2025: Carl Herndon, Blackfin Yachts
2024: Dave Livingston, Fluid Motion
2023: John McKnight, NMMA
2020: Carl Blackwell, NMMA and Joe Lewis, Mount Dora Boating Center & Marina
2018: Tom Marhevko, NMMA and Phil Cappel, USCG
2013: Capt. Joe Frohnhoefer, CEO and Founder, Sea Tow Services International
2012: Geoff Eisenberg, President and CEO, West Marine; and Randy Repass, Founder, West Marine
2011: Ralph Lambrecht
2005: Richard Schwartz, Chairman and Founder, BoatU.S.
2004: Skip Allen, Sr., Southern Boating
2003: Lars Granholm, Chairman, IMCI
2002: R.C. “Dick” Rowe, Chairman and President, Indmar
2001: Jean-Jacques “J.J.” Marie, Zodiac of America
2000: Bob and Bill Healey, Viking Yachts
1999: United States Coast Guard
1998: Jeff Napier, NMMA President 1980–1998
1997: United States Power Squadrons
1996: Lysle Gray, Former ABYC Executive Director
1995: Robert Cox, Chairman of the Board, Lauderdale Marina, Inc.
1994: Ham Hamberger, CEO, Tracker Marine
1993: Don Rocheleau, Chairman/CEO, Attwood Corp.
1992: Robert Nordskog, Former Publisher, Powerboat magazine
1991: Partners in Achievement, Scholarship Program of Chapman School of Seamanship
1990: George Van Zevern, Publisher, Boat & Motor Dealer
1989: James Lippmann, Former ABYC Executive Director
1988: Charles A. Jones, Boating Industry Magazine
1987: Jules G. Fleder, Former President, Westlawn School of Yacht Design
1986: David R. Parker Jr., Former President of Hatteras Yachts
1985: Jim Wynne, World Class Designer, Board of Trustees, International Oceanographic Foundation
1984: William (Bill) Clifford, American Waterski Association
1983: George M. Good, Bertram Yacht Division of Whitaker Marine
1982: Alan J. Freedman, Aqua Meter Instrument Corp.
1981: William (Bill) Shaw, Pearson Yachts Division of Grumman Corp.
1980: James R. McQueen Jr., Trojan Yachts, mst recently Chris Craft
1979: E.C. (Carl) Kiekhaefer, Kiekhaefer Aeromarine Motors
1978: Ralph Thacher, Burr Bros. Boats
1977: J.T. Lowe, Jacksonville (FL) Marine Association
1976 Inaugural Award: Ralph Evinrude, Outboard Marine Corp.