Kim Kavin
Articles From This Author
A Window on the World
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.
Year Three of Five
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.
The Year Ahead
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.
2022: The Ups, Downs and In-Betweens
The Covid buying bubble burst, but show attendance was strong, and new products made a splash
An ‘Existential Threat’ to the Marine Industry
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
NMMA: Proposed Speed Rule an ‘Existential Threat’ to Industry
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.
The Transient Boater Windfall
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.
Here’s the Deals
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.
Building a More Inclusive Boat
Sea Ray’s SLX 260 is the first model to incorporate a new design language and is from an all-women design team
Troubled Waters
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
Q&A with Tara Norton
Navico's first-ever chief sustainability officer Tara Norton assesses their environmental impact and defining sustainability goals
Making Progress
Aftermarket giants Lippert and Patrick Industries say global challenges are easing, but there will still be bumps ahead
Lean and Leaner
Dealers continue to struggle with low new- and used-boat inventory as retail trends improve
Projects in the Pipeline
America’s $1 trillion infrastructure law will fund everything from transient docks to parking lots at launch ramps
Enter the Metaverse
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?
Proof of Concept
The technology in protype electric RVs bodes well for developing larger electric powerboats.
The New Rush To Repair
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
The CCS Standard
Ingenity Electric is betting that combined charging system technology, recently installed on California’s Lake Tahoe, could hasten the widespread adoption of electric boats.
High and Dry
Unusable boat ramps are becoming increasingly common as the drought in parts of the country limits access.
Hardening Marinas Is Just the Start
Sea-level policy and development challenges in Florida offer a glimpse into the future of climate-change issues for the entire industry.
Blue is the New Green
Leaders in carbon offsets and sequestration say marine-based “blue carbon” projects are the next big idea.
Clearing the Air
Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, boatbuilders and suppliers are figuring out how to design better air-purifying systems.
The Need to Escape is Universal
Parts of Asia are seeing the same Covid-related booms in boat sales that the United States has experienced.