July 2020

  • Published On: July 30, 2020

    The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) today announced the merger of Grow Boating Inc., the parent company to the Discover Boating consumer brand, into NMMA as part of a redefined strategic partnership between the two organizations. In addition, NMMA in Canada will work with the U.S.-based [...]

  • Published On: July 29, 2020

    Given the continuing uncertainty with the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and the importance of the health and safety of the entire textile community, IFAI has made the difficult, yet unavoidable decision to transition IFAI Expo 2020, set for Nov. 3-6, 2020, in Indianapolis, IN USA to an online only virtual event. IFAI Virtual Expo will take place [...]

  • Published On: July 29, 2020

    With COVID-19 cases increasing around the country, widespread reports of inventory supply issues and Connecticut’s travel restrictions impacting residents from more than 30 states, the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) has canceled this year’s Progressive® Insurance Norwalk Boat Show at Norwalk Cove Marina, which was scheduled to be held from September 24-27, 2020. Looking ahead [...]

  • Published On: July 28, 2020

    In a bipartisan vote, Congress passed the Great American Outdoors Act–legislation that will stimulate the recreational boating industry and create more safe and sustainable recreation access for all Americans. The bill is expected to be signed by President Trump and addresses two long-standing priorities of the outdoor recreation community. First, it fully funds the Land [...]

  • Published On: July 23, 2020

    The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) announced the publication of a new student workbook to bolster the ABYC Fundamentals of Marine Service Technology textbook and curriculum package for high schools and technical colleges. The workbook will help teachers implement classroom and distance learning with a variety of homework exercises, hands-on job assignments, and links [...]

  • Published On: July 22, 2020

    The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) reports new boat sales rebounded sharply in May, up 59% compared to April and up 9% from pre-pandemic levels on a seasonally-adjusted basis. Total sales in May were the highest they’ve been in a decade with upticks across all segments. Leading the growth were personal watercraft (PWCs), saltwater fishing [...]

  • Published On: July 21, 2020

    Entry is now open for the 2021 Marine Fabricators Association (MFA) Fabrication Excellence Awards. The submission process has been streamlined, the MFA has added two new categories, and entrants have the option of uploading up to six photos of a project. Fabrication Excellence Award winners receive a featured spot in Marine Fabricator Magazine, a personalized [...]

  • Published On: July 17, 2020

    Soft goods manufacturers are encouraged to celebrate National Contract Sewing Month in July, recognizing the millions of U.S. workers involved in the industry.  The founder of National Contract Sewing Month is Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) Makers Division member CustomFab USA, of Garden Grove, Calif., a contract sewing company involved in the manufacturing of soft [...]

  • Published On: July 16, 2020

    The 30th International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX), scheduled for September 29 – October 1, 2020, is transitioning to a virtual-only event. This decision was made to pivot the in-person show to a virtual event due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The marine industry will still be able to connect online with all the experts [...]

  • Published On: July 14, 2020

    With COVID-19 cases increasing around the country, particularly in the Tampa area, the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) has canceled this year’s Progressive® Insurance Tampa Boat Show at the Tampa Convention Center, which was scheduled to be held from September 11-13, 2020. "While we remained hopeful that the show would proceed amid the evolving coronavirus [...]