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I go to a lot of boat shows. Between FLIBS, MIBS, PBIBS and all the other BSs on the calendar, I spend a good chunk of each year wandering docks, shaking hands, checking out new products and trying to stay on schedule. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy them. But between the crowds, the chaos and the seemingly endless meetings, they can sometimes feel more like speed dating than anything else. Which is why IBEX is quickly becoming one of my favorite events of the year.
For those unfamiliar, IBEX stands for the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition & Conference, an annual gathering of marine industry professionals held in Tampa, Florida. Unlike the major consumer boat shows, IBEX isn’t open to the public. It’s a trade-only event, bringing together boatbuilders, naval architects, marine engineers, manufacturers, service yards and just about everyone else who makes a living designing, building, outfitting or maintaining boats. Think of it as the marine industry’s insiders’ show, and that’s precisely what makes it so appealing.
While IBEX certainly isn’t tiny — this year’s event featured 701 exhibitors and attracted more than 7,700 industry professionals from around the world — it feels considerably more manageable than the organized chaos of Fort Lauderdale or ICAST. There’s room to move, time to explore and, perhaps most importantly, an opportunity to have an actual conversation. Instead of rushing from one 30-minute meeting to the next, you can spend some time with the people who develop these products, ask questions and learn something about how they work. And believe me, there’s a lot to learn.
Having attended IBEX the past two years, I’ve come away from both visits with a much greater appreciation for the sheer volume of products, technology and engineering that go into the boats we use every day. We tend to focus on the finished product — the beautiful sport-fishing boats, the impressive electronics, the latest engines — without giving much thought to the countless components and innovations that make it all possible. IBEX offers a look behind that curtain.
This year, we filmed several videos that you’ll find featured in this newsletter. One was with VETUS Maxwell, which showcased some pretty innovative anchoring solutions, including retractable anchor systems, new windlass configurations and other equipment designed to simplify anchoring and improve functionality aboard today’s boats. We also caught up with Jim Turner, founder of Release Boatworks, who offered a boatbuilder’s perspective on why IBEX is such a valuable event. After all, builders like Turner are the ones tasked with turning all these individual innovations into a finished boat that not only looks great but performs and functions as intended.
Another stop was Propspeed, a leader in foul-release coatings designed to protect underwater running gear and other components from marine growth. The company earned a 2026 IBEX Innovation Award for its new Foulfree Multi-Surface system, which expands that protection to a range of nonmetal underwater components. Propspeed also has an interesting connection to the big-game fishing world. Its founder, New Zealander Guy Jacobsen, happens to be one of the most accomplished light-tackle anglers in the sport’s history, with an impressive collection of IGFA world records. It’s a great example of how a passion for fishing can lead to innovations that ultimately benefit the entire marine industry.
Beyond those interviews, there was no shortage of interesting equipment to explore. Everything from new transducer technology, ice makers and watermakers to marine electronics, propulsion systems and countless other products designed to make boats more efficient, reliable and enjoyable. I was particularly interested in the advancements in transducers from AirMar. With all the attention that omnidirectional sonar has received in the sport-fishing market lately, it’s easy to overlook how much conventional sounder technology continues to evolve. There’s still plenty happening in that space, and IBEX provides a great opportunity to see it firsthand.
Another trend that’s impossible to ignore is the continued advancement of electric power, both for propulsion and other onboard applications. I don’t think the big-game fishing world is quite ready to embrace fully electric propulsion, especially considering the demands we place on our boats offshore. But the technology continues to improve, and it’s fascinating to see how quickly manufacturers are developing new solutions. That’s another thing I appreciate about IBEX. Not everything on display is necessarily intended for the sport-fishing market, at least not yet. But that doesn’t mean it won’t eventually find its way into our corner of the marine industry.
All told, this year’s trip to Tampa was a wet and soggy affair, but it was also productive, enjoyable and, above all, educational. I came home with new contacts, new ideas and a better understanding of the technology and the people helping move our industry forward. And that’s why I’ll be back again next year. IBEX isn’t about the biggest boat, the flashiest display or the next major product announcement. It’s about getting a little closer to the people and the ideas behind the products we use and taking the time to understand them.
If you work in the marine industry and haven’t attended IBEX, I’d strongly encourage you to put it on your calendar. Or, on second thought, don’t. I’d hate for everyone to discover it and ruin the nice little thing we’ve got going.
