Popular Science is one of my favorite magazines, and I've been subscribing to it since 1968. They've given out their Best of What's New awards to the best innovative technologies of 2005. Here are their awards for recreation.
The Volvo Penta Inboard boat engine was the grand prize winner. It's faster, cleaner, quieter, more fuel-efficient and more responsive.
The Volvo Penta IPS is the kind of radical but obvious leap that leaves you wondering why nobody thought of it earlier. A pair of forward-facing, counter-rotating propellers are placed side by side directly underneath the engine.
Rather than churning through water that's been chopped up by the exposed shaft, the way most inboard boat motors do, the propellers pull on undisturbed water, which increases efficiency and speed by up to 20 percent.
Other nominees included:
Seacas SafepassageSave small boats from big accidents
Nemo Equipment Sako A sturdy inflatable tent
Prince 03 TechSweet spot, supersized
RKS GuitarRibbed for a rich, long-lasting sound
Shift BicycleKeep junior off the pavement
Ortovox S1 The first avalanche transceiver to plot victim location
SpaldingNEVER FLAT no pump required
Artificial Surf Reefs VersareefThe world's best waves . . . in a pool