While the IBEX innovation award judges are busy deciding this year’s winners (check back next week for the results), here are three nominees that caught our attention. Admittedly, IBEX skews toward the powerboat side, but there was plenty or gear, gadgets, and technology that could easily be used on a sailboat.
Rapid Patch
This low viscosity adhesive for repairing gel coat scratches and blemishes advertises a fast cure time and is sandable in 20 minutes.
Prairie Technology Group, 512-846-2444, www.prairietechgroup.com
Fuel Deck Filler Gauge
Keep track of how much diesel is in the tank with Offshore Systems’ digital LED Fuel Deck Filler Gauge. Also displays the fuel tank capacity on the boat’s existing instruments.
Offshore Systems UK/Ocean Equipment, 949-588-1470, www.oceanequipment.com
Virtual Lifeline II “Guardian”
While naturally more of a powerboat device, this system is designed to reduce injuries from both falls overboard and propeller strikes and could find use on any number of motorsailers. Simply, when someone goes over and the wireless beacon becomes submerged, the boat’s engine is cut. While a manual override is built in, the “Guardian” is designed to remain off until the MOB is rescued. It can also be connected to the swim ladder–the engine stays off until the ladder is up. MariTech Industries, 888-755-7767, www.powerboatsafety.com
Click here to see who was on the panel of judges
