Okay, we don't ALL have the Everglades in our backyard, but you might have somewhere you can use one of Panther Airboat's newest models.  With huge GM V-8 engines and propeller systems that include twin, contra-rotating 84", 8-blade airscrews, these airboats will really move.

Tohatsu revealed its new 20HP 4-stroke outboard this week at the Miami International Boat Show.  Tohatsu America Corp., is the U.S. and Canadian distributor of both Tohatsu and Nissan brands.  The new 20HP motor replaces an 18HP unit in the product lineup, which includes 4-strokes from 2.5-30HP, and 2-stroke, direct-injection models from 40-115HP.  The 20 will fit evenly between the company's 15HP motor and a 25HP unit.

The way he jumps from dock to dock at the Sea Isle Marina venue of the Miami Boat Show belies Mainship VP Jim Krueger's new status as a grandfather but it seems to fit the atmosphere around Mainship these days.  There is a new vigor, an energy about the brand that is almost palpable.  In a briefing to reporters on the docks at his company's display, Krueger talked about new boats, new layouts and new plans.

Crusader inboard engines, with the exception of the largest model -- the 8.1L -- have been fitted with catalytic converters in order to meet California emissions rules.  Crusader reps at the Miami Boat Show today told me that by 2010, all Crusaders manufactured will have the new emissions control enhancements, which reportedly dramatically lower levels of all pollutants.  The Crusader engineers developed a special system capable of safely existing in a saltwater environment and gave it the trademark of Catanium.

Mercury Marine revealed its new 350 HP Verado outboard, a giant black monster that will, no doubt, fly out of the dealers' inventory as soon as they get it. Boaters' appetite for these giant outboards seems insatiable if the market success of Yamaha's 350 is any indication. Pop three or four of these on one of the new giant-version center consoles and you might just have to wear goggles. More engine news coming here on Mad Mariner. More new outboards and inboard innovations. Check back for details.

Miami Beach is known for its Art-Deco architectural milieu but an Italian style invasion is in full flood at the Yacht and Brokerage Show. This morning's press event by the Ferretti Group was a typically classy affair by the worldly yacht-builder with new models in three different brands announced.

Of course, by stars at a boat show, I mean the products that won the 2008 Innovation Awards from the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and the Boating Writers International.  Altogether, nine products in eight categories won the prestigious awards and were recognized at  press breakfast this morning at the Miami International Boat Show.

Some you've heard of; some perhaps not.  Here's a quick list of the winners.  We'll be writing more about some of these in the coming days so check back for a more in-depth look.

The beautiful, old Chris-Craft motoryacht Secret Love glided quietly out of the dark Miami Beach Marina and I stood in the pilothouse watching a flat-screen monitor show a camera's eye view of the water ahead. Looking up and out through the pilothouse windows, a dark and moonless Biscayne Bay was ringed with the lights of Miami and Miami Beach. Yet the screen showed a scene more like high noon.

As I write these words, it is dark, cold, and snowing. But in just a few more hours, I will be on a Southwest Airlines 737 winging my way south to cover one of the granddaddy boat shows: the Miami International Boat Show and Strictly Sail. Oh, and since two big shows in one just isn't enough, let's add the annual Yacht and Brokerage Show, too. That gives us three great shows in four venues, and I'll be covering it live here on Ocean Lines.

It's pretty simple: The scary part of doing stuff at night (eh, most things), is that you can't see because it's dark. And if you're out on the water at night, what you can't see can hurt you – logs, junk, lines and other debris, not to mention other boats.