Discover Boating enlists bloggers
September 2nd, 2014
According to BlogHer, which tracks women’s use of social media, some 37 million women read blogs primarily to help them make decisions for their families. For the second summer in a row, Discover Boating tapped into the influential audience by selecting 39 moms, three dads and four millennials to share their boating experiences and interaction with […]
San Diego Boat Show attendance soars, boosts summer sales
September 2nd, 2014
The 2014 Progressive Insurance San Diego International Boat Show attracted more than 7,600 visitors throughout the four-day event, up 24 percent compared to 2013; the show also featured 20 percent more exhibit space. Nearly 125 local, national and international companies exhibited at the boat show, and many are reporting it was the most successful show on the […]
President signs Water Resources Reform and Development Act
September 2nd, 2014
President Barack Obama has signed the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) into law, marking the first water resources policy update in seven years. In addition to wetlands restoration, WRRDA authorizes $12.3 billion for harbor deepening and inland waterways projects nationwide.
Louisiana removes warranty repair mandate
September 2nd, 2014
A legal requirement that marine manufacturers have their warranty repair rates approved by the state’s oversight board was removed recently when Gov. Bobby Jindal signed SB 605 into law. The state Motor Vehicle Commission supported the change. The commission said it had not and did not want to enforce the cumbersome and redundant dealer-by-dealer approval process. The requirement […]
Rebounding RV sales bode well for boat builders
September 2nd, 2014
Bloomberg reports both the RV and recreational boating industries “appear to be heating up, suggesting confidence has improved” in both industries. National Marine Manufacturers Association President Thom Dammrich noted purchases of powerboats are “on pace to achieve or even exceed” their forecasted growth of 5 to 7 percent this year. However, Dammrich noted that although he […]
Ibex opens in Tampa Sept. 29
September 2nd, 2014
Boat builders and marine industry professionals from around the world will have access to the industry’s premier education program offering everything from fundamental skills to cutting-edge advanced training at the 2014Â International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX), taking place Sept. 29-Oct. 2 at the Tampa Convention Center. Among other topics, the schedule includes: Lessons from the […]
Fabric guard & aerospace protectant
September 2nd, 2014
303 Fabric Guard This formula restores fabrics’ lost water and stain repellency to factory-new levels. Protects against both water- and oil-based stains. Does not alter fabric color, feel, flammability or breathability, and keeps fabrics dry helping to impede mildew formation and comes recommended by Sunbrella. 303 Aerospace Protectant Provides superior protection against harmful UV rays […]
MagicEzy
September 2nd, 2014
Australia-based MagicEzy offers a trio of new nanotechnology-based boat repair products that feature a three-year repair guarantee. MagicEzy 9-Second Chip Fix is a nano filler that structurally fixes and colors chips, scratches, nicks and gouges in fiberglass boats in seconds—without harsh fumes or the need for mixing two-part formulas. MagicEzy Hairline Fix is a nano […]
Chasing public dollar
September 2nd, 2014
Remember the Good Old Days? You offered a service; they signed up and sent the money. That was then. Today’s fabricators of marine products must be proactive in securing business. And if you’re seeking to procure accounts with the military and/or government sector, that business mantra spikes to a whole new level. This is not […]
Off the beaten path
September 2nd, 2014
Uncommon, unique and outright strange requests are a regular for marine fabricators. Here are some favorites. Chris Griffin never thought she’d find herself in the restaurant business when she started B & C Custom Canvas of Hampton, Va., with her partner, Buck Tucker, nearly 10 years ago. But that’s exactly where she has found herself […]