2025 Minneapolis Innovation Award Winners Announced

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The Minneapolis Innovation Awards honor manufacturers and suppliers who bring new, innovative products in the boating industry to market. This year's program honored four Innovation Award winners across three categories - one in the aluminum and non-fiberglass fishing boats category, one in the pontoon category and two in the furnishings category.

"We're honored to present the 2025 Minneapolis Innovation Awards to this year's recipients, companies that are propelling our industry forward," noted Darren Envall, show manager. "We're excited to showcase these innovations and the dozens of other new marine products at the sold out 2025 Discover Boating Minneapolis Boat Show, providing attendees a premier boating marketplace to see and shop the best in boating, and get ready for life on the water."

In the aluminum and non-fiberglass fishing boat category, Smoker Craft received the Innovation Award for the Counter Package.

"The Smoker Craft Contour Package brings upscale, high quality, lake-like contour map paint graphics along with matching the SeaDek interior flooring trim designs. A step up from even the most contemporary decal designs, the paint schemes provide durability and eye-catching appeal to the line. Newly designed seating features the popular cool touch vinyl to help make the ride more comfortable," stated judge Bill Gius.

In the pontoon boat category, Princecraft was honored with the Innovation Award for the Vogue 25 RL.

"The Princecraft Vogue 25 RL introduces new contoured side panels with a dual-skin design formed of smooth acrylic that is backed by an ABS structure. This material offers an outstanding finish and the opportunity to form complex shapes, is very durable and is lighter than fiberglass. It is the first time this construction has been featured in marine," said judge Charles Plueddeman.

In the furnishings category, dual winners Barletta Boats received the Innovation Award for the Leggera Helm with Addressable Lighting, and Bennington received the Innovation Award for their Retractable Keeper Rail.

"Barletta's innovative application of the Shadow-Caster LED lighting system is showcased perfectly with its reimagined helm design that brings addressable lighting to a whole new level," said judge Brady Kay.

"Keeping aft seating passengers secure and comfortable, the Bennington Retractable Keeper Rail is now available on several models," said judge Bill Gius. "The high polish, stainless steel rail and linked chain system easily clicks into place for running underway or slides out of the way with the operation of three locking pin sets, to allow for easy access on or off the aft lounge and voluminous swim platform area."

Judges for the 2025 Minneapolis Innovation Awards are:

Brady Kay (Chair): Kay is the executive editor of Pontoon & Deck Boat magazine and has been at the helm of the publication for 25 years. During his tenure, Brady has tested and reviewed countless pontoon and deck boats, traveled to all 50 states for feature profiles, and has taken thousands of photos. He served three years as president of Boating Writers International.

Bill Gius: Gius has been in the marine industry for over three decades. He has worked in brand and product management at Pabst Brewing, Mercury Marine, Kohler Company, Turning Point Propellers and iboats.com. He owns "Country Consulting," a marine industry consulting firm recently retired from working with Great Lakes Marine Marketing, a long-standing, Midwest manufacturers rep company. Gius is also a contributing writer to Pontoon & Deck Boat magazine.

Charles Plueddeman: Plueddeman is a self-employed writer and photographer based in Wisconsin. A staff editor and contributor to Boating Magazine since 1986, he is the author of its "Off My Dock" column. His editorial work has appeared in many national publications, including Popular Mechanics, Men's Journal, Playboy, Popular Science, Cycle World, and Harley-Davidson Enthusiast. Charles is an avid road and mountain bicyclist and collects vintage Arctic Cat snowmobiles.