The International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference started yesterday with the Industry Breakfast at the JW Marriott Water Street in Tampa, Fla.
Show director Mary Velline officially opened the show.
“Ours is a diverse industry drawing strength from a global community of innovators and skilled professionals,” she said. “Most of us look on quietly, learning from our own successes and from those of our neighbors, and once a year we come together at IBEX to share our challenges and work our way forward. And these few days give us a powerful boost of new ideas, fresh energy. It’s where we encounter innovative ideas and new voices, and that propels us forward. Questions get answered. Problems get solved. Skills get sharpened. Challenges get accepted, friendships are cultured, and futures get launched.”
National Marine Manufacturers Association president and CEO Frank Hugelmeyer delivered his State of the Industry address, which Trade Only Today reported on yesterday.
The NMMA Hall of Fame Award was presented to Chris-Craft president and CEO Stephen Heese and Patrick Industries’ Marine Group strategic advisor and past president Rick Reyenger.
“I never imagined I’d be here one day accepting this award,” Heese said. “All I ever wanted to do is to build beautiful boats that fulfill the promise of the Chris-Craft brand. I work with some of the most passionate people on the planet who have defined our brand for over 50 years. While I’m proud of all the boats we built, I am more proud of the team that built them and of the craftsmen and women, the engineers, designers, marketers, salespeople and all our support staff. You’ve made this journey an honor.”
Added Reyenger: “I started my career 1978 and had the opportunity to work in all facets of the industry, and every step of the way, I’ve been blessed to be associated with some incredible people. There are so many of you sitting here this morning that I’ve crossed paths with during my career. I want you to know how grateful I am to have been associated with each of you and the way you influence our industry in return.”
Mark Goodman, president of the National Marine Representatives Association, presented the Mel Barr Award, which was created in memory of the independent rep, who was was one of the founders of the NMRA and its first president.
This year’s recipient is Steve Tilders, a 50-year industry innovator and marketer best known for his work at BoatLIFE and Rule Industries.
Kevin O’Connor, host of the PBS series This Old House, delivered the keynote address, comparing the construction trades to the boatbuilding industry. He spoke about the importance of getting young people involved in the trades, and the meaningfulness of mentorship in bringing new talent into the fold. Additionally, O’Connor highlighted the importance of embracing technology, not shying away from it, whether it’s in building houses or producing boats.
The Marine Industry Lifetime Achievement Award was posthumously given to Carl Herndon, who died in December 2023. Herndon was perhaps best known as the founder of Blackfin Yachts and Jupiter Marine, and president of Bertram Yachts. His contributions left a lasting imprint on marine manufacturing, from pioneering offshore fishing boats to revitalizing iconic brands.
“My father dedicated his life to building boats, companies and people,” said Carisa Albrecht, Herndon’s daughter and chief executive officer of Jupiter Marine International. “He believed that integrity, craftsmanship and mentorship were just as important as innovation, and he never wavered in his commitment to those values. Seeing him honored with this award is a meaningful reminder of the legacy he leaves behind, not just in the boats he built, but in the many lives he touched throughout the marine industry.”
The IBEX Innovation Awards were presented next. Soundings Trade Only senior editor David Conway reports on the program in a separate story for today’s newsletter.
There were a number of product launches throughout IBEX opening day. Navico Group’s Simrad brand announced its entry into autonomous boating with AutoCaptain, with capabilities that include docking, undocking and close-quarters maneuvering.
“With the introduction of AutoCaptain, we are rounding out Brunswick’s ACES strategy by delivering true autonomy, starting with one of the most challenging aspects of boating — docking,” said Aine Denari, Navico Group executive vice president and president, and Brunswick chief technology officer. “As the first solution to be commercialized under the ‘autonomy’ pillar of ACES, AutoCaptain marks a major milestone in our innovation journey. This system takes the stress out of close-quarters maneuvering, allowing boaters to focus on enjoying their time on the water.”
Denari added that “this is just the beginning. The same hardware platform will support an expanding suite of autonomous features that will be rolled out via software updates, enhancing the boating experience by making it more accessible and intuitive for everyone,” she said.
Dometic Marine launched five products, one of which won an Innovation Award, the CSX cooling system. The company also launched the Optimus Compact Helm, W-Series VacuMAX wall holding tank, GVTX 48VDC air conditioner and a DC power manager.
Suzuki Marine and Vetus announced a partnership to ensure compatibility between Vetus Bow Pro thrusters and Suzuki’s DF350AMD and DF300BMD outboards. The companies will integrate engines, steering and thruster controls through a single joystick interface.
“We are proud to support Suzuki Marine with proven thruster solutions that integrate seamlessly with joystick systems to deliver precise, confident control,” said Christopher DeBoy, president of Vetus Maxwell U.S. “Our Bow Pro thruster technology offers smooth, proportional response — ideal for tight-quarters maneuvering and low-speed docking. We look forward to growing this collaboration and supporting future integrations that continue to elevate the on-water experience.”
IBEX continues through Thursday afternoon. Look for additional reporting from the show in tomorrow’s Trade Only Today e-newsletter.
