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BROOKLIN, ME, August 7, 2014 -The International BoatBuilders' Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) will feature The Connected Boat, a dynamic interactive display demonstrating how various vessel subsystems can be interconnected using existing network technologies. The display will be ongoing in the Electronics Pavilion in the exhibit hall at the Tampa Convention Center, September 30-October 2.

"This is an exciting time for the marine industry as on-board vessel gateways now link to internet driven consumer devices for global remote access and monitoring," said Joe Burke, CTO, Chetco Digital Instruments, IBEX's partner in creating The Connected Boat. "We are pleased to be working with IBEX to bring together an exciting, informative and interactive display on the show floor with sponsored demonstrations on how companies are working together to offer integrated systems. Cloud base data access is now available for the marine industry, and vendors will be offering the newest hardware and software products which link services, internet platforms, and leverages web technologies for analysis and maintenance."

The Connected Boat, sponsored by Simrad-Navico, will feature a dozen companies showcasing live products and systems integrated from helm to stern including analog sensors, CAN bus, RS232, NMEA 0183, NMEA 2000, Ethernet, Bluetooth, Wireless 802.1 b/g/n, Wi-Fi, MiFI, Cellular, Satellite, and global internet. Exhibitors participating in The Connected Boat display will demonstrate how these supported technologies can work together to provide operator access to vessel information on-board and from shore including Marinco/Mastervolt, Blue Sea Systems, Simrad-Navico, Seastar Solutions, Dometic Corporation, Gemeco Marine Accessories, Faria Marine Instruments, Garmin USA, Mercury Marine, Honda Marine, Livorsi Marine, Lowrance-Navico, Westerbeke Corporation, and Lumishore USA LLC, to name a few. There are a few pedestals still available in the display. For more information on how to participate, visit http://ibexshow.com/ibex-live.php.

"It's amazing how many marine systems can now be monitored from the palm of your hand.  The new Connected Boat display will showcase the most sophisticated technologies available today," said Anne Dunbar, IBEX Show Director.  "People expect to be connected, and boat owners are no exception.  Integrated systems not only keep the boat owner informed, but they also allow the manufacturer to stay connected to their customer - which is invaluable. This display should not be missed."

There will be other live demonstration areas at the show including the IBEX 3D Digital Workshop, where attendees will see ongoing demonstrations of 3D printing and scanning technologies applicable to the marine industry; and Material ConneXion a showcase of advanced fabrics and materials having a big impact for marine companies. The event will also feature on-water displays where companies including Elco Motor Yachts, Honda, JL Audio, JL Marine Systems, Mercury Marine, Nauticus, SeaStar Solutions, Simrad-Navico, Torqeedo Inc, UFLEX USA, Veedims, Volvo, and Yamaha will showcase their products directly from the water on their boats.

About IBEX: Owned and produced by Professional BoatBuilder magazine and the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), IBEX is the marine industry's largest technical trade event. For boatbuilders, marine industry dealers, aftermarket suppliers and buyers, designers, repairers, surveyors, and boatyard/marine operators, IBEX is where better boats begin. For the latest information, visit www.ibexshow.com.

About Professional BoatBuilder magazine: Professional BoatBuilder, a boatbuilding-industry trade magazine, was first published in 1989 in response to a growing need for a dedicated forum for boatbuilding-related professionals. The magazine's worldwide readership exceeds 24,000. Professional BoatBuilder is online at www.proboat.com.

About NMMA: The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is the leading association for the North American recreational boating industry. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters in North America. The association is dedicated to industry growth through programs in public policy advocacy, market statistics and research, product quality assurance and promotion of the boating lifestyle. Learn more at www.nmma.org.