The METS (Marine Equipment Trade Show) is a show unknown to the general public. Normal, it is a trade show that takes place every year in Amsterdam and brings together more than 1300 exhibitors, only boat equipment manufacturers! Over 3 days (this year on November 17, 18 and 19, 2015), there is a feverish atmosphere of work under the huge halls.
For the exhibiting brands, it is an opportunity to discover new retailers. For the dealers, it's the opportunity to get new cards. And for us journalists, it's an opportunity to discover the world's new equipment and to share it with you.
Each year, the DAME (Design Award Marine Equipment) competition is held at the show to recognize the most innovative product of the year. Only manufacturers present at the show can apply (only companies created during the year are missing). This year, the DAME celebrates its 25th anniversary e anniversary. An opportunity to look back at the 25 winners.
1991 : GPS Pyxis by Sony
It is the first portable GPS that offers the characteristics expected of an outdoor model: compact, functional, portable and waterproof. A real revolution for the time, which today makes you smile, given the number of GPS units on board our modern devices.
1992: Autohelm ST 2000
The Autohelm ST 2000 tiller pilot was appreciated for its compactness with its integrated fluxgate compass. The ease of use with its 6 control buttons and LCD screen were also appreciated by the jury. Today, this brand has disappeared, but is still sold by Raymarine.
1993 : Lewmar Racing Pulley
More than the open pulley, of which other competing models already existed in 1993, it was the bayonet lock design that stood out on this Lewmar pulley model. These pulleys which combine ball bearings and rollers are still on sale todayâeuros¦
1994 : Gori 3-blade folding propeller
Gori is the first to launch a 3-blade folding propeller followed by other manufacturers. This model has 4 operating modes: folded (sailing), forward, reverse and over drive.
1995 : Harken flexible reel
The Harken furler allows you to furl headsails and then lower them. Its quality of construction and assembly have also won awards.
1996 : Autohelm ST80
The entire Autohelm navigation system won the 1996 award. Its menu system with icons makes navigation easier. The overall quality of the product and its integration capability were also noted.
1997 : Wichard double safety carabiner
This carabiner used for safety harnesses with a lanyard is equipped with a double safety. It is impossible to open the finger without pressing the blue plastic part with your hand. The simplicity of the design ensures that this carabiner still works perfectly 10 years later.
1998 : Davit
Very light composite davit which replaces the traditional stainless steel davits. The winch part has also been very well done. But alas this company does not exist anymore at this dayâ?¦
1999 : Spinlock PX cleat
In a very competitive market where it was thought that there was nothing left to invent, Spinlock proposed in 1999 the PX cleat. Designed for small loads, it fits on all small sailboats.
2000 : Radar with Raytheon color screen
The color invites itself on the LCD screens. The image gains quality and the reading is easier. These radars RL80Cet RL80CRC are part of a complete range with interaction between the devices.
2001 Henri Lloyd TP3
One jacket and one pair of pants won awards for their use of TP3 fabric, a new "dry yarn technology" with ceramic particles. The ensembles are light to wear and very permeable to air and water.
2002 : G326 Magic crane
This crane folds up to be stored under an aesthetic cocoon. This crane is designed for motorized units that carry toys on their decks. Often unsightly, these cranes need to be hidden. It is done with this model.
2003: Micronet wireless Tactick
The Tactick wireless technology between the devices and the sensors associated with small solar panels to power the very low consumption devices is a revolution. Despite this DAMe, this English brand will not succeed in breaking through and was bought by Raymarine (which continues to produce these high-performance products under its brand).
2004 : Gennaker furler RLG Bamar
The Bamar headsail furler is designed for high-end units. Indeed, this model which furls the sails from below can receive a motor under the deck to automate the maneuver. A tendency to make the access to the sail easier.
2005 : Electric thruster EPS
This electric thruster avoids the use of mechanical parts that require maintenance not always easy. Here the blades are in a cage and the electric motor is around the cage. A configuration that we find on some tidal turbines today.
2006 : Lewmar One Touch winch crank
This winch handle is both simple and functional. It is exactly what the design calls for. While until now it took 2 hands to extract a crank from the winch, now only one hand is needed with a very logical and fluid gesture. Today, the big brands have all copied this modelâeuros¦
2007 : Opacmare teak lounge chair
With its electric motors, this lounge chair spreads out on the front deck and disappears during the navigation. At anchor, it adapts to the crew. At only 7.5 cm thick, it does not take up space in the cabins below deck.
2008: Steyr hybrid drive
This "wafer" which is inserted between the motor and the inverter offers many functions. It is above all an electric motor for the propulsion of the boat. But it can also be used to start the diesel engine. If necessary, it can also provide a boost for the diesel. The icing on the cake is that this additional electric motor extends the overall length of the engine by only 10 cm.
2009: Flir night vision camera
this small directional camera integrates a very high sensitivity sensor which allows a very powerful night vision. Directional and controllable with a joystick from the bridge, this camera offers an unequalled vision for the commanders of large units.
2010 : Selden reversible winch
Selden offers an innovative winch that can be trimmed by turning the crank, without removing the rope from the self-tailer. The manual version of the winch revolutionizes the way of sailing, as there are now servo systems that can automatically trim the sails.
2011 : Hublot SMC
Instead of using a traditional hinge that opens the window, making it take up space in the cabin (which is annoying for the curtains in particular), this window pivots along the bulkhead. An idea undoubtedly good, but which did not allow the company to surviveâeuros¦
2012: Torqeedo electric outboard motor
The German manufacturer Torqeedo is taking the lead with its generation of high-performance outboard motors. It offers a fully integrated complete solution, including motor and batteries.
2013 : Sleipner stabilizer
Often installed as standard on large boats, stabilizers work both when sailing and at anchor. With a curved shape, the Sleipner stabilizer improves operation by limiting drag. Ultra-flat, it can also be easily adapted to a hull.
2014: Jefa bar system
This Jefa system, designed for two boaters, eliminates the need for bulky helm areas and reduces the space dedicated to the helm system (and therefore its weight at the same time). A product designed for sailboat builders.
