Brunswick to retain and reinvent Sea Ray business
Brunswick Corp. has ended the sales process for its Sea Ray and Meridian brands; it will continue production of the boats but will discontinue the yacht and sport yacht models.
Today's News
Aluminum, tow boats lead moderate growth in May
Boat registrations were up 2.1 percent in May in the main powerboat categories, and rose 3.2 percent in all categories, according to preliminary data from Statistical Surveys Inc., a Michigan company that tracks new boat registrations.
Economists: U.S. Growth “close to peak”
Citing several economic indicators, one economist told Bloomberg News that the U.S. economy is “close to a peak” this quarter, after ten years of expansion.
Canada Foreign Minister acknowledges boating industry concerns in looming trade war
Chrystia Freeland, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, acknowledged boating-industry concerns about Canadian tariffs on U.S.-manufactured boats that are set to go into effect on July 1.
AkzoNobel opens new warehouse
Paint and coatings manufacturer AkzoNobel, opened a newly-constructed warehouse in La Porte, Texas.
Oceanair names new managing director
Oceanair Marine has named Justine Heeley as its new managing director
Distributor adds sales rep
CWR Wholsale Distribution named Jim Higgins as the company's New Jersey outside sales representative.
E-nnovation Lab to expand at 2018 Metstrade show
The growing demand for hybrid and electric engines is becoming more apparent within the leisure marine market, prompting Metstrade to introduce the E-nnovation Lab platform for electric propulsion technology.
Tariffs will cause “irreparable and disastrous damage”
The National Marine Manufacturers Association in Canada has sent a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau imploring him to not to impose retaliatory tariffs on boats imported to the country from the United States.
Trade war will cost U.S. boatbuilder jobs
Canada’s tariffs on U.S.-built boats will cost Americans jobs, said Back Cove Yachts and Sabre Yachts sales and marketing vice president Bentley Collins.
Chris-Craft president: Consolidation in marine industry will continue
The marine industry is “unusually fragmented,” and Chris-Craft president Stephen Heese thinks that will continue to change in the coming years.
International marine dealers cancel orders
Retaliatory tariffs by Canada and the European Union are prompting marine dealers abroad to cancel orders of U.S.-built boats — the result of a “self-inflicted wound” the government has imposed on U.S. manufacturers, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association.
Features
Scott Porter
In many ways, Scott Porter, president of Formula Boats, is the quintessential marine executive.
Inside the changes at West Marine
West Marine has undergone numerous changes in recent months, having been sold to private equity firm Monomoy Capital Partners, and taken from public to private last fall.
A full slate at ABC 2018
The boating and fishing industries converged on Capitol Hill from May 9-11 for the American Boating Congress and the Center Focus on Washington, concurrent events that were packed with high-profile speakers and workshops as well as meetings on Capitol Hill.
Setting the hook
Lou Martinez isn’t giving up fishing from his kayak, but he realized last summer that kayak angling didn’t always afford him the experience he wanted.
Jeff Napier, first president of NMMA, dies at age 78
Jeff Napier, the first president of the National Marine Manufacturers Association, died at his home in Italy after suffering from Parkinson’s disease. He was 78.
Sound System
When a load of journalists took a ride on a Grady-White Freedom 325 with Fusion Entertainment’s new Apollo stereo system, marketing manager Marcus Hamilton played a song that was considered a “good challenge” for its components.
Job Board
Columns/Blogs
Five steps in five minutes gets great results
A new social medial program is available for dealers.
MTAM succeeds in a variety of ways
The Marine Trades Association of Maryland is an example of how to advocate for the industry.
Keep these employees away from unhappy customers?
Great technicians don’t always have the best people skills.
Two calls for fishing action
Recreational anglers need to make sure their voices are heard.