“The American dream”
An auto dealer and landscaper formed Front Runner Boatworks with the idea they could do better than other manufacturers.
Today's News
RBFF program sent 60,000 boats back to the water in 2019
The effort has delivered almost $14 million back to states.
Sunseeker partners with Rolls-Royce for 90 engines
The supply agreement runs until the end of 2022.
Coast Guard to reconsider NTSB recommendations
The agency reportedly rejected federal suggestions to help prevent boating tragedies.
Grow Boating Marketing Summit seminars available
The industry association is offering free audio versions of its IBEX summit on growboating.org.
Call for entries for 2020 Miami boat show innovation awards
Winners will be announced in 26 categories on February 14.
SmartPlug names Ron Bailey VP of global sales and marketing
The former Dometic executive will take over from Terry Gilliland, who is nearing retirement.
Citizen’s Arrest
A $4 million Sunseeker 740 Sport Yacht is confiscated by U.S. Marshalls at FLIBS as part of an ongoing court case over the boat’s ownership.
‘The greatest threat since the 1990 luxury tax’
Viking’s Pat Healey writes to the U.S. State Department, saying pending emissions regulations could cause thousands of job losses, while an entire segment of boats from 90- to 120-ft could be “wiped out.”
‘We needed to add capacity’
MJM Yachts’ new plant in North Carolina will create 207 jobs. The company, according to CEO Peter Johnstone, will also continue to build boats at Boston Boatworks.
B.A.S.S. legend Jerry McKinnis dies after fishing injury
The outdoor television pioneer dealt with an infection related to the injury.
Features
Innovation’s Many Meanings
How these marine leaders are redefining the boating industry.
Soundings Trade Only 40th Anniversary Gala
Charity, innovation and fun at STO’s IBEX event.
Lifeline of the Islands
After Dorian devastated the Bahamas, Florida’s boating industry answered the call.
Q&A with Andrea Frabetti
Sunseeker CEO Andrea Frabetti on his plans to reinvent the storied brand.
Innovation Central
Innovation centers popping up across the industry are accelerating the technology race.
A New Way to Network
The Internet of Things is quickly finding its way on board a boat near you.
Job Board
Columns/Blogs
Questions arise about Boating Trust Fund reauthorization
Some of the biggest are about the Clean Vessel Act.
Should dealers recognize clouds on the horizon?
They should at least keep a wary eye out for a changing economy.
Dealer sentiment ticks into neutral territory
Political climate, election year, and inventory concerns pose challenges.
Red tide redux
Karenia brevis, the organism that causes red tide blooms, has been observed in various concentrations in four counties of southwest Florida. Let’s hope it’s nowhere near as devastating as the last round.
Choppy but Improved Selling Season in September
Dealer Sentiment was up slightly in September.
