Senate again delays small business bill - 07/30/2010 The Senate on Thursday postponed a plan to create a $30 billion loan fund for small businesses, delaying final passage until September at the earliest.
Discover Boating narrows agency search - 07/30/2010 A task force made up of Grow Boating Board of Directors and staff have narrowed the list of integrated marketing agencies to develop plans for the ramp up of the Discover Boating campaign.
Brunswick sells Triton Boats - 07/30/2010 As part of Brunswick Corp.’s ongoing effort to further refine its product portfolio, the company has sold Triton Boats to Fishing Holdings.
MarineMax profitable on decreased revenue in Q3 - 07/30/2010 MarineMax, Inc. reported revenue of $115.4 million for the third quarter ended June 30, 2010, compared with $151.5 million for the comparable quarter last year.
SEI Marine Products expands product line - 07/30/2010 SEI Marine Products has completed its phase two outboard project and expanded its outboard lower unit product range to include most three- and four-cylinder outboard applications.
Rivolta launches Mojito line - 07/27/2010 Rivolta Yachts of Sarasota has launched a small-crafts division, the Mojito line.
ABBRA finalizes summer symposium agenda - 07/27/2010 Don Saracen, business relationship expert, will present the keynote address at the American Boat Builders & Repairers Association summer symposium.
In Brief: Land ‘N’ Sea Distributing, The Sacks Group - 07/27/2010 This section contains breaking news from recreational boating companies and organizations, including boat builders, marine dealers and their suppliers.
Teleflex says marine sales improved in Q2 - 07/23/2010 Commercial Segment revenues in the second quarter increased 26 percent to $55.3 million from $44.0 million in the same period last year.
Maretron moves manufacturing into larger space - 07/23/2010 Maretron, a marine electronics design and manufacturing company, has moved its manufacturing activities into larger premises.
Tom Katica of ZF Marine Group passes away - 07/23/2010 Thomas Katica of ZF Marine Group died at home on Whidbey Island on July 8 after a two-year battle with cancer.
Navico centralizes Canadian distribution - 07/23/2010 Navico has joined forces with marine electronics distributor CMC Electronics to centralize Canadian distribution of products within its brands.
Hatteras Yachts to move Cabo production - 07/20/2010 Hatteras Yachts will consolidate production of both its Hatteras Yacht and Cabo Yacht brands at its facility in New Bern, N.C.
Century Boat assets still for sale - 07/20/2010 Yamaha remains interested in selling the assets of Century Boats, either in whole or in part.
Westlawn Institute’s new location approved - 07/20/2010 The Washington, D.C.-based Distance Education and Training Council has inspected and approved Westlawn Institute’s new offices in Eastport, Maine.
IYRS to host open houses in July, August - 07/20/2010 The International Yacht Restoration School is hosting two summer open houses for the public at its Bristol facility.
New website for New England boaters launched - 07/20/2010 Aucoot Media Inc. recently launched BoatingLocal.com — a news, information and entertainment website for New England boaters.
YachtWorld inventory system to appear at conference - 07/20/2010 YachtWorld.com's new inventory management system, BoatWizard 2, will be featured at the upcoming Yacht Brokerage Universities in Annapolis and Providence.
SAS Yachts to become Seattle Yachts - 07/20/2010 SAS Yachts, also known as Sailboats at Shilshole, is changing its name to Seattle Yachts effective Aug. 1.
Everglades Boats adds dealers - 07/16/2010 Everglades Boats says it is currently experiencing the highest influx of new dealers into the company in recent years.
Deep Impact names new sales director - 07/16/2010 Deep Impact, a Miami-based manufacturer of high-performance powerboats, has appointed Tim Gallagher to assist with the 12-year-old brand’s restructuring and long-term growth as sales director.
Angels of the Seas creates conservation contest - 07/13/2010 Angels of the Seas has launched a conservation contest to allow organizations to compete for honors for their efforts in conservation.
Dealers profit despite lower sales in May - 07/09/2010 Despite lower new unit sales, the average dealer tracked by Spader Business Management broke into the profit column at the end of May.
API Marine forms new spin-off company - 07/09/2010 Hydradynamic Systems Inc. will focus on miniature hydraulic systems incorporating fluid power, motion control and actuation with custom engineered solutions.
Teleflex launches dealer rewards program - 07/09/2010 The new online incentive program rewards dealers for recommending, selling and installing Teleflex, SeaStar, NFB, Sierra and Shields products.
New Nautic and Co America ownership sees industry upswing - 07/06/2010 Nautic and Co America, a full-service yacht repair company based at the Lauderdale Marine Center in Fort Lauderdale, was purchased in October 2009 by an investment group.
Bayliner, Garmin team up - 07/02/2010 Beginning with the 2011 model year, all Bayliner navigation packages will feature electronics exclusively from Garmin International.
Online maritime job board partners on career center - 07/02/2010 MaritimeJobBoard.com, a job board created specifically for the maritime industry, has partnered with JobTarget on a new online career center.
Flats boat pioneer dies - 07/02/2010 Bob Hewes, who developed and released the first production flats boat in 1969, died Sunday in Miami of bone cancer.
Yamaha Marine Group names vice president - 07/02/2010 Dean Burnett, former vice president and general manager for Century Boats, has accepted the position of vice president for Yamaha Marine Group.
SkipperBud’s again expands Door County facility - 07/02/2010 Sturgeon Bay’s Quarterdeck Marina, part of SkipperBud’s Yacht Center, has expanded for the second year in a row by adding additional 55- and 60-foot docks.
IMBC reveals 2011 field trip locations - 07/02/2010 The International Marina & Boatyard Convention’s annual field trip will include visits to four marinas and boatyards in Fort Lauderdale.
Tigé Boats increases market share in Q1 - 06/29/2010 Tigé Boats has captured 8.3 percent of the market share for 2010 first quarter U.S. retail sales of 20 foot to 24 foot ski boats.
Sea Ray releases final lineup for AquaPalooza 2010 - 06/29/2010 Sea Ray Boats has released the final lineup of musical acts to perform at the AquaPalooza 2010 Signature Event, scheduled for July 10 at The Reserve at Lake Travis near Austin, Texas.
Riviera out of administration - 06/29/2010 Riviera, the Australian yacht builder, has officially exited from administration.
Mallory Marine completes new bellows project - 06/29/2010 Mallory Marine has completed a two-year R&D project centered around the development of new tooling and rubber compounds for its existing replacement bellows.
RBIEF grants $7,000 to 12 Michigan students - 06/29/2010 The Recreational Boating Industries Educational Foundation (RBIEF) has awarded $7,000 in scholarship funds to 11 students for the 2010/2011 school year.
Registration now open for 2010 MDCE - 06/25/2010 General registration for the 2010 Marine Dealer Conference &
Expo, scheduled for Nov. 14-17, 2010, in Orlando, Fla., opened this morning, with nearly 100 industry leaders already signed up for the event.
Marine dealers excluded from financial reform bill - 06/25/2010 After working through the night on the financial reform bill, the House and Senate conference committee have finalized the legislation and marine dealers were granted an exclusion.
NMEA appoints new vice chairman - 06/25/2010 David Gratton, a dealer director and a partner in Martek of Palm Beach, Fla., has been appointed to the position of vice chairman.
Spartan Logistics announces new leader - 06/25/2010 Following the retirement of its founders, Ed Harmon and Jim Ranney, Spartan Logistics announced that Ed's son Steve Harmon will assume the role of managing director.
MRAA supports fully funding Grow Boating initiative - 06/22/2010 The Marine Retailers Association of America supports the decision to end the redirection of Grow Boating funds but was disappointed that full funding will not be restored to the program immediately.
EPA again delays decision on E15 gasoline - 06/22/2010 The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said Thursday it will delay a decision on whether to allow ethanol gasoline blends of up to 15 percent until the fall.
Zodiac establishes new distributor in Mexico - 06/22/2010 Zodiac of North America recently signed Yates y Costas S.A. de C.V. as their exclusive distributor for mainland Mexico.
Maine cuts sales tax on boats sold to non-residents - 06/18/2010 Gov. John E. Baldacci recently signed a state law that will allow non-resident boaters to pay considerably less in sales tax on their boat purchases in Maine
New marine communications company launched - 06/18/2010 A new marine communications company, Ocean Signal, was recently launched specializing in the design and development of advanced communication and safety products.
Scout Boats makes managerial changes - 06/18/2010 Along with recent new production employee hires, Scout Boats Inc. has made five key managerial changes at its South Carolina-based facility.
EdgeWater offers free electronics packages - 06/18/2010 Edgewater Boats recently launched a new promotion that offers consumers a free Garmin electronics package on all in-stock 2010 boats.
New boat sales dip after strong first quarter - 06/15/2010 While new boat sales were up for the first quarter of 2010, one month later at the end of April, new boat sales were down 6.8 percent.
KCS International rehires 100 workers - 06/15/2010 With production orders picking up, the parent company of Cruisers Yachts and Rampage Sport Fishing Yachts requires a larger staff.
Analyst: Leisure vehicle market gradually improving - 06/15/2010 A KeyBanc Capital Markets analyst said Monday that the leisure vehicle market is continuing to gradually improve, with the ATV market showing the most growth.
Levi to head BoatUS Angler - 06/15/2010 Steve Levi has been appointed brand manager of BoatUS Angler, the membership and services program for boat-owning anglers.
Southport Boats joins Sea Care program - 06/11/2010 Offshore fishing boat builder Southport Boats has joined Sea Tow Services International's Sea Care program.
Boating Industry Magazine announces 2010 Top 100 and Leadership Alliance - 06/08/2010 The 2010 Leadership Alliance members include: Evinrude, GE Capital, BoatTrader com, Volvo Penta, Manheim Specialty Auctions, Global Marine Insurance Agency and the Marine Retailers Association of America.
West Marine launches Marine Conservation Grants program - 06/08/2010 The grants will be awarded to groups that offer conservation projects that are beneficial to recreational fishing and sustainable commercial fishing, while preserving marine resources.
ABBRA roundtable names facilitator - 06/08/2010 Jack Marrow, director of the North Carolina Marine Trade Association, will facilitate a free roundtable discussion.
Sea Tow sees increase in Memorial Day activity - 06/04/2010 Sea Tow’s 24-hour national call center dispatched 69 percent more calls during the holiday weekend than in 2008 and 54 percent more calls than in 2009.
Brunswick facility for sale - 06/04/2010 Brunswick's U.S. Marine boatyard in Navassa, N.C., which was shut down in October 2008, is for sale.
NMBA Founder Don Mattocks dies - 06/04/2010 Don Wynne Mattocks, founding president of the National Marine Bankers Association, died May 23 after a six-month battle with leukemia.
Aqua Marine Partners adds two marinas - 06/04/2010 Covenant Cove Marine has sold Maryland's Bohemia Vista Yacht Basin and Hack’s Point Marina to CNL Lifestyle Properties.
Dates of 2010 METS announced - 06/04/2010 This year's Marine Equipment Trade Show has been scheduled for November 16-18 in Amsterdam.
Why Brunswick kept printing in-house - 06/01/2010 Brunswick recently considered outsourcing its printing operations for owners' guides, installation manuals and other materials.
Jensen Marine launches new direct purchasing website - 06/01/2010 ASA Electronics, an international manufacturer and supplier of marine audio and video equipment, has launched an all-new direct purchasing website.
Hurricane season predicted to be “active” - 05/28/2010 The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association’s outlook ranges exceed the seasonal average of 11 named storms in the Atlantic Basin this year.
MBIA to hold new boating festival - 05/28/2010 The 1st Annual Boating & Outdoor Recreation Festival will take place in late September in Mt. Clemens, Mich.
Boats escaping oil at Harborage Marina - 05/25/2010 The St. Petersburg business is seeing new demand from boaters concerned over the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.
Unified Marine appoints new vice president - 05/25/2010 Curt Jarson will be in charge of managing day-to-day operations and furthering the growth of the Unified Marine brand.
Roch Lambert: The black hole is over - 05/21/2010 The first priority for this president of Project Boat Holdings’ recreational boat division is to increase communications with its dealer network.
Losses decline at faster pace in April - 05/21/2010 As in the previous two months, all boat segments tracked by Info-Link Technologies Inc.’s Bellwether Report were up in April.
Brownback Amendment doesn't make Senate bill - 05/21/2010 The Senate passed a financial-overhaul bill, but it does not include the Brownback Amendment to exempt auto and boat dealers.
Sea Ray to co-sponsor Brad Paisley’s H20 tour - 05/21/2010 The company will showcase its products and its commitment to the boating lifestyle during the 40-stop summer concert tour.
Yamaha PWC launches mobile trivia campaign - 05/18/2010 Yamaha Watercraft Group launched a mobile trivia campaign offering a chance to win various prizes including the grand prize of a trip for two to Yamaha’s 2011 WaterCraft Product Premiere in August.
MasterCraft, Hydra-Sports join Sea Care program - 05/18/2010 Through Sea Care, MasterCraft and Hydra-Sports will provide customers with a complimentary 95-day Sea Tow membership with the purchase of each new boat.
Evinrude/Ranger to offer test rides - 05/18/2010 Ranger Boats and BRP’s Evinrude outboard brand initially launched the test drive program in 2004 and have expanded it each year.
ABBRA to offer day of training - 05/14/2010 A Marine Equipment Operator Training in Marine Straddlelift is scheduled for the morning of Aug. 4, and a new ABBRA course, the Hydraulic Trailer Training, will be available to MEOT participants that afternoon at a discounted rate.
Donzi reports strong demand, new dealer - 05/14/2010 From July 2009 to April 2010, more than 95 Donzi boats have been sold and delivered to retail customers.
Coast Distribution System reports improved Q1 results - 05/14/2010 A nearly $1 million year-over-year improvement in earnings was primarily due to increases in net sales and gross margin, and a reduction in selling, general and administrative expenses in this year's first quarter.
First quarter sales up for average Spader dealer - 05/11/2010 The average dealer tracked by Spader Business Management reported an increase of 3.2 percent in new boat sales for the first three months of 2010.
Regal has best month since September '08 - 05/11/2010 Regal Marine Industries said today that in April the company experienced its best month for product shipments since September 2008.
Sunsation breaks all time prerelease sales records - 05/11/2010 Sunsation Powerboats says it has seen preproduction sales higher than at any time in the history of the company with the release of its new 36’ Dominator.
Yacht promotion adds extra day of cruising - 05/11/2010 Southwest Florida Yachts is giving all two-day sail and power-yacht charters the third day free through October.
Google, SBA form online partnership - 05/07/2010 A new partnership between Google and the Small Business Administration aims to raise awareness of free online tools that can help small businesses.
Sea Tow names new VP, adds staff - 05/07/2010 Sea Tow Services International has promoted Robert Backhaus to vice president of operations and made two additions to its corporate staff.
FinCraft Boat Co. launches - 05/05/2010 The brand is one of several that former Genmar CEO Irwin L. Jacobs retained after Genmar's bankruptcy.
Grow Boating to consider future of industry marketing campaign - 05/04/2010 The Marine Retailers Association of America has asked the Grow Boating board to halt the re-direction of engine assessment funds and restore funding to the Grow Boating program.
Roch Lambert moves to Project Boat Holdings - 05/04/2010 Lambert will act as president of the holding company’s recreational boat division, which includes the Four Winns, Glastron and Wellcraft brands.
NMBA releases new review of marine lending - 05/04/2010 This review is designed for lenders to take to boardrooms to help get recreational boating consumer and inventory loans in their strategic plans.
Yamaha launches new incentive - 04/30/2010 Yamaha Marine Group has launched a new incentive that provides consumers their choice of either a credit or an extended service contract.
NMMA's revamped CSI program offers new product research - 04/27/2010 The National Marine Manufacturers Association has announced details of new customer and product research program that will be made available as part of its new Customer Satisfaction Index program.
Marine Exhaust Systems wins patent infringement lawsuit - 04/27/2010 The United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida found that DeAngelo Marine Exhaust willfully infringed on two of Marine Exhaust Systems Inc.'s patents.
Analyst sees recovery taking hold - 04/26/2010 RBC Capital Markets says its sees signs of a fragile recovery, but the marine industry continues to face challenges.
DFSG to offer factory direct financing - 04/23/2010 Dealer Financial Services Group will begin offering manufacturers the same retail finance program available to its dealers.
Brunswick reports safety award winners - 04/23/2010 The company started the program to recognize and reward employees and facilities that have achieved outstanding safety and health performance.
AOC increases prices in U.S., Canada - 04/23/2010 The cost of vinyl ester resins, unsaturated polyester resins and gel coats will increase effective after May 3.
MRAA supports finance reform amendment - 04/23/2010 The group says without the amendment, the Senate's Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection bill could complicate boat dealer financing requirements.
Brunswick to stick with September model year strategy - 04/21/2010 After making the change for the 2010 model year, all Brunswick Boat Group brands — except Hatteras and Cabo — will make 2011 new model year products available in September as well.
Spader, Life Associates merge resources - 04/20/2010 Life Associates founder Michael O’Connor compared the merger to bringing together the right hardware and software.
Tigé celebrates 20th anniversary - 04/20/2010 To commemorate the occasion, the company's CEO received a one–of–a–kind Platinum Edition Tigé.
BRP launches new Evinrude outboard promotion - 04/20/2010 Spring Savings Event benefits include an extended protection plan, cash-back offer and up to $1,100 in rigging equipment.
Wealthy cautiously starting to spend - 04/16/2010 A recent article in the New York Times includes several boating examples in a discussion of high-end spending.
Mystic signs new dealer for Western U.S. - 04/13/2010 Bruce Bullock and Bullock Marine have been chosen as the exclusive Mystic Powerboats dealer for the Western U.S.
Raymarine receives two new takeover bids - 04/09/2010 The higher bid comes from a direct competitor, which opens the acquisition to potential anti-trust hurdles.
SunDance Marine opens new Florida yacht center - 04/06/2010 Because of an increase in service customers in South Florida, the company opened SunDance Marine Yacht Center at Hidden Harbor.
Dealer collaboration on boat shows continues - 03/26/2010 In the second such announcement this week, a group of seven boat dealers are working together to create the Third Annual Greenwich In-Water Boat Show
JMP Corp. establishes U.S. branch - 03/26/2010 The impeller manufacturer’s new branch office has access to a logistics center for inventory management.
Conn. yacht brokers collaborate on new boat show - 03/23/2010 Boatworks Yacht Sales, Wilde Yacht Sales, Eastland Yachts, Hank Aldrich Yacht Sales and Prestige Yacht Sales are co-hosting what they hope will become an annual event.
January losses show slight improvement over 2009 - 03/22/2010 The average dealer tracked by Spader Business Management lost money in the first month of the new year, but their losses were 2.5 percent less than last year.
ABC refocuses on becoming an all-industry event - 03/19/2010 The issues to be addressed during this year’s American Boating Congress affect the entire industry, says NMMA President Thom Dammrich.
West Marine ends fiscal 2009 debt-free - 03/16/2010 Net income was $12.4 million, an improvement of $51.2 million over the net loss of $38.8 million for fiscal year 2008.
NMMA updates members on dealer floorplan initiative - 03/12/2010 NMMA President Thom Dammrich and other staff met with the Republican and Democratic staff of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
School debates future of boat-building class - 03/09/2010 Florida's Manatee Technical Institute began the class in 2008, but with jobs continuing to disappear, the school is considering whether it should drop it.
New virtual boat show now online - 03/09/2010 BoatShowsatHome.com launched with only New England dealers but it is working to expand quickly.
Paneltronics hires senior account manager - 03/09/2010 Priscilla Swanson was formerly the national marine manager for Wesgarde Components, where she worked for 35 years.
YachtWorld.com opens new finance center - 03/05/2010 YachtWorld.com partnered with Financial Underwriters Network to provide the new service for yacht brokers.
ABYC Foundation launches online purchasing directory - 03/02/2010 Manufacturers, retailers and/or service providers appearing within the directory are required to self-certify that their product and/or services meet certain criteria.
TheOpenSea.com leaps forward - 02/26/2010 Not only has the social and professional networking site partnered with the Association of Marina Industries, it is adding to the products and services it offers the boating industry and boaters.
Teleflex’s marine business down in fourth quarter - 02/26/2010 Four percent of its Commercial segment revenue decline can be attributed to its divestiture of its marine gauge biz, the other four percent was due to reductions in core revenue.
Grow Boating plan in the works - 02/23/2010 NMMA President Thom Dammrich says work will begin immediately on a new plan to develop a messaging and promotional plan to impact today’s changed consumer.
ABBRA Summer Symposium dates scheduled - 02/23/2010 The second annual symposium is scheduled for Aug. 2 and 3 at the Hilton Mystic at the Aquarium in Mystic, Conn.
Priority One partners with credit-repair provider - 02/16/2010 VertiSEL’s 90-day credit improvement program is designed to increase the credit score of clients who enroll and participate in the course.
Sea Ray expands partnership with Costco - 02/16/2010 The program gives Costco members in major boating markets special pricing on select Sea Ray Sport Boat and Sport Cruiser models.
Brunswick details new dealer certification program - 02/12/2010 The company says its new program includes best practices from its boat group certification programs combined with requirements from Marine Five Star Dealer Certification (MFSDC).
NMMA, BWI honor 10 innovative products at Miami - 02/12/2010 The Innovation Awards are organized by the National Marine Manufacturers Association and judged by Boating Writers International.
Dealers optimistic despite smaller Miami show - 02/09/2010 The show will have less exhibition space and fewer vendors, but positive trends leading into the show have dealers hoping for the best.
PowerCat Group launched to educate boaters - 02/09/2010 Each of the group’s four brands, the most recent of which was acquired in December, target a different segment of the market.
Sea Ray signs 10 new dealerships - 02/09/2010 The dealers are located in California, Colorado, Utah, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Tennessee and Vermont.
KVH reports revenue growth - 02/09/2010 However, economic challenges remain in the leisure satellite TV markets, the company says.
Vicem Yachts adds brokers in U.S. - 02/09/2010 Brokers from Sarasota Yacht & Ship, American Global Yacht Group and Yacht Works have joined Vicem's broker network.
A smaller MarineMax delivers improved results - 02/02/2010 The boat retail chain, now sporting 20 fewer stores than this time last year, reported inventory reductions and a same store sales increase for the first quarter.
BWI to host forum on marine industry future - 02/02/2010 The panel discussion at the Miami International Boat Show will feature boating journalists including Boating Industry's own Matt Gruhn.
Brunswick's Q4 sales drop 22 percent - 01/28/2010 For the year, the company reported net sales of $2,776.1 million, down from $4,708.7 million a year earlier.
Westlawn Institute moves into Maine's Boat School - 01/26/2010 The Westlawn Institute of Marine Technology has moved its office from Connecticut to a new location in The Boat School in Eastport, Maine.
Jacobs buys back more Genmar assets - 01/22/2010 Through J&D Acquisitions, Jacobs acquired the Larson, Seaswirl, FinCraft and Triumph boat brands as well as VEC Technology Inc.
NMBA elects new president, director - 01/22/2010 As president, Karen Trostle says she will reach out to consumer lending banks not currently engaged in the marine finance business.
Virginia, Richmond boat shows to be combined - 01/12/2010 The Virginia Boat Show was originally scheduled for Jan. 22-24 but will be combined with the Richmond Boat Show on Feb. 19-21.
Gander Mountain to delist from Nasdaq - 01/05/2010 The company recently announced its intent to withdraw shares of common stock from listing on the Nasdaq Global Market.
Calif. permit would target copper-based paints - 12/29/2009 The San Diego News Room looks into a permit to help curb the release of pesticides, which could affect the copper-based paints used by state boaters.
MRAA urges Senate to pass estate tax repeal - 12/29/2009 Because total repeal is unlikely in the near future, MRAA has suggested the government adjust it to provide relief to family-owned businesses.
NMMA purchases New England Boat Show - 12/18/2009 The acquisition is part of a strategic move to reposition NMMA’s portfolio of boat shows, the association reports.
Garelick Manufacturing co-founder dies - 12/18/2009 Joe Garelick and his brother, Saul, started the company 57 years ago in the back of an appliance store in St. Paul.
BoatU.S. hands out Access Awards - 12/18/2009 Five communities received recognition for their strategies to improve water access.
October boat sales continue trend from September - 12/15/2009 New boat sales were down by 33.9 percent and total dealership sales were down by 22.0 percent for the average dealer tracked by Spader Business Management during the ten-month period ended Oct. 31.
ThreeClix appoints new VP of technology - 12/11/2009 Nick Owens will be responsible for directing the company's technology staff, as well as the design, engineering and deployment of the ThreeClix real-time response system.
In July, we profiled four marine businesses that exemplify the qualities required of today’s business world. These companies are different than they were just 18 months ago. They are boat dealers who have had record performance during the worst recession the boating market has ever known. They are boat builders who calculated correctly and avoided prolonged shutdowns, even as industry-wide inventory levels reached catastrophic proportions. They are suppliers who innovated their way through The Great Recession and came out the other side leading the way.
In addition, the July issue features your Web questions answered by experts, an article on the Fed trying to ease the credit crunch and an online exclusive on the making of Singleton Marine Group's "A-Team."
You can view the contents of the entire issue by clicking here.
Web Exclusives
Change or Perish - 06/15/2010
How have businesses changed to reflect a wholly different retail marketplace? We asked that question of 17 companies that represent diverse business sectors, from the dealer to the manufacturer to the dealer service provider.
Event Marketing: A three-step system for success - 05/28/2010
This Web Exclusive is an unabridged version of the June issue article "The event formula," which guides the reader through a proven process for producing successful dealership events.
First-hand reports from dealers across North America - 05/28/2010
This Web Exclusive provides those dealer reports on alternative profit centers, inventory, challenges & opportunities and market outlook — plus bonus interviews with Paul Nickel, president, Pride Marine Group, Bracebridge, Ontario, Canada, and John Vallely, Jr., general manager, Vallely Sport & Marine, Bismark, N.D. — that were not included in the June issue cover story, "Is this a recovery?"
Extending your reach - 04/08/2010
The traditional approach to advertising a job opening is to purchase a classified ad in a local newspaper, but that's not the only way ...
Interviewing tips - 04/08/2010
Neal Harrell, president of Brooks Marine Group, provides advice on how to interview.
Why you need a business plan, by Noel Osborne - 02/22/2010
Many small business owners do not understand why they need a business plan, and I would suggest that many boat dealers fall into this category. The fact is that a comprehensive business plan is much more than a financial plan.
Correct Craft looks for the right investments - 10/07/2009
In this second and final installment of Boating Industry magazine’s two-part interview series, Correct Craft CEO Bill Yeargin details the methods used to analyze the data the team gathered, outlines Correct Craft’s plans for putting the data to use and shares his perspective and those of the executives he interviewed on the state of today’s recreational marine industry and its future.
Correct Craft shares industry investment insights - 09/29/2009
In this first installment of Boating Industry magazine’s two-part interview series, Correct Craft CEO Bill Yeargin unveils why Correct Craft sees potential investment opportunities in today’s market, how he chose the team of executives tasked with identifying such opportunities, the plan created to accomplish the company’s objectives, and the insight gained through interviews with 60 industry executives.
Inside GE, Part Four - 08/25/2009
In this fourth and final installment of Boating Industry magazine’s interview series, GE Commercial Distribution Finance Marine Group President Bruce Van Wagoner comments on the lessons GE and the industry as a whole have learned from this downturn, the best practices boat dealers and manufacturers are adopting to survive the challenges of today’s market, and the changes he expects to see in the relationships between dealers and builders.
Inside GE, Part Three - 08/14/2009
In this third installment of Boating Industry magazine’s four-part interview series, GE Commercial Distribution Finance Marine Group President Bruce Van Wagoner discusses the company’s involvement in the sale of boat builder assets and the Genmar bankruptcy, the current size of its marine business, the impact of its actions on the industry and the health of today’s North American dealer body.
Inside GE, Part Two - 08/12/2009
In this second installment of Boating Industry magazine’s four-part interview series, GE Commercial Distribution Finance Marine Group President Bruce Van Wagoner singles out the main issue keeping boat dealers awake at night, suggests lessons the industry should take away from the recession and predicts how the industry will evolve as a result of today’s market conditions.
Inside GE, Part One - 08/05/2009
In this first installment of Boating Industry magazine’s four-part interview series, GE Commercial Distribution Finance Marine Group President Bruce Van Wagoner tells the story of the downturn’s impact on GE CDF Marine Group, describes how the now leaner division is proceeding in response to market conditions and details how it expects its business and that of the entire marine industry to evolve going forward.
An in-depth exclusive with Jim Lane, Part Four - 07/15/2009
In this final installment of Boating Industry magazine’s four-part interview series, Marine Products Corp. President Jim Lane discusses boating's target customer, boat builder bankruptcies and bringing new people into boating.
An in-depth exclusive with Jim Lane, Part Three - 07/08/2009
In this third installment of Boating Industry magazine’s four-part interview series, Marine Products Corp. President Jim Lane discusses his company’s financial condition, reveals its strategies for adjusting to the downturn and provides his outlook on the marine market.
An in-depth exclusive with Jim Lane, Part Two - 07/01/2009
In this second installment of Boating Industry magazine’s four-part interview series, Marine Products Corp. President Jim Lane tells the story behind the creation of the company’s new marketing campaign, explains the many purposes it is expected to fulfill and why such action is necessary in today’s marine market.
An in-depth exclusive with Jim Lane, Part One - 06/23/2009
In this first installment of Boating Industry magazine’s four-part interview series, Marine Products Corp. President Jim Lane discusses the company’s strategy for helping Chaparral and Robalo dealers endure the downturn.
Just the social networking facts - 05/27/2009
If you think those consumers participating in social networking don’t fit your target market, chances are you’re wrong.
The boating buzz - 05/27/2009
Consumers are talking about boating brands and experiences on sites like Facebook, MySpace and Twitter.
Boating businesses take to Twitter - 05/27/2009
Each of those businesses using Twitter to connect with the boating public and marine industry appear to have their own unique approach.
One-on-one with Irwin Jacobs, Part Four - 04/08/2009
In the fourth installment of Boating Industry magazine’s four-part interview series, Genmar Holdings’ chairman discusses the state of the economy and its impact on the industry.
One-on-one with Irwin Jacobs, Part Three - 04/01/2009
In the third installment of Boating Industry magazine’s four-part interview series, Genmar Holdings’ chairman discusses the company’s FinCraft distribution strategy and how he thinks boat shows need to change.
One-on-one with Irwin Jacobs, Part Two - 03/25/2009
In the second installment of Boating Industry magazine’s four-part interview series, Genmar Holdings’ chairman discusses the key to Genmar’s survival over the years, his efforts to bring another source of floorplan lending into the industry and GE’s recent actions to raise prices.
Protect yourself - 03/24/2009
Now is not the time for dealers to gamble with their future when it comes to compliance with federal rules and regulations.
One-on-one with Irwin Jacobs, Part One - 03/04/2009
In the first installment of Boating Industry magazine’s four-part interview series, Genmar Holdings’ chairman discusses his strategy for growing market share during the economic downturn, including the addition of new dealers like Legendary Marine.
Cost Containment Strategies - 02/05/2009
By identifying and taking action to prevent what Yamaha University Instructor Valerie Ziebron calls “profit leaks,” a business can reduce expenses and increase profitability.
Inside Brunswick, Part Five - 07/01/2008
In this, the fifth and final section of the interview, Brunswick's CEO discusses how the industry is handling itself in a down market, the impact of the downturn on Brunswick’s Dealer Advantage program, and the company’s plans to add new products and services to the program.
Strategic Planning Resources - 06/25/2008
Here’s a list of 12 books and five Web sites for those considering creating their own strategic plan.
Inside Brunswick, Part Four - 06/24/2008
In the fourth installment of this five-part series, Brunswick CEO Dusty McCoy talks about selling the Baja line to Fountain Powerboats, Attwood’s place in the marine market and product integration.
Inside Brunswick, Part Three - 06/17/2008
For this segment, McCoy discusses transferring corporate vision and goals to individual companies within Brunswick, the extent to which volume is a challenge for the boating industry and whether the saltwater brand acquisitions were a mistake.
Inside Brunswick, Part Two - 06/11/2008
In this installment, Brunswick CEO Dusty McCoy takes on the company's "white space" strategy, the evolution of consumer demographics and cyclical vs. structural market changes.
Inside Brunswick - 06/03/2008
In a two-hour interview, Dusty McCoy shares his strategies for creating a more profitable company, offers his perspective on the industry’s current challenges, reflects on Brunswick’s past and sets the record straight regarding industry rumors.
Pat Mackey Interview Transcript - 02/29/2008
The full transcript of Boating Industry's exclusive interview with Mercury President Pat Mackey from the March 2008 issue.
Bringing the outside in - 09/07/2007 Boating Industry magazine asked Marine Marketers of America members for marketing practices from outside the industry that boating businesses could learn from. Here are three responses we received.
Affordability: comparing and contrasting - 08/31/2007
The author provides tips for selling the affordability of boating to consumers by comparing it to other recreations.
Interview with Wanda Kenton Smith - 08/31/2007
The president of the Marine Marketers of America and Kenton-Smith Advertising provides the industry with marketing tips and advice.
How to recruit industry leaders - 04/04/2007
Brooks Marine Group Inc. shares 15 steps to finding and securing the best and brightest for your company.
Discover Boating Leads Survey - 04/04/2007
Earlier this year, Boating Industry worked with Grow Boating to create and distribute a survey, sent out at the beginning of February to more than 5,600 marine businesses, to learn how the leads generated by Discover Boating are being handled.
Here are the results of that survey. To read the accompanying story, please see “Getting a handle on Discover Boating” on our Web site or in our April 2007 issue.
Interview with Channel Blade’s Charles Lewis and Bob McCann - 03/06/2007
Lewis is the company’s executive vice president of sales and McCann is director of customer service. They speak about the importance of lead management and how the boating industry does when it comes to handling leads.
Hearing from Honda - 02/02/2007
An interview with John P. Fulcher, senior manager, Honda Marine and Steve Bailey, vice president of Honda's Power Equipment Division.
Interview with West Marine CEO Peter Harris - 08/31/2005
In his position only six months, Harris shares his vision for West Marine’s future and how it will impact the company’s suppliers.
An interview with J.D. Power's Eric Sorensen - 04/07/2005
The company's director of Marine Practice/Consulting explains some of the findings of the "2005 Boat Competitive Information Study."
Interview with US Marine's Dave Taylor, Part 2 - 02/25/2005
The second part of Boating Industry's one-on-one conversation with the Brunswick division’s senior vice president of sales and marketing.
Interview with US Marine’s Dave Taylor - 02/25/2005 Boating Industry goes one-on-one with the Brunswick division’s senior vice president of sales and marketing.
