Kim Kavin

Inflation, supply-chain kinks and the continuing war in Ukraine continue to be serious concerns, but numerous companies with a global presence for exports are reporting optimism at the start of 2023.

Fear of an impending exodus, especially with concerns about a looming economic recession, has leaders at the MRAA, the National Marine Manufacturers Association and the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation urging the industry to start focusing immediately on improving customer service as the primary way to retain these boaters.

Here’s what industry leaders see coming in 2023 in the areas of technology, engines, boat sales, political advocacy, mergers and acquisitions, and the workforce.

The Covid buying bubble burst, but show attendance was strong, and new products made a splash

The NMMA is calling on every industry employee and stakeholder to oppose a federal proposal that would slow many East Coast boats to 10 knots

The association is calling on every marine brand, employee and boat owner to file public comment by Oct. 31 over a sweeping regulation to protect North Atlantic right whales.

Onancock, Virginia is a shining example of the type of changes the Boating Infrastructure Grant program was created to make possible for transient boaters and the communities they visit.

Activity in mergers and acquisitions continued to be strong across the marine industry during the past six to nine months, with sizable deals announced in segments that include brokerage, technology integration, and parts and accessories.

Sea Ray’s SLX 260 is the first model to incorporate a new design language and is from an all-women design team

Ocean cleanup technology can help, but experts say it's not enough, and there needs to be more action taken to stop plastics at the source

Navico's first-ever chief sustainability officer Tara Norton assesses their environmental impact and defining sustainability goals

Aftermarket giants Lippert and Patrick Industries say global challenges are easing, but there will still be bumps ahead

Dealers continue to struggle with low new- and used-boat inventory as retail trends improve

America’s $1 trillion infrastructure law will fund everything from transient docks to parking lots at launch ramps

Somebody paid $650,000 for a virtual yacht at a digital-only marina. Is it time for all boaters to get in on the game, or will this ship sink?

The technology in protype electric RVs bodes well for developing larger electric powerboats.

Dealers and marinas in supply-chain limbo for new parts and boats are turning to on-call services that fix everything from vinyl to engines

Repelling the cyberattack epidemic.

Ingenity Electric is betting that combined charging system technology, recently installed on California’s Lake Tahoe, could hasten the widespread adoption of electric boats.

Unusable boat ramps are becoming increasingly common as the drought in parts of the country limits access.

Sea-level policy and development challenges in Florida offer a glimpse into the future of climate-change issues for the entire industry.

Leaders in carbon offsets and sequestration say marine-based “blue carbon” projects are the next big idea.

But Return Link Service may be a game-changer.