The complete edition of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) 2018 U.S. Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract is now available in the Statistics section of NMMA.org. This report is the most comprehensive collection of industry data and a trusted source for recreational boating statistics. Key insights from the 2018 Statistical Abstract include: •Consumer spending on boats, [...]

A featured Show Stopper at the 2019 IFAI Expo, SunMaster™ is a versatile 7.5 oz. solution-dyed polyester featuring a 5-year warranty that is specially formulated to withstand just about anything Mother Nature can serve up. The fabric is abrasion resistant and easy to clean, making it an excellent choice for marine, awning, shade and garden [...]

New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu recently signed legislation establishing the Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry Development within the New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs (BEA). This legislation formalizes the state’s commitment to the businesses, natural assets and attractions that make up the outdoor recreation industry, which employs nearly 38,000 people in New Hampshire [...]

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) New Powerboat Registrations Report shows that new powerboat sales were down slightly (0.9 percent) on a rolling 12-month year-over-year basis and down 2 percent on a rolling three-month year-over-year basis through August. Total new units sold to date in 2019 reached 274,200, and by year-end are expected to be [...]

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a new initiative to expand the use of biofuels like E15 across the country. The proposal follows the administration’s decision earlier this year to lift the summertime ban on E15 sales. The newest initiative seeks to pump more than 15 billion gallons [...]

Registration is brisk for the annual Marine Fabricators Conference, which will be held Jan. 9-11, 2020, on the sunny shores of Daytona Beach, Fla. The conference features three full days of education and networking designed to help marine fabricators cultivate industry connections, improve their efficiency and increase revenue. Educational sessions include upholstery methods, photo digitizing, [...]

The recently launched Ennis Fabrics e-commerce website now has promotional discounts that are regularly offered to customers. The responsive website is user-friendly and visually pleasing, with more than 10,000 different products. Customers may now place orders, view stock levels, and access their pricing, invoices, and order history all online. “We are very excited to announce [...]

With a growing desire to use data to enhance the performance and enjoyment of sailing, Sail-Sense is a new sensor that helps boaters be smarter about sail management. The sensor attaches permanently to the sail, measuring key performance data such as hours of use, UV, G-force and flogging (movement). Like a “passport” for a boat’s [...]

Gary Westlund, of Awning Tracker, knows what he’s talking about when he says, “Overhead is a real cost. Unless you properly account for overhead on job bids, you are just guessing.” Westlund gave a straight-talk presentation at Expo 2019 in early October, telling attendees he owned and operated his own awning business for 25 years, [...]

At this year’s annual meeting during IFAI Expo 2019, IFAI presented the Outstanding Volunteer Awards, recognizing members who generously gave of their time to serve on different boards, task forces and committees, judged competitions and provided education and leadership to others in the industry. This year’s winners: Amy Bircher, president, MMI Textiles Inc. Jonathan Chakales, [...]