Dame Award: Winners of the METSTrade innovation competition

As every year, METS Trade was the occasion to reward the innovations of equipment manufacturers in the marine industry. Here's a look at the 2023 results.

Oceanvolt overall winner of the DAME Award

The jury for the DAME Award 2023 has announced the winners from the 53 candidates shortlisted for the final phase of the innovation competition for marine equipment manufacturers. For its 32nd edition, the members chose as the overall winner the ServoProp 25, saildrive electric motor from Finnish manufacturer Oceanvolt this decision reflects the proliferation of electric motorization solutions seen on the METSTrade aisles.

The ServoProp 25 offers 25 kW of electric saildrive power, higher than the market average, opening up electrification to sailboats from 45 to 70 feet, without the need for a shaft line. According to the manufacturer, the variable-pitch propeller generates 5 kW at 10 knots.

10 category winners

In each category, the DAME Award went to one or more pieces of equipment.

Vimar wins the DAME Electricité et Electronique award for its Linea XT range. According to the jury, these digital switches combine aesthetics and functionality. Configurable, they incorporate local sensors and can be programmed to limit backlight consumption.

The deck equipment category saw two ex-aequo winners. Firstly, Harken for its captive push-pull winches, which simultaneously manage two lines in winding and unwinding. Used vertically or horizontally, they can be used to operate foils as well as superyacht platforms, saving space. The second winner is Ronstan for its Orbit Winch whose self-tailoring system provides precision shock-absorbing.

Zhik Seaboot 700 boots, presented by French retailer Plastimo, have won the DAME award for personal equipment. These lightweight, breathable and comfortable boots were developed by the Australian brand in collaboration with Michelin for the sole.

Raymarine wins DAME navigation and communication award for its Alpha Performance displays. These 7" and 9" touchscreen models, compatible with multifunction displays for remote management, are ideal for use at the foot of the mast.

Scanstrut's Atmos 12V offers DAME comfort and leisure on board. It's an integrated station for inflating on-board accessories, from paddles to kayaks. Its pump meets low-pressure requirements up to 20 psi.

SpotZero has won an award for its Mobile Pro Mini water purifier in the dockside equipment and materials category. This compact reverse osmosis unit can be used to purify water when filling on-board tanks, or for occasional cleaning. It can fill up to 500 liters in an hour.

The DAME Safety on Board award goes to Hall Spars for its LiMit Collar. This shroud foot connector houses a concealed fuse to protect boats with composite and metal rigs in the event of lightning strikes.

Maservis' ECOcube has won the latest environmental design award for its solar pontoon, made from natural fibers, which collects waste and black water, while providing water from a desalinizer.

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