Haimes Coleman Presents Marine Decking, Climate and Controls at IBEX

Marine suppliers share an IBEX demonstration programme

Haimes Coleman Group presented a cross-section of its represented manufacturers at the 2026 International BoatBuilders' Exhibition and Conference, combining developments in marine air conditioning, decking, telematics, plumbing and deck hardware. The Florida-based representatives announced the programme in September, giving builders and specialist installers an opportunity to compare systems across its product district and several manufacturers' own exhibits in Tampa.

The announcement does not represent a new yacht launch or imply that a particular large yacht has adopted every product shown. Its importance for new-build and refit buyers is instead the opportunity to see component developments together and raise integration and after-sales questions before ordering. Distinct systems may have very different technical approvals even when they are presented through the same commercial representative.

UFLEX climate systems and next-generation decking

UFLEX's display included the Velair Gen 3 marine air-conditioning system, the UPA123 electronic power actuator and other steering and onboard equipment. The group also arranged a demonstration boat to allow selected products to be examined under operating conditions. The release does not provide a full Gen 3 capacity table, so designers need current supplier documentation for electrical demand, cooling performance, dimensions and interface requirements.

Decking manufacturer DEKit featured PE/EVA foam materials, Evercor, E-DEK PRO and the forthcoming DECK-X option. E-DEK PRO pairs a resin-based surface with EVA foam backing, while DECK-X is positioned by the supplier as a seamless alternative to traditional teak. For large-yacht projects, material selection must also account for long-term finish consistency, heat underfoot, drainage, slip resistance, edge treatment and practical repairability.

Connected tenders and deck fittings

CoastKey highlighted its established control and safety range and its new Connect telematics product. Such connected systems could be of interest to a superyacht's tender or chase-boat operations, although the release does not describe a commissioned integration on any named yacht. The ability to monitor or interact with remote equipment needs to be evaluated alongside cyber-security, communications coverage and existing emergency engine-control arrangements.

Other presentations included Scandvik's 14485 cold-water combination tap and pull-out shower, new lighting and dark-finish fixtures, plus Accon Marine's 592 spring-loaded pop-up cleat. Small components can have significant consequences for the usability and upkeep of a yacht, especially in salt-spray areas or busy deck positions. Builders should check mounting reinforcement, materials, corrosion resistance and service access before selecting hardware primarily for appearance.

Tender handling and the role of a representative network

C.E. Smith previewed five new marine trailer winches with quoted ratings from 1,000 to 3,200 pounds for an anticipated January 2027 release. Brownell Boat Stands also highlighted a manual boat lift with an 8,000-pound stated rating, while Wet Sounds arranged marine audio demonstrations. Such numerical ratings describe individual equipment configurations and should never be treated as blanket permission to move or lift a full vessel without an engineered handling plan.

Haimes Coleman Group was founded in 1995 and works across dealer, distributor and original-equipment manufacturer channels in multiple US territories. Its portfolio encompasses marine plumbing, electronics, steering, lighting, decking and related equipment, with manufacturer representatives supporting installation questions and supply-chain coordination. The wider value of its IBEX programme is therefore practical: bringing suppliers and buyers together to assess technical details that will shape onboard service and future maintenance.