Kudos to Fisheries for this ambitious project, and thanks for letting me be a part of it. Innovation is alive and well in the boating world, and there were a tremendous number of worthy products. The winners may have been announced at Pacific Marine Expo, but you probably want to check them out at the Seattle Boat Show, Fisheries Supply or your local chandlery or outfitter. 
Seattle, WA-November 25, 2014 – 15 products including The Big Tuna Grand Prize winner were recognized at Fisheries Supply first annual Innovation Award show following the opening of the Pacific Marine Expo at Safeco Field in Seattle on November 19. Fisheries Supply sought the help of marine media, brokers, etailer, builders and boatyard industry experts to judge the Innovation Awards program. Awards were given to products that differentiate from the competition, provide value and fill a need in the marine industry. The Fisheries Supply Choice Award was selected by Fisheries Supply employees.
The winning products in the remaining categories were selected from 91 entries by the following panel of 2014 Innovation Awards judges:
• Sam Devlin, Devlin Boat Builders
• Rolando Sando, Seaview Boatyard.
• Michael Collins, 48 Degrees North
• Kurt Hoehne, Northwest Yachting Magazine
• Jeremiah Jewell, CSR Boat Yard
• Patti Šegulja-Lau, Dunatos
• Bly Berken, Sailboatowners.com
• Tori Parrott, Signature Sailing
• Ted Pike, Edensaw Woods, Wooden Boat Magazine
• David Farber, Fisheries Supply
• Robert Farber, Fisheries Supply
2014 Fisheries Supply Innovation Award winners are:
MATE USA, Electronic Water Sensor Pump
The Big Tuna Grand Prize Winner & Plumbing: MATE USA, Electronic Water Sensor Pump
Anchor & Docking: MATE USA, Sphaera Rub Rail
Clothing: Sperry Top-Sider, H2O Escape Bungee Shoe
Coatings: Sea Hawk Yacht Finishes, Hawk Epoxy
Electrical: Marinco, EZ-Mount Battery Switch
Electronics: Hubbell, USB Charger Receptacle
Engine Room: Parker Racor, SNAPP Marine Fuel Filter
Fishing: Scotty, 2500 Line Puller
Galley: Dometic, Drawer Refrigerator
Lighting: Caframo, JOI Lamp
Marine Hardware: Taco Marine, Seaspension Shock-Mitigation Pedestal
Maintenance: Mirka, Deros Brushless Orbital Sander
Safety: Kent, Rogue Life Vest
Sailboat: Profurl, Spinex Top Down Spinnaker Furler
Fisheries Supply Choice Award: Trimaco, E-Z Floor Guards
For more details on all the winners, click here.
