanced boating experience, all at an affordable price point. (www.sylvanmarine.com)

Premier outfitted Sunscape with many of its most popular premium features including a signature clear bow gate, soft-touch fabrics, and electronics from Clarion and Humminbird. Best of all, Sunscape is priced right (starting around $45K) and is backed by a 10-year, bow-to-stern warranty. Available in six different floor plans and in both two-tube and its exclusive triple PTX. (www.pontoons.com)

Two Garmin fish finders provide a window below the surface from both the bow and console of the pontoon. An integrated bow-mounted Garmin Force Kraken trolling motor suitable for both fresh and salt water helps get on the fish with pinpoint accuracy. The integrated storage offers room to spare when storing your trolling motor. The included quick-attach 68L LinQ cooler and livewell and integrated washdown system keep messes to a minimum.

Two fishing pedestal seats can be positioned anywhere on the deck depending on where the fish are biting. The Switch Fish has dedicated locking storage space to keep tackle and other valuables safe, as well as a separate quick-access rod storage compartment. (www.sea-doo.brp.com)

Premier Solaris RS Rear Social

This demand led to the new Solaris Rear Social floorplan – a versatile, entertainment-focused design that takes happy hour to an all-new level. Premier combined its Open Water Panels with a co-captain swing back lounger, a swing-back bench, an adjustable pedestal table with dual chairs that can be lowered to create an extended length lounge bed. Not to mention ample integrated storage, and plenty of cupholders all finished in its premium Premier Cool-Touch fabric. The manufacturer then took it a step further by adding even more ways to entertain with an integrated rear caddy featuring a pop-up flat screen lift assembly so you can cheer on your favorite team. That’s correct: an optional water-resistant television is available on the new Rear Social floorplan making it an ideal gathering spot whether you’re on the water or chilling at the marina. (www.pontoons.com)

Viaggio Vice President of Sales Andrew Stanfield demonstrates the standard height of its Potty Slide. The patent pending Potty Slide is an option that includes a dedicated storage location for the toilet and features a slide mechanism from Boat Outfitters.

Being a family-owned company, Viaggio intentionally designs its boats with families in mind. Its latest innovation is to ensure no one is left on shore – including those who may need access to a usable toilet.

The patent pending Potty Slide is an option that includes a dedicated storage location for the toilet and features a slide mechanism from Boat Outfitters, making it easy to slide the toilet in/out.

The toilet features a dry-flush design: after every flush, a foil liner wraps the waste (shielding it from odors), stores it in the bottom of the container, and replaces the liner for future use. The toilet is comparable in height to a standard toilet, making it easy for older family members to get on and off. (www.viaggiomarine.com)