Propspeed - Experts & Thought Leaders

The International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) announced that this year’s show, which closed on Thursday, October 9, saw year-over-year growth in attendance, reinforcing its position as North America’s premier marine event. From networking events to insightful seminars and bustling docks and booths, IBEX 2025 brought decision makers together to move the industry “Fast Forward.” South Florida marine technical programs IBEX 2025 welcomed 7600 professionals from more than 70 countries to a packed Tampa Convention Centre. The show featured displays from 710 exhibitors, including 115 companies that were new to IBEX this year. Also attending their first show were in excess of 70 students from South Florida marine technical programs. These future boatbuilders and marine technicians were part of the IBEX Career Day program, produced in collaboration with the American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC).  Next generation of material and technological advancements The show kicked off in high gear on Tuesday, October 7 at the annual Industry Breakfast, Innovation Awards Presentation and Keynote, attended by more than 900 industry professionals. NMMA President and CEO Frank Hugelmeyer delivered his Industry Address, while Kevin O’Connor, Emmy Award-winning TV host of This Old House and Ask This Old House, gave an inspiring keynote. The Innovation Awards judges recognised the next generation of material and technological advancements, announcing 12 Innovation Award winners and four honourable mentions, chosen from among the program-record 112 entries submitted by exhibiting marine industry companies. Products can be viewed on the online Innovation Way Showcase. IBEX’s exclusive lineup New educational experiences, such as the Marine Ideas Exchange (MIX) on the IBEX Main Stage, along with signature networking events like Pitch the Press, the Opening Night Party, and the Mid-Show Mixer, drew impressive crowds and contributed to a notable increase in overall education participation. At the core of the event was IBEX’s exclusive lineup of curated, expert-led technical sessions offering highly specialised content available only at IBEX. These sessions delivered the in-depth, hands-on learning the show is known for, covering advanced boatbuilding techniques, materials innovation, systems integration, and design solutions. Reinforced IBEX’s position Complementing this technical focus, new Main Stage programming expanded the conversation to include broader themes in business strategy and leadership, offering fresh perspectives and actionable insights that resonated with attendees. Together, these educational and networking opportunities reinforced IBEX’s position as the marine industry’s essential platform for innovation, learning, and connection. Network of innovators “Boatbuilding is a decentralised and diverse industry, strengthened by a global network of innovators and skilled professionals,” said Mary Velline, IBEX Show Director, adding “IBEX brings that community together each year to share challenges, celebrate breakthroughs, and spark the ideas that move our industry forward.” Exhibitors and attendees had positive comments about all elements of the Show. Develop new models “From preshow promotion to the nuts and bolts of the show, we feel it was a resounding success,” said Pat Brown, President of Teak Isle, adding “We noticed that the builders seemed to be bringing larger groups of people this year than in the past. This showed their dedication to needing to develop new models and that IBEX is the place to find the information and products to do that.” New Foulfree™ Multi-Surface System “IBEX is always a fantastic opportunity to connect with our partners, distributors, media, and friends from across the marine industry,” said Marcus Hamilton, CEO, Propspeed, adding “This year was especially exciting as we introduced the new Foulfree™ Multi-Surface System and received such positive feedback from the market. It’s a show that continues to help us build relationships and share our innovations with the people who make this industry thrive.” Number of new leads and opportunities “This was the best show we’ve had in the past four years,” said Kent Jopling, Senior Global Sales Manager, Special Markets, Harman Marine, adding “We were able to display many new technologies that will make ‘the life in a day of a boater’ less stressful and more enjoyable.” He continues, "Boat builders obviously recognised this which was evident in the number of new leads and opportunities we walked away with from IBEX. Now it’s time to roll up our sleeves and go to work turning opportunities into reality.” New OEM customers "It was a great show for Boat Fix,” said Boat Fix Founder, Alastair Crawford, adding “We definitely felt that there was more quality foot traffic in terms of visitor attendance." He continues, "It was great to see both existing and new OEM customers - and interestingly we are now being approached in record numbers by boat manufacturers realising the gamechanger value of our after sales support and 24/7 customer service."  IBEX will return to the Tampa Convention Centre, with IBEX 2026 Show dates set for October 6 – 8, 2026.

Propspeed, a major innovator in biocide-free, foul-release coatings, announced the debut of its newest coating for various surface types, Foulfree Multi-Surface System, offering a foul-release solution to a wide range of components fitted to an expanded range of vessel types from RIBs to centre consoles and cruisers to pleasure yachts. Engineered to adhere to a wide range of substrates, Foulfree brings Propspeed’s proven performance to various underwater components. This system is perfect for the painted aluminum of outboard skegs; plastic, nylon or composite stabilisation systems; as well as thrusters, fins, and even RIB tubes. Superior adhesion and durability Providing industry-major foul-release protection, Foulfree Multi-Surface delivers superior adhesion and durability for season-lasting performance in salt or freshwater marine environments. It applies clear, offering invisible, non-invasive protection for a seamless aesthetic that blends naturally for a clean, professional finish below the waterline. Safeguarding optimal performance “The marine industry continues to push forward with innovations that provide boaters greater confidence, comfort, and performance when out on the water,” said Marcus Hamilton, CEO, Propspeed. He adds, “Yet, the very components that make this possible, such as thrusters, stabilising systems, outboard skegs and RIB tubes, face constant threats from marine growth that can compromise efficiency and effectiveness. The new Foulfree Multi-Surface System is engineered to keep fouling from adhering to these critical components and safeguarding optimal performance all season long.” Available in two kit sizes The Foulfree Multi-Surface is available in two kit sizes, small and medium, that apply effortlessly The Foulfree Multi-Surface is available in two kit sizes, small and medium, that apply effortlessly. Both kits include all necessary components for quick and easy application, saving time. With only a 10-minute overcoat window (20 °C / 68 °F) and just 12 hours to full cure, boaters can be back on the water the next day. For decades, Propspeed has been the go-to foul-release coating for underwater metals, preventing marine growth from adhering to propellers and running gear. This new product opens a whole new segment of boaters to the benefits of biocide-free, foul-release coatings – from outboard-powered centre consoles and mid-size cruisers, to RIBs of all sizes and missions. Extending foul-release protection It expands the Propspeed product line by extending foul-release protection to components that previously went unprotected or relied on antifouling paints – often invasive, biocide-heavy, and prone to compromising engineered aesthetics. The Foulfree Multi-Surface System is being shown for the first time at IBEX Show 2025, taking place from October 7-9, 2025, at the Tampa Convention Center, in Tampa, Florida, USA.

Propspeed®, a pioneering innovator in underwater biocide-free, foul-release coatings, announced it has signed an agreement with LUKA Marine Murter d.o.o. to serve as the Company’s new single-entry partner for Croatia and Slovenia. The partnership will kick off with the first national technical training for applicators and resellers in this vital region to prepare Propspeed for the quickly approaching refit season. Propspeed’s coating systems LUKA Marine Murter is a privately owned company with a primary business of yacht sales and services Established in 2008, LUKA Marine Murter is a privately owned company with a primary business of yacht sales and services. LUKA will begin importing Propspeed’s high-performing foul-release coating systems into the regions on April 1, 2025.  “With our European market continuously growing, we are very excited to partner with the team at LUKA Marine to expand the reach of Propspeed in this key region,” said Davide Burrini, EMEA Sales Director, Propspeed. “Refit season will serve as the perfect opportunity to amplify our market influence, and we’re eager to collaborate with LUKA to drive expansion and together further the Propspeed mission.” Propspeed line of high-quality products “We are well established with local boaters and take pride in our solid reputation for technical expertise and robust offerings,” said Luka Skračić CEO, LUKA Marine Murter d.o.o. “Our team is very excited to add the proven Propspeed line to our extensive catalogue of high-quality products. We are confident that boat owners and yacht brokers will see the value these products can bring, adding in the future longevity of a yacht’s systems, as well as the benefit of reduced maintenance costs and fuel savings.” Propspeed system fouling and corrosion Propspeed offers a range of foul-release, biocide-free coating systems that prevent marine growth Propspeed offers a range of foul-release, biocide-free coating systems that prevent marine growth on underwater assets. The Propspeed Clear Coat is hydrophobic in nature, with an extremely low friction surface that prevents bio-fouling from adhering to the substrate. Paired with the products’ superior adhesion to underwater metals, the full Propspeed system protects against fouling and corrosion, mitigating invasive species spread while protecting marine ecosystems, and reducing fuel consumption and associated GHG emissions. Propspeed’s product lineup Propspeed’s product lineup includes Propspeed for running gear and any underwater metals, Foulfree™ for transducers and Lightspeed™ for underwater lighting. The latest addition to the product range is Stripspeed™, a solvent-based paint stripper for underwater metals.