May 2018

  • Published On: May 31, 2018

    The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) 2017 Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract shows that unit sales of new powerboats increased 5 percent in 2017, reaching 262,000, the highest levels the U.S. recreational boating industry has seen in 10 years. What’s more, total marine expenditures were at an all-time high in 2017 at $39 billion (spending on [...]

  • Published On: May 30, 2018

    Serge Ferrari, a well-known producer of flexible composite materials, has launched a new website, www.sergeferrari.com, that features new product branding for a more intuitive product selection experience. The move streamlines the names of the company’s 125-plus products, and improves brand communication. To enable rapid understanding of the company’s products, the company has renamed many of [...]

  • Published On: May 24, 2018

    A cut in Connecticut's sales tax on marine vessels from 6.35 percent to 2.99 percent is set for July 1 in an effort to provide a much-needed boost to Connecticut's boating industry. Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy signed a revised state budget that reduces the state sales tax on vessels, vessel motors and trailers used [...]

  • Published On: May 22, 2018

    Morbern, a designer and manufacturer of upholstery vinyl for commercial interior, marine and automotive markets, announced that Chris Zappala has joined the company as the West Coast sales agent. Zappala will lead the company’s presence in California, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Idaho, Oregon and Washington, and focus his efforts on the contract market, marine aftermarket and [...]

  • Published On: May 17, 2018

    Safety Components, manufacturer of WeatherMAX and other high-performance outdoor technical fabrics, has added four distributors for its newest product, WeatherMAX 3D: J. Ennis Fabrics, Keyston Bros., Performance Textiles and The Miami Corporation. This provides availability for the innovative textile throughout the U.S. and Canada. Made in the USA, WeatherMAX 3D stretches up to 20 percent [...]

  • Published On: May 15, 2018

    U.S. Secretary of the Interior, Ryan Zinke, announced the addition of Correct Craft President and CEO, Bill Yeargin, to the Department of Interior’s “Made in America” Outdoor Recreation Advisory Committee. The announcement was made during the recreational marine industry’s annual legislative conference, the American Boating Congress, in Washington, D.C. The committee advises the Secretary of [...]

  • Published On: May 10, 2018

    Total unit sales of new boats increased in Canada by 4.7 percent in 2017 according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) Canada 2017 Canadian Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract – Economic Facts and Retail Markets (New Boats). The report contains a comprehensive collection of statistics on the Canadian recreational boating industry. Other highlights from the [...]

  • Published On: May 9, 2018

    June 12, 2018 | Noon EST Free to IFAI Members/$79.00 for Nonmembers The presenters will cover four components used in a cutting room: digitizing, cutting, material handling and ROI. Learn what applications are best suited for full automation and how to implement them and increase your product volumes. Presenters Truy Pham Autometrix Inc. Truy “Tree” [...]

  • Published On: May 9, 2018

    June 20, 2018 | Noon EST Free to IFAI Members/$75.00 for Nonmembers Learn about increasing your bottom line and how to encourage your clients to upgrade to better quality materials. Find out how upselling reflects company image, leads to future referrals and produces long-lasting products.   Presenter Dave Callahan Granite State Cover & Canvas Inc. [...]

  • Published On: May 8, 2018

    The International Boat Builders' Exhibition & Conference (IBEX), the marine industry's largest technical trade event in North America, will continue to be located at the Tampa Convention Center for the next three years. The show is scheduled to take place October 2-4, 2018, October 1-3, 2019 and September 29-October 1, 2020. For more information, visit [...]