Innovation Awards

[GordMay]

2006 IBEX Innovation Awards

Ten manufacturers received awards for innovative products at the annual industry breakfast at IBEX. The awards, sponsored by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and judged by Boating Writers International (BWI), are judged by their innovative distinction, benefit to the marine industry and/or consumer; practicality; cost-effectiveness; and availability to the consumer within 60 days of award receipt. Fifty-five new products were entered in this year's IBEX awards program.
Goto: http://www.marine-plus.com/news/nmma06/11/03.html

[GordMay]

The One Touch Winch Handle, by Lewmar, was selected from five category winners in this, the 16th running of the DAME Awards, which is open to all exhibitors at the METS exhibition. The four other products that were highlighted by an international jury of designers, naval architects, consultants and experienced boat users were the Tracvision M3 marine satellite TV system from KVH Europe of Denmark in the Marine Electronics category; the Coolmatic CR Compressor Refridgerators range from Waeco of Germany in the Interior Equipment, Furnishing, Materials and Electrical Fittings section; the Suction Pump Out Nozzle with Splash Guard from Edson International of the USA in the Marina, Boatyard and Equipment Used To Construct Boats category and the Enclosed Shaft System from Seatorque Control Systems of the USA, submitted by Barrow International of the UK in the Propulsion, Machinery, Electrical and Mechanical Systems section.

This year's DAME competition attracted a total of 166 products from 136 companies, of which 74 were shortlisted for final consideration. The Jury also elected to use its Innovation Award this year and this was presented to Torqeedo of Germany for its Travel fully integrated electric outboard motor.

Commenting on the One Touch Winch Handle, the Dame jury stated that it is "Elegant in concept, aesthetically pleasing, strong on detail design, well executed, effective and a great step forward...it ticked all of the essential DAME boxes and is therefore a worthy winner."

[CFR]

Short info about 2 season use of lewmar one touch handle. The handle is NOT usable for serious sailors. I used it maybe 50 days on a lewmar 55 Winch and 60 sqm genoa and the handle and bearing already wera out and gave 2-3 mm paly in the handle. After checking internal you can found very poor engineering ie. there are no bearing support in the handle and the bearing can not be retightend etc. I send back to Lewmar within guarantee time BUT they refused to change because i openened the handle and " damaged " it.

No comment but def. lewmar is out for any new parts on my boat. i have 25 years old lewmar handle which are perfoming good but they are heavy and and i liked the one touch idea.