Massachusetts continues to invest in marine workforce training

August 22, 2019

Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker formally approved the state’s budget with continued funding for the Massachusetts Marine Trades Association’s (MMTA) Workforce Development and Career Technical Education program. MMTA’s workforce program will receive $100,000 in Fiscal Year 2020. The MMTA has made strong progress on delivering workforce solutions for Massachusetts’ recreational boating industry. Part of the funding …

US boat building production forecast shows slight dip

August 20, 2019

In the latest Forecast on U.S. Boat Building Production from ITR Economics, growth in boat building production is expected to decline slightly throughout 2020 and rebound strongly in 2021. According to ITR’s forecast, at its lowest (summer 2020), production is expected to be on par with levels seen in spring 2019. The strong rebound in …

IFAI Women in Textiles Summit 2020 dates announced

August 15, 2019

The Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) Women in Textiles Summit 2020 will be held Feb. 19-21, 2020, at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel in Nashville, Tenn. The goal of the summit is to strengthen the advancement of women and men through an interactive forum that provides education, networking and dialogue about important issues affecting women in …

Glen Raven announces new chief marketing officer

August 13, 2019

Glen Raven Custom Fabrics, makers of Sunbrella®, announced the hiring of Steve Pawl as its first chief marketing officer. Pawl has a track record of developing growth strategies and strengthening brands for global companies including Husqvarna Group, Fruit of the Loom, Newell Brands and Pfizer. He will direct the global brand strategy, positioning and activation …

Industry sales by category and state stats available

August 8, 2019

The Total Industry Sales by Category and State, 2006 – 2018 section of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) 2018 Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract is now available. Total new recreational boat sales (powerboats and sailboats) increased 4 percent in 2018 to an 11-year high of 281,800 units–an increase of 5 percent over 2008 levels. Total …

ABYC publishes boat building and repair standards

August 6, 2019

The American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) recently published its 59th supplement of Standards and Technical Information Reports for Small Craft, which covers all major boat systems and provides the industry with the latest in boat building and repair standards. ABYC standards are continuously researched, developed and revised by more than 400 volunteer technical experts …

New Hydrofend coated fabric for marine applications

August 1, 2019

Hydrofend™, a solution-dyed polyester designed to balance high water resistance with breathability, is now available from Trivantage, a one-stop shop for fabrics, hardware, and accessories. “Our goal was to create a fabric that lets little water in and water vapor out,” says Dan Fouratt, director of business development for Trivantage. “Hydrofend achieves this balance.” Applications …

Ulrich Tombuelt hired as CEO of Sattler Corp.

July 31, 2019

Sattler Corp. of Hudson, N.C., has hired Mr. Ulrich Tombuelt as its new CEO. Tombuelt has many years of executive management experience in the textile industry in the U.S. and in Europe. Sattler Corp., a division of The Sattler Group, Austria, is known for its high-tech fabrics.

New powerboat registrations up through May

July 30, 2019

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) New Powerboat Registration Report has been updated with data through May. Preliminary data from the report shows new powerboat registrations were up 3.3 percent through May on a rolling 12-month year-over-year basis and up 1 percent on a rolling 3-month year-over-year basis. For the three months through May: •Personal …

Virginia establishes outdoor rec office

July 25, 2019

Virginia joined a growing number of states that have embraced the importance of outdoor recreation by establishing an Office of Outdoor Recreation. Gov. Ralph Northam said the new statewide office will capitalize on a “recession-proof industry” in Virginia. Cassidy Rasnick, deputy secretary of commerce and trade, will serve as director of the office. Agencies working …