Newport, R.I. – Newport Exhibition Group, owners and producers of the Newport International Boat Show, have announced the results of this year’s Newport For New Products Awards. Judged on Thursday during the show’s opening day and announced at an awards ceremony on Friday, Sept. 13, 2019. The 14th-annual NFNP winners are:
Best New Electronics Product. Garmin GPSMAP 86SCI. Garmin’s description: Cast off confidentially with this premium, floating handheld that features a sunlight-readable 3” color display w/preloaded BlueChart g3 charts. Stay in touch with inReach satellite communication capabilities, 2-way text messaging and interactive SOS. Share your position using GPS -based location tracking and stream boat data from compatible chartplotters / instruments wirelessly.
Best New Boating Operation Maintenance or Safety Product. UGO Tablet. Manufacturer’s description: ugo Tablet & ugo Tablet XL the most reliable dry bag on the planet! Our patented waterproof, airtight design uses a diver’s dry suit zipper that keeps your Tablet dry, cool, insulated & protected from salt and sea air! The Tablet is fully functional while inside & there is plenty of room to carry your papers, phones, cards, passports and medications. Best of all ugo floats, so lose your worries, not your tablet!
Best New Wearable Weather Gear. Helly Hansen HP Racing Mid-Layer Jacket. Helly Hansen’s description: Completely waterproof and seam sealed, made with “Liftaloft” insulating technology. Jacket has full stretch construction, a warming fleece collar and hand warmer pockets. Highly technical and versatile, a favorite everyday jacket with an authentic marine style.
Best New Sailboat 35 Feet and Over. Gunboat 68. Gunboat’s description: Designed for safe, fast, world-cruising, with no compromise on performance, luxury, equipment and comfort. Integrating the DNA of Gunboat and over 17 years of developments within the fleet with top industry technology and expertise, the 68 is truly a step-change in the evolution of the brand.
Best New Sailboat Under 35 Feet. Rosewest Boatyard Cape Cod Day Sailer. Rosewest’s description: An elegant and exceptional 29’ Day Sailer with a subtle combination of classic lines and modern materials for epicurean sailors. Semi-custom built in Bordeaux, France.
Best New Powerboat 35 Feet and Over. MJM 53Z. MJM Yacht’s description: Quad outboards give the MJM 53z the benefits of a small boat; fast, sporty fun, with easy handling and maintenance. Dual master suites below and room for a party of 10 on her flush deck. Advanced epoxy composite construction, side access doors, Seakeeper gyrostabilizer, fully-opening powered windshields. Enjoy all-weather cruising with a smooth ride offshore.
Best New Powerboat Under 35 Feet. Solace 345. Mnufacturer’s description: Its patented “FishThru” transom will give the fisherman and family more space and comfort. Listed as a 34 footer, the FishThru adds five feet of usable space for a LOA of 38 feet. A spacious cabin, second station, retracting hydraulic swim platform, and convertible elements complete the 345.
People’s Choice Award. Vicem 65. Vicem’s description: Jessica is a custom 65 Vicem classic. Her sleek exterior lines keep the classic downeast style while her interior is totally new with 3 staterooms, three heads plus crew quarters. Twin Volvo diesels give a top speed in the mid 20’s with the unmatched sea keeping qualities you only find with a cold molded composite hul
Green Award. Elixir Enamel Topside Paint by Jamestown Distributors. Jamestown’s description: Eco-friendly, versatile marine-grade enamel for use above the waterline on exterior & interior surfaces. Ideal for topsides, coamings, bulkheads, cabin ceilings, lockers, etc. Washable finish resists fading. Low-odor, low VOC water-based formula dries fast w/ soap & water cleanup.
A highlight of the industry, NFNP entries were open to domestic and foreign products launched in the U.S. after April 1, 2019 that made their boat show debut at Newport. Show attendees selected the People’s Choice Award winner; all other category winners were selected by a team of industry experts on the basis of innovation, value to the consumer, safety and aesthetics.
