MasterCraft Boats has received the coveted NMMA Innovation Award for the second year in a row. This year, MasterCraft Boats was presented the award at the 2011 Miami International Boat Show for its pioneering technology found in its newest tower offering, the ZeroFlex Tower 5p or Power Tower, which raises up and down electrically with a flip of a switch. Only a total of 12 marine manufacturers were honored for innovative achievement by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and Boating Writers International (BWI).
The Innovation Awards recognize products that best meet the following criteria: innovative distinction from other products being made; benefit to the marine industry and/or the consumer; practicality; cost-effectiveness; and availability to the consumer within 60 days of receiving the award.
“We had an outstanding group of entries this year and saw innovations that are sure to pave the way for boating industry advancement,” said Zuzana Prochazka, Innovation Awards judge and president of the BWI board of directors. “The judges were impressed with the depth of products submitted this year, needing to select multiple winners in two categories, and are looking forward to what the future of the industry has in store for boaters.”
The Power Tower was submitted for its innovative, yet pragmatic ability to raise and lower to three different positions with a simple flip of a switch, allowing the owner to adjust tower height to meet any of several needs, including going under low bridges, storage or lowering the optional tower bimini for optimal protection.
“This is a smartly designed, well-built tower of power that looks like mechanical muscle,” said Jack Horner, a naval architect, certified marine surveyor, and contributor to BoatUS, SpinSheet, Offshore, Sailing, and Chesapeake Bay magazines.
“Without a doubt, MasterCraft is honored to receive this award for the second year in a row,” says Jason Boertje, MasterCraft marketing director. “We know there are a lot of claims of innovation so an award like this affirms we truly are who we say we are — leaders of innovation.”
