A big kickoff at MDCE
MRAA’s awards night included moving speeches, comedy and an industry game show.
Industry News
Consisting of builders, dealers, marinas, parts and accessories makers and sellers and the trade groups that serve them, the marine industry is a sprawling and colorful collection of companies and people. From the number and type of boats it sells to its advocacy for the rights of boaters to enjoy their recreation on pollution-free waters, using fuel that doesn't damage their engines, the industry makes news in many ways.
US locks in aluminum sheet tariffs
NMMA: It’s “clear that the commission and administration are not concerned by the downstream fallout”.
Despite a slow Q4, Johnson Outdoors reports record sales for second consecutive year
The company’s Fishing division remains its big performer.
Marine lenders announce new board members
The NMLA also elected its officers for 2019.
Turning fly-fishing and paddle-boarding into high-ticket items
WSJ Magazine’s luxury gift guide lists a $23,000 Chanel paddleboard and $28,000 fly-fishing combo.
Longterm dealer confidence heads toward neutral territory
Survey shows three- to five-year outlook at a new low
Boating education pioneer Dick Allsopp dies
The lifelong boater was a national leader in on-water boat training
Mission Critical Electronics acquires Xantrex
The two companies are “highly complementary,” according to MCE chief executive Kevin Moschetti.
Seawide will be sole distributor of Clarion Marine
As systems become more complex, Clarion says dealers increasingly need support that brick-and-mortar stores offer.
Marine industry disappointed new trade deal doesn’t address tariffs on boats
U.S.-built boats sold to Canada and Mexico will continue to have duties despite agreement.
NMMA opposes EPA’s ethanol volume requirements for 2019
Marine industry favors 10 percent ethanol over E15, which can damage engines.
Call for MIBS Innovation Awards entries
Program recognizes manufacturers who bring innovative products to market.
Boat dealers invited to weigh in on market conditions
Survey asks retailers to give insights about September, and how they’re planning for 2019.
ABYC to hold 10th annual Standards Week
The association will commemorate the anniversary during its annual Standards Week meeting in Seattle.
Italian yacht brand acquisition
Palumbo Superyachts acquires Mondomarine.
Marine finance company donates to SDIA
LH-Finance has donated funds to the charity involved in disaster relief.
Industry veteran Bill Finney dies
Finney, most recently with Regal Marine, had a long, successful career with Regal, Luhrs and Grand Banks.
Powerboat registrations up 4.6% in September
New boats 27 feet and above were up by double digits.
Canadian digital publisher redesigns boat and outboard websites
Digital Era Media has launched new versions of BoatDealers.ca and OutboardDealers.ca.