An annual industry highlight of the Newport International Boat Show is its “Newport for New Products” Awards program. Entries were open to domestic and foreign products that were national launched after April 1, 2025 and made their boat show debut at the Newport show, which kicks off the fall boat show season and gives boaters a first-look at new technology and offerings to improve their experience on the water. All category winners were selected by a panel of industry experts based on innovation, customer value, safety and aesthetics, and their comments for each winner reflect a theme this year: enjoyment, efficiency and scale. This year’s winner’s list includes the following entries.
Best New Powerboat Under 45-feet and Best New Boat Overall—Hinckley Yachts Picnic Boat 39
“With jet drives and an intuitive JetStick 4, this boat knows what you want it to do and does it. A purposeful day boat, this model offers the first picnic boat with an enjoyable forward seating area with easy walkthrough access. They’re simply incorporating an impressive amount of innovation, without losing classic Hinckley roots in style and design, making the Picnic 39 ready to stand the test of time.”
Best New Sailboat Overall—Lagoon Catamarans Lagoon 38
“An answer to a gap in the market, the Lagoon 38 brings bigger things to smaller packages, offering a lot of boat for its price tag. A redesigned hull shape brings a new level of extra volume inside, providing room for plenty of various comforts. Overall, it features flexible uses of space indoors and out. I could step aboard and comfortably sail away.
Best New Powerboat Over 45-feet—The Kadey-Krogen Group Krogen 60 Open
From the minute we got on the boat, we were ready to move in. This full and airy ship would be an easy transition from land living to liveaboard life, with unmatched space for comfort. It brings the open layout of their 50 to a new height. Its unprecedented available space transitions from the living areas through the galley and even into the engine room. This is the ultimate liveaboard, capable of relocating anywhere with a several-thousand-mile range. This vessel oozed confidence in every aspect, showcasing its ability to take on any adventure an owner could want.
Best Wearable/Safety Gear—Mustang Survival Elite 190 Inflatable PFD
For those boating offshore, who want the better fit and increase floatation and form-factor bladder, but don’t need the spray hood, harness or water-activated light. This comfortable life jacket is sure to encourage boaters to Wear-it.
Best Technology Product—Rockwolfe DC USB Charging Hub
Once you have one, you realize everyone needs it. The Rockwolff offers a durable, compact power solution to covert 12V or 24V DC power directly into charging up to eight USB portable devices. Bringing simple installation to enhanced and electrical safety, this a must-have on any vessel.
Honorable Mention: FT Technologies FT602-D-SM Wind Sensor
Best Operational, Maintenance & Safety Product —TEMO-1000 Electric Outboard
Aesthetically well-designed to be light weight with a two-piece solution that solves the need to carry heavy equipment or be limited to just one battery. It’s a waterproof, robust system that isn’t fussy or finnicky. A user-friendly bracket mount and adjustable shaft length offers a variety of use cases and easy installation.
Best Green/Innovation Product—Cay Electronics CayCube
Why would a small boat owner go with heavy traditional generators when the Cay Cube exists? Using Solid State Marine’s innovative lithium technology, the Cay Cube offers a complete, lighter weight drop-in replacement of an 8KW generator, with zero exhaust emissions. It offers silent power at anchor and peace of mind with plenty of output.
Best Product for New Boaters/Accessibility—Caracal 19 by Arey’s Custom Boats
Designed in a way to be accessible for all using a high wishbone rig (as displayed, but traditional boom is an option—Ed.) A wide beam and spacious cockpit, make it very user-friendly, even for inexperienced sailors. For new boaters it’s got everything you need at an entry-level price point. Talk about open concept, this boat was truly open with plenty of room for family, pets and friends. It’s classic, simplistic beauty.
