The Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) program, which funnels federal fuel taxes paid by recreational boaters back to the states to attract visiting boaters with amenities such as secure overnight dockage, has $24.7 million in funds available to local governments, port agencies, private marinas and boat clubs. The associated visiting boater spending that BIG projects draw [...]

The Oregon Senate and House passed legislation (SB47) that requires operators of nonmotorized boats to purchase a waterway access permit. The new access permit envelops the former aquatic invasive species permit and broadens its use by creating a waterway access fund. The legislation would require adults to purchase a $17 permit before floating a raft, [...]

Florida’s Uniform Certificate of Title Act (HB 475/S 676) was recently signed into law. Recreational boat enthusiasts and industry partners pushed for the legislation as a way to protect consumers from buying damaged, destroyed or stolen boats. The new titling law includes significant consumer protections for boaters; similar to the way Carfax identifies a vehicle’s [...]

For Immediate Release June 18, 2019 PR Contact Christian Weiland 651 225 6916 caweiland@ifai.com   IFAI Expo 2019 takes place Oct. 1-4 in Orlando, FL, USA. The Early Bird Rate deadline is approaching fast, and those who wish to save on their Expo registration must do so by June 26. This year's Expo is held [...]

New Sunbrella® Horizon, non-woven seating for marine environments. Sunbrella® Horizon is the company’s first non-woven marine seating fabric crafted to withstand life on the water, including consequences from the notorious pinking effect. It is backed by a three-year warranty against bacterial staining, a first for marine vinyl products. In addition, Sunbrella Horizon carries a five-year [...]

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) 2018 Powerboat Sales Trends report is now available. It includes annual retail unit sales totals by propulsion category, market share data by length and boat type, estimated total annual retail sales and average price information. The data show retail unit sales of new outboard, inboard and sterndrive boats were [...]

Registration is now open for the 29th International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX), being held October 1-3 at the Tampa Convention Center. IBEX is North America’s largest trade event for recreational marine industry professionals, with three exhibit halls, outdoor displays and demos on the IBEX docks. It also offers training and education from industry experts [...]

Unit sales of new powerboats in the U.S. reached 276,000 in 2018, an increase of 4 percent from 2017, the highest levels the U.S. recreational boating industry has seen in 11 years, according to data from the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). Marine expenditures, spending on boats, engines, trailers, accessories and related services, were at [...]

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) formally approved a rule allowing the year-round sale of fuel with 15 percent ethanol (E15) one day before the start of summer blend rules that would have blocked the fuel from most vehicles until September. The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and its coalition partners repeatedly voiced opposition to the [...]