Softside Marine from J. Ennis Fabrics is available in three new patterns. The 11 previous patterns are available in updated colors. Softside is ideal for marine seating and upholstery and is mildew and UV resistant. The company expanded its Tempotest Marine line to include 60-inch solids and tweeds. The breathable fabrics are soil and mold [...]

Discover Boating, a public awareness effort managed by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) on behalf of the North American recreational boating industry, launched a new campaign dedicated to encourage boaters to get non-boaters to experience the allure of the boating lifestyle. The campaign, Welcome to the Water, includes a strong Facebook presence and provides [...]

The Small Business Administration has relaunched its Dealer Floor Plan (DFP) Program. Originally started in July 2009 for boat, auto, RV and other dealerships that use floor plan financing loans, the new DFP program raises loan caps from $2 million to $5 million and provides a loan guarantee of 75 percent on floor plan lines [...]

Tri Vantage added Makrolon polycarbonate sheets to its product line. Manufactured by Bayer MaterialScience, Makrolon is known for glass-like clarity, along with outstanding impact strength, superior dimensional stability and excellent thermal resistance. Makrolon can be sewn into a number of marine enclosures. Tri Vantage has developed unique packaging that allows Makrolon polycarbonate sheets to be [...]

Twelve marine products were honored for innovative achievement by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and Boating Writers International (BWI) at the 70th annual Miami International Boat Show & Strictly Sail Miami, Feb. 17–21. Eleven companies took home the prestigious boating industry 2011 Innovation Award and one the Honorable Mention. The Innovation Awards recognize products [...]

Riverside Covers of Fort Myers, Fla., launched a new website in order to provide useful tools and inspiring ideas for its customers. The website focuses on the company’s custom products and services, offers canvas cleaning and maintenance instruction sheets, and printable manufacturer warranties. It also includes project pictures, seasonal promotions and information, and a variety [...]

Sailboat building company Beneteau USA is one of the first customers to take advantage of Jestercom’s new “Personal Marketing Experience” (PME) mobile device application for boat manufacturers and their dealers. The pre-loaded app includes information on various boat models, such as specifications, video galleries, virtual tours, dealer information, company information and a geo-based dealer locator. [...]

A GOST NT Evolution boat security system stopped would-be boat thieves from making off with a 35-foot Intrepid in Treasure Cay, Bahamas. As thieves attempted to steal the vessel, they were stopped as the system sounded sirens and alerted all of its contacts within 30 seconds. The thieves fled the boat before the police arrived. [...]

Taylor Made Group can now produce large, chemically toughened and laminated, shaped glass for superyacht builders, thanks to a collaboration with Cambridge University. The university provided assistance with technical development of the chemical-toughening process. The custom-shaped glass panels are available in sizes up to 8.2 feet by 10.5 feet. Taylor Made offers a wide variety [...]

SureShade announced final acceptance of a U.S. patent for its arched roller canvas design on a boat. The arched roller component is offered exclusively on the automated retractable sunshade system by SureShade. The arched roller component serves as part of the company’s self-supported retractable sunshade system. The curvature of the arched roller system complements the [...]