NMEA Names 2025 Product of Excellence Award Winners
Marine electronics are necessary onboard both for safety and convenience. Every year the National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) hosts a conference and expo that brings together marine electronics manufacturers, dealers, distributors, and installers from around the world. In addition to seminars and training for NMEA dealers and installers, new electronics products are examined and judged by experts in the field. Winners of the 2025 Product of Excellence Awards, which honor the most innovative products in the marine electronics industry, were recently named.
NMEA members and certified marine electronics installers vote on the awards, which span categories ranging from navigation and safety equipment to entertainment and communications technology. This year’s winners are:
- Fishfinder: Garmin GSD 28 High-Powered Sonar Module
- Radar: Furuno DRS4DNXT Solid-State Doppler Radar
- Autopilot: Garmin Reactor 40 Hydraulic Corepack with SmartPump v2 with GHC50
- Multi-Function Display (MFD): Garmin GPSMAP 9227 Premium 27-inch Chartplotter
- Satellite Communications: Garmin inReach Messenger Plus SOS Satellite Communicator
- VHF Radio: Icom IC-M510 EVO
- Live Sonar: Furuno CSH8LMK2 Full-Circle Scanning Sonar
- Automatic Identification System (AIS): Garmin Cortex M1
- NMEA 2000® Interface: Actisense NGX-1 (ISO & USB)
- Wi-Fi / Cellular Device: Wave WiFi Tidal Wave
- Sonar Omni SL: Furuno CSH10 Omni Sonar
- Entertainment: Fusion Apollo RA770 Marine Stereo
- Camera: FLIR M364C Marine Camera System
- Monitoring System: GOST Specter Ai
- Display: Seatronx PHT-19 Pilot House Touchscreen Display
- Safety Product: Garmin inReach Mini 2 Marine Bundle SOS Satellite Communicator
- Commercial Product: Furuno FAR2228NXTBB 600W X-Band Solid-State IMO Radar
- Software: Nobeltec TimeZero Professional v5
- Specialty Product: Garmin quatix 8 Marine GPS Smartwatch
- Technology Award: OhNoH2o WIF-Pro
- Best New Product: Digital Yacht BilgeIQ
Overview of the winning products
Garmin GSD 28 High-Powered Sonar Module
Garmin’s GSD 28 brings unmatched deep-water performance with next-generation CHIRP technology and powerful signal processing. Designed for serious anglers, it delivers precise, high-definition returns at incredible depths — turning every sonar ping into a picture of what lies beneath.
https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/880646/pn/010-02797-00
Furuno DRS4DNXT Solid-State Doppler Radar
Furuno’s DRS4DNXT radar offers cutting-edge Doppler technology in a compact, solid-state unit. Its target tracking and motion analysis provide crystal-clear situational awareness in all conditions, giving boaters a new level of safety and confidence on the water.
https://www.furunousa.com/en/products/drs4dnxt
Garmin Reactor 40 Hydraulic Autopilot with SmartPump v2 and GHC 50
This advanced autopilot system pairs Garmin’s precision Reactor 40 steering with the efficient SmartPump v2 and GHC 50 control display. It delivers seamless course holding, intelligent adaptability, and smooth hydraulic performance — ideal for both long passages and when maneuvering.
https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/640242/pn/010-00705-78
Garmin GPSMAP 9227 Premium 27-inch Chartplotter
A commanding 27-inch full-HD display anchors the bridge with the Garmin GPSMAP 9227. With lightning-fast processing, seamless chart integration, and network control, it’s the ultimate hub for navigation, radar, sonar, and vessel management.
https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/794157/pn/010-02676-01
Garmin inReach Messenger Plus SOS Satellite Communicator
Stay connected beyond cellular coverage with Garmin’s inReach Messenger Plus. Offering two-way global messaging, SOS emergency response, and seamless integration with mobile devices, it’s the lifeline for adventurers who go truly off-grid and ideal for cruisers that run offshore.
https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/1191310/pn/010-02887-00
Icom IC-M510 EVO VHF Radio
The Icom IC-M510 EVO sets a new standard for marine communication. Featuring built-in Wi-Fi remote control, digital noise cancellation, and seamless integration with onboard systems, it delivers reliable, crystal-clear comms when it matters most. Enhanced features include a 25-watt hailer with listen-back and fog signals, as well as the ability to use the RMS500 app to wirelessly control the radio’s functions from up to three smart devices onboard. You can transmit using a smartphone as a wireless microphone and an intercom between devices.
https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-M510_evo
Furuno CSH8LMK2 Full-Circle Scanning Sonar
This professional-grade sonar delivers instant 360° underwater visibility for fishing and navigation. The CSH8LMK2’s fast sweep rate and high-definition target separation make it a favorite among commercial captains and serious sportfishers alike.
https://www.furunousa.com/en/products/csh8lmk2
Garmin Cortex M1 AIS System
The Garmin Cortex M1 combines an AIS transponder, smart boat monitoring, and real-time collision avoidance in one compact hub. It delivers a new level of awareness, safety, and connectivity for today’s intelligent marine networks.
https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/902860/pn/010-02815-20
Actisense NGX-1 NMEA 2000® Gateway (ISO & USB)
The Actisense NGX-1 simplifies integration between NMEA 2000 networks and PCs or laptops. With both ISO and USB versions, it’s the gold-standard bridge for data logging, diagnostics, and marine software connectivity.
Wave WiFi Tidal Wave
Wave WiFi’s Tidal Wave provides high-speed, long-range internet for vessels of all sizes. With cellular and dual-band Wi-Fi capability, it keeps crews connected whether dockside, offshore, or underway. It can also be easily connected to satellite systems, including Starlink.
https://www.wavewifi.com/product/tidal-wave/
Furuno CSH10 Omni Sonar
Furuno’s CSH10 Omni Sonar provides continuous 360° real-time imaging of the water column. Ideal for professional and commercial use, its precision and range give operators a decisive advantage in locating and tracking fish or underwater targets.
https://www.furunousa.com/en/products/csh10
Fusion Apollo RA770 Marine Stereo
Fusion’s flagship Apollo RA770 is the world’s first marine stereo with Wi-Fi streaming, digital signal processing, and touchscreen control. Delivering concert-quality sound and seamless connectivity, it redefines onboard entertainment.
https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/595303
FLIR M364C Marine Camera System
The FLIR M364C combines thermal and low-light imaging for unmatched visibility, day or night. With gyro-stabilization and color thermal overlay, it enhances situational awareness for navigation and safety in all conditions.
https://marine.flir.com/en-us/marine-cameras/fixed-mount/flir-m364c
GOST Specter AI Vessel Monitoring System
GOST Specter AI offers advanced security and monitoring for yachts and commercial vessels. Through AI-enabled alerts and remote access, it provides real-time oversight of vessel status, movement, and onboard systems.
Seatronx PHT-19 Pilot House Touchscreen Display
The Seatronx PHT-19 brings commercial-grade reliability and crisp touchscreen clarity to navigation stations. Designed for demanding marine environments, it’s the perfect interface for helm control and system monitoring.
https://seatronx.com/products/displays/marine-displays/pht-srt-marine-display-series
Garmin inReach Mini 2 Marine Bundle
Compact yet powerful, the Garmin inReach Mini 2 offers two-way satellite communication and SOS functionality in a rugged, marine-ready bundle. It’s the essential safety tool for offshore and remote adventures.
https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/765374
Furuno FAR2228NXTBB 600W X-Band Solid-State IMO Radar
A true commercial-grade radar, the FAR2228NXTBB delivers superb target detection and reliability through solid-state X-band technology. Designed to meet IMO standards, it ensures precision and dependability for professional operations.
https://www.furunousa.com/en/products/far2228nxtbb
Nobeltec TimeZero Professional v5 Software
TimeZero Pro v5 sets the benchmark for marine navigation software. With advanced chart plotting, weather integration, and 3D data visualization, it’s the preferred choice for captains who demand accuracy and performance.
https://mytimezero.com/tz-professional
Garmin quatix 8 Marine GPS Smartwatch
The Garmin quatix 8 connects wearers directly to their boat systems, charts, and health data. Built for the marine lifestyle, it blends luxury materials with rugged endurance and full Garmin Marine integration.
https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/1908596/pn/010-02904-50
OhNoH2o WIF-Pro (Technology Award Winner)
Winner of the Technology Award, the OhNoH2o WIF-Pro introduces smart water intrusion detection for a variety of motors and fuel filters using Wi-Fi connectivity. Compact, simple, and dependable — it’s next-generation peace of mind for every vessel.
Digital Yacht BilgeIQ (Best New Product)
Named Best New Product, BilgeIQ is a smart bilge monitoring system that tracks water levels and pump activity via mobile alerts. It brings digital intelligence to one of boating’s most critical safety systems.
https://digitalyacht.net/2025/09/29/bilge-iq-sneak-peek
In addition, industry honors were awarded to CWR Wholesale Distribution (Distributor of the Year), Actisense (Manufacturer of the Year, Level 1 & 2, with fewer than 50 employees), and Garmin (Manufacturer of the Year, Level 3, with more than 50 employees).
“These awards showcase the very best in marine electronics technology,” said Mark Reedenauer, NMEA president and executive director. “Every year, our members and certified installers select products that they trust and rely on to deliver performance, safety, and innovation on the water.”
Founded in 1957, the NMEA develops technical standards for marine electronics, including the widely used NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000® data protocols, as well as certification programs for marine electronics technicians.
More information is available at www.NMEA.org.
