New powerboat registrations up 7 percent through July

September 30th, 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 […]

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Nominations for 2017 STEP Ahead awards open

September 26th, 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 […]

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SeaDek partners with NASA scientists

September 23rd, 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 […]

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Powerboat registrations up 9.7 percent through June

September 23rd, 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 […]

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ABYC launches online learning platform

September 22nd, 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 […]

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Register On-Site for the MFA Southwest Regional

September 21st, 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 […]

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NMMA Hall of Fame recipients announced

September 20th, 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 […]

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A sew helpful workshop

September 19th, 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 […]

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Water Resources Development Act passes Senate

September 16th, 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 […]

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Congress urged to support career training programs

September 13th, 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 […]

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