The National Marine Manufacturers Association and Boating Writers International have named the winners of the 2026 Minneapolis Innovation Awards, a programme spotlighting standout new consumer marine products that make genuine advances in design, performance, and the overall experience of being on the water.
Presented during a newly introduced Breakfast Briefing and Awards Presentation at the Discover Boating Minneapolis Boat Show, held in partnership with Progressive Insurance, the awards recognise manufacturers and suppliers who bring meaningful innovation to market. Six awards were handed out across four categories: aluminium and non fibreglass fishing boats, fibreglass fishing boats, pontoon boats, and furnishings.
In the aluminium and non fibreglass fishing boat category, Princecraft took the award for the Platinum 190. Panel chair Brady Kay singled out the model's bold silhouette and cut bow, which creates additional usable stern space and gives this 19 foot boat the feel of a much larger platform.
Vexus claimed the fibreglass fishing boat award with the DVX23s. Judges pointed to an innovative livewell design, a refined stern layout, and the model's patented Petestep hull, with the flagship's build quality and attention to detail also drawing praise.
Two winners emerged from the furnishings category. Barletta Boats earned recognition for its 2026 Lusso 25UA Seakeeper collaboration, which introduces digitally controlled trim technology to the pontoon segment. Premier Marine was honoured for its Command Anchor system, a digitally controlled Delta plough anchor that deploys and retracts cleanly into an integrated locker, removing a long-standing pain point for pontoon owners.
The pontoon category also produced two winners. Godfrey received an Innovation Award for the Sanpan, with the panel recognising its power options, controls, comfort, electronics, and sound systems. Viaggio was honoured for the Lago Z24B, where the detail of execution caught the judges' attention, including generous seating, an electric grill, illuminated cup holders, and a fully functional galley designed for family boating.
Judging for the 2026 Innovation Awards was carried out by a panel of experienced marine journalists and industry specialists, chaired by Brady Kay and including Robert Beringer and Bill Gius.
