September 2016

  • Published On: September 30, 2016

    Advance data indicates new powerboat registrations were up 7.2% year over year (YOY) for the 12 months through July. Larger boats – 33’+, while lower in volume, were up 12.6% on a rolling twelve month basis (R12M) YOY. PWC, Pontoon, and saltwater fish segments continue to be the high-volume growth leaders: up 10.4%, 9.4%, and [...]

  • Published On: September 26, 2016

    The STEP (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Production) Ahead initiative was designed to showcase the impact of women in manufacturing and to help attract and retain the talent needed in the industry. This national honor identifies successful women in manufacturing, further encouraging them to mentor and support the next generation of female talent. This year, the [...]

  • Published On: September 23, 2016

    SeaDek Marine Products, Rockledge, Fla., has been named one of five companies to receive technical assistance from NASA scientists as part of a technology docking program organized by NASA and the Economic Development Commission (EDC) of Florida's Space Coast. The alliance seeks to join commercial technology challenges with NASA expertise and resources to provide solutions [...]

  • Published On: September 23, 2016

    In the second quarter of 2016, new registrations of traditional powerboats and personal watercraft were up 6.5 percent year over year (YOY), according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). Registrations of powerboats and personal watercraft were up 9.7 percent year over year for the 12 months through June. Pontoon, saltwater fish and ski boat [...]

  • Published On: September 22, 2016

    The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) has launched a new online marine training platform that hosts multi-module courses, interactive learning tools and on-demand webinars. Students can to learn at their own pace and avoid the travel expenses of on-site courses. “ABYC is strengthening its position as the marine industry’s leader in technical training with [...]

  • Published On: September 21, 2016

    The Marine Fabricators Association (MFA) Southwest Regional Workshop is September 23-24 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Although on-line registration has closed, on-site registration will be available.  The workshop will feature a profit and loss session about how to set the right price for your products and services, and a session on how to build and [...]

  • Published On: September 20, 2016

    The National Marine Manufacturers Association’s (NMMA) will present two industry leaders this year with its highest honor, the NMMA Hall of Fame. Robert (Bob) Menne, Jr., CEO, Premier Marine, and Victor (Vic) Porter, Chairman, Formula Boats, will be recognized for their career achievements during the 26th International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition & Conference (IBEX). The NMMA Hall [...]

  • Published On: September 19, 2016

    Understanding and preventing sewing machine breakdowns was addressed at IFAI’s recent Sewing Maintenance Workshop in Orlando, Fla. “Some prefer Juki, others Consew, Mitsubishi, Durkopp or Pfaff,” according to speaker Frank Henderson, Henderson Sewing Machine. “It’s like a car, some want a Chevy, others a Ford or Chrysler. They’re all good brands; it’s just a matter [...]

  • Published On: September 16, 2016

    On Sept. 16, the U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passed the reauthorization of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). WRDA is a key program for the recreational boating industry because it funds the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers to make improvements on U.S. waterways and harbors.  The vote passed 95-3, and a version of the bill is [...]

  • Published On: September 13, 2016

    Hundreds of associations and companies recently signed a letter to Congress urging the passage of H.R. 5587, the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act. The letter calls on Congress to quickly pass H.R. 5587, so workers can be trained in jobs that align with employers’ labor needs. This bill is a bipartisan [...]