Glacier Bay Receives Innovation Award in Miami
Glacier Bay Catamarans was one of two boat builders recently honored for innovative achievement by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and Boating Writers International (BWI) at the 2007 Miami International Boat Show.
Glacier Bay founder and president Larry Graf accepting the award. Photo: L. S. Johnson |
Glacier Bay's 30-foot Isle Runner was the winner of the Innovation Award in the Inboard and Outboard Cruisers (24-140 feet including fishing craft). The versatile cuddy combines a patent pending hull design, surface piercing rails and "Super Chines" to provide a soft and dry ride. Features include a unique sunken offside galley, portside entry, convertible helm and dual bait well locations.
"Reduced rolling, increased stability and tracking in rough seas are just some of this boat's features, which also offers great livability and fishability," says Lenny Rudow, senior technical editor for Boating magazine and one of the BWI judges.
Glacier Bay President and Founder Larry Graf accepted the award at the Miami Media Breakfast, held Thursday, February 15 at the Miami Beach Convention Center. "It is terrific to be recognized for our innovations to the industry in terms of ride, hull design and user features," says Graf of the Glacier Bay 3070/3080 cuddy cabin models. "The 30-footer represents the culmination of many years of innovation at Glacier Bay. Innovation is deeply embedded in the whole team."
The 3070 Isle Runner showing off her award winning hull design. |
The creative process is nurtured by the manufacturer's desire to listen to customers' needs. "We are good at listening to users' issues and arriving at innovative solutions that hit the mark," explains Graf. "As a result, our customers' response to the new 3070/80 has been overwhelming."
The 30-footer capitalizes on a state-of-the-art hull design that is new to the industry that features enhanced tracking, roll stability and spray reflection in heavy seas. It is also the first 30-foot cruiser in history to offer a king size bed as well as a fully functional galley that transfers to a lounge seat. In addition, the team further refined the mechanical and systems design to provide ease of use, care and access to all components during the life of the boat.
"The coolest thing about the 30-footer is that the hull is phenomenal; it slices through rough water with exceptional roll handling and spray reflection," observes Graf. "Our owners that have purchased build slots are totally thrilled with the product and they appreciate that it exceeds their expectations."
