The Grandparent Economy
Grandparents today don’t typically resemble the white-haired, bespectacled version of the past.
Marine industry
Massachusetts kids’ boating day doubles participation
The Massachusetts Marine Trades Association had more than 5,000 children participate in its expanded Kids Boating Day events this year.
Full Slate at ABC
A slew of major marine industry issues — including some it has confronted for years — are closer than ever to being resolved, making the American Boating Congress, May 9-11 in Washington, D.C., the most crucial to date, organizers say.
Workers Wanted
Like most people born in 1990, Justin Bennett was on a four-year college track. He and his parents took it for granted that he would attend college before moving on to a steady desk job — until a stint at sailing camp, and later as a counselor, helped Bennett discover his passion for boats.
Retention over recruitment
Elkhart County, Ind., is home to many manufacturers in the boat and RV industries. In September 2017, unemployment was at 2.5 percent for the area.
Marine industry finishes 2017 on a high note
Sales of powerboats in the main segments grew 6.8 percent in the fourth quarter of 2017 in all 50 states, and 5.2 percent in 2017, according to new data released by Statistical Surveys Inc. today.
Positive signs for the powerboat industry to start the year
New powerboat registrations in January were up 2.9 percent in the main segments over January 2017, which had an increase of 9.5 percent over the previous year, according to new data released by Statistical Surveys Inc.
SkipperBud’s to carry Barletta pontoon boats
SkipperBud’s Boating Super Center has agreed to sell Barletta Pontoon Boats at its network of 17 dealers throughout the Midwest.
Chuck Rowe
Indmar Products Co. president Chuck Rowe is a handshake guy. Nothing is quite as important to Rowe, who joined the family business in 1973, as industry partnerships. They even come before his passion for innovation.
Forecast 2018
Our forecasters expect more innovation, continued steady, moderate growth as consumer confidence remains high
Nicki Polan
About a decade ago the Michigan Boating Industries Association helped enact legislation that made Michigan the 11th state with schools that cannot open until after Labor Day.
Dealer optimism rises in September
Marine dealer sentiment improved in September, but the 3- to 5-year outlook was modestly lower during a month that is past the peak selling season for boats.