The U.S. Coast Guard recently appointed 20 individuals to serve as members of the National Boating Safety Advisory Committee (NBSAC), which was established in 2018. NBSAC members are selected from disciplines within the following fields of expertise: state boating safety programs, recreational vessel and associated equipment manufacturers; and national recreational boating organizations and the general [...]

The implementation of the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) offers the outdoor recreation community an opportunity to have its voice heard and inform agency and congressional partners of priorities carried out through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and the maintenance backlog. In an effort to collect projects for FY 2023-2026, the Outdoor Recreation [...]

IFAI Talking Textiles The Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) recently launched IFAI Talking Textiles, a podcast hosted by the IFAI Canada and the Advanced Textiles Products divisions.   One episode will be available each month featuring interviews with members in the Canadian and advanced textile markets. “The Canada division wanted to offer content specific to [...]

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking applications from Minnesota residents to serve two-year terms on the Game and Fish Fund Oversight Committee. The Game and Fish Fund has two oversight committees–the Fisheries Oversight Committee (FOC) and the Wildlife Oversight Committee (WOC). Applications must be submitted online by Monday, September 20. The Game [...]

Land ‘N’ Sea Distributing Inc. announced its Marine & RV Dealer Trade Shows for Las Vegas and Ohio will be transitioning to a live virtual platform. According to boatingindustry.com, the company said in a press release that it decided to cancel the physical Land ‘N’ Sea Dealer Shows in Las Vegas and Ohio due to [...]

IYC, one of the world’s largest international yachting companies, has hired D.J. Kiernan as its new U.S. commercial director. Kiernan has held numerous roles in the yachting industry and also founded Young Professionals in Yachting, now the largest association in the industry. IYC has more than 100 employees based in 14 offices around the globe.

In a recent news release distributed by Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI), Kirk Fitzsimmons, director of industrial sales for Glen Raven Inc., discussed the continuing supply challenges for fabricators ordering Sunbrella fabrics. “We’re seeing unprecedented levels of demand for Sunbrella fabrics–more than twice pre-pandemic levels across all markets,” says Fitzsimmons. “Beyond demand, there are also [...]

Marine Mat, which manufactures EVA traction mats to the marine industry, officially became ISO 9001:2015 certified on July 29th, 2021. This certification is the international standard that specifies requirements for quality management systems, says Robby Wellden, general manager. “The ISO 9001 certification enhances Marine Mat’s standing in the industry. We have consistently met high-quality standards [...]

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and Informa Markets announced the merger of the Progressive® Insurance Tampa Boat Show with the St. Petersburg Power & Sailboat Show. The Tampa Boat Show was scheduled to take place Sept. 10-12, 2021, and will now be held in conjunction with the 2022 St. Petersburg Power & Sailboat Show, [...]

With or without COVID-19 restrictions, many fabricators spend a lot of time alone. Aside from interactions with clients and employees, fabrication work itself is often performed solo, either onboard or in the shop. Given the solitary nature of this profession, finding ways to make industry connections is crucial. Otherwise, where do you get your design [...]