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.
Sea Tow sees 300% Increase in Weekend Calls
As boats are used as a respite from the pandemic, “we just want people to be boating responsibly,” said company president Kristen Frohnhoefer.
‘We’ll Get Through This’
With the COVID-19 pandemic gripping the industry, Viking CEO Pat Healey addressed his company’s strategy to “come out stronger.”
Dealers: How has coronavirus affected your businesses?
This month’s Pulse Report survey looks at cash flow in light of business shutdowns.
Quick Hits: April 1, 2020
Fairline scales back operations due to COVID-19 pandemic. NMMA Webinar: How the Stimulus Package Helps Boating Industry Businesses. Dates for 50th annual Newport International Boat Show announced. 2020 USCG Regulations for Recreational Boats Book now available.
A Worldview of the Marine Industry
How COVID-19 restrictions are affecting the marine business around the world.
Is Boating Banned in Maryland?
The state clarifies its stringent executive order limiting recreational boating.
Quick Hits: March 31, 2020
An updated stay-at-home order for SE Florida, Virginia extends order through June; Ford teams with GE Healthcare, looks to produce 50K ventilators in 100 days; Sail America postpones conference.
HydroHoist expands manufacturing to produce medical material handling equipment
Subsidiary RotoMoldUSA has been contracted to produce the essential equipment.
Several boats burned in marina fire
Investigators are determining how the blaze began at Harbor Island Marina in Seattle.
Quick Hits: March 30, 2020
The Florida Skiff Challenge circumnavigation race is postponed; Australia’s yacht council cancels a trio of shows; warming seas lead to more collisions between commercial vessels and whales.
AccuWeather predicts busy hurricane season
Seven to nine storms are predicted to become hurricanes.
Another executive order for Florida boaters
All recreational vessels must be at least 50 feet apart, with no more than 10 people on board.
Quick Hits: March 27, 2020
NMMA schedules Monday financial webinar; the Irish Marine Federation looks for worker exemptions; a reversal of boat ramp closures on Florida’s west coast; the Taiwan Boat Show is rescheduled—for 2022.
Washington State closes to recreational fishing
American Sportfishing Association is tracking restrictions imposed by several states due to the threat of COVID-19.
Nautical Distancing
Active Interest Media looks to tap the robust digital engagement it sees from boaters — who, like everyone, are tired of being stuck inside.
Quick Hits: March 26, 2020
NMMA outlines stimulus package; MasterCraft Holdings, Thor suspend production; Polaris still building boats; more boat ramp closures in Fla. and an amended Miami-Dade order; LCI, Patrick, Caterpillar announce some temporary closures.
NMMA and MRAA Op-Ed: Collectively Weathering the Storm
The boating industry must come together to prevent a financial body blow to the entire ecosystem.
COVID-19: Formula, Sunseeker, Princess temporarily halt production
Production has stopped but many employees continue to work remotely.
Quick Hits: March 25, 2020
More boat ramp closures in Florida; Bassmaster event in Alabama postponed; Bahamas announce additional COVID-19 restrictions; Ford reassessing opening of North American facilities.
February boat registrations up over 10% in main powerboat categories
March expected to be “a completely different story” due to coronavirus
White River Marine Group announces layoffs
Workforce reduction affects approximately 350 employees and seven facilities.