August 6, 2020
Prior to the August recess, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Elijah E. Cummings Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2020 as part of the National Defense Authorization Act. The bill includes key provisions that would improve the safety of the millions of Americans who take to the water each year. It would mandate the …
August 5, 2020
President Donald Trump signed the bipartisan Great American Outdoors Act this week, which is the single largest investment in America’s public lands and waters in decades. The Act addresses two long-standing priorities of the outdoor recreation community. First, it fully funds the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)–a go-to program for conserving and maximizing outdoor …
August 4, 2020
Just ahead of the August recess, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation approved the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund (Trust Fund)—a program that supports about $650 million annually in fishery restoration and conservation efforts, boating access and infrastructure, as well as fish stocking programs important to recreational anglers. In addition …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
