Propspeed®, a leading innovator in biocide-free, foul-release coatings, announced that the Foulfree™ Multi-Surface System has been awarded the 2026 IBEX Innovation Award in the Boat Care and Maintenance category.

Each year, the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) appoints a panel of expert judges to review hundreds of new products and present the winners during the Industry Breakfast event, attended by hundreds of boat builders, dealers, and press.

“The Foulfree Multi-Surface System builds on what Propspeed has done for protecting exposed metal underwater,” said Judge Tony Esposito. “It delivers protection for 20 non-metal surfaces on underwater components like transducers, interceptors, and bow thrusters that can be fouled to failure by bio marine growth with its non-toxic, three-step process that provide dealers and boatyards with an additional value-added revenue stream.”

“This recognition from experts across the marine industry is a strong validation of what we set out to achieve with Foulfree Multi-Surface,” said Marcus Hamilton, CEO, Propspeed. “We wanted to create one coating system for the non-metal operational components below the waterline, regardless of the substrate they are made from. That ambition came directly from listening to our customers and understanding the opportunity across the value chain, from OEMs and boatbuilders to marine businesses and boat owners. Foulfree turns that insight into a purpose-built system that protects the components delivering confidence, comfort and performance on the water. At the same time, it gives marine businesses an opportunity to create greater value on every boat, backed by a trusted brand, proven products and in-field technical support.”

The Foulfree Multi-Surface System is a biocide-free foul-release coating engineered to protect underwater non-metal components. Built on decades of Propspeed foul-release expertise, Foulfree delivers reliable adhesion and durable protection for factory painted metals, plastics, composites, carbon fiber, PVC, and Hypalon. The system has been tested to ISO and ASTM criteria across more than 20 substrate classes, including OEM parts and factory coatings, achieving the highest adhesion ratings across all substrates.

Foulfree Multi-Surface extends Propspeed’s industry-recognized coating systems across the full range of operational components and running gear below the waterline, excluding the hull. With Foulfree Multi-Surface for non-metal components and Propspeed for bare underwater metals, boatbuilders, shipyards and marine businesses have one trusted brand to protect the components that power performance.