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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 …

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 …

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 …

Everglades National Park launches boater education program

July 18, 2019

In August, Everglades National Park will officially launch its boater education program, an online safety requirement for operators within the park waters. This new tool is part of the updated General Management Plan (GMP), completed in 2015, that identified a park-specific need to better educate and train boaters on the unique waters and landscape of …

Wisconsin establishes outdoor recreation office

July 16, 2019

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers signed the state’s budget bill into law, which subsequently created the Office of Outdoor Recreation within the state’s tourism department–an initiative that will help expand outdoor recreation opportunities in the state. With this measure, Wisconsin becomes the 14th state to establish an outdoor recreation office. Wisconsin’s tourism secretary-designee, Sara Meaney, said, …

Brommer joins Herculite

July 11, 2019

Matt Brommer has been named marketing manager for Herculite Inc., a leader in flexible composite textiles for performance applications in solar protection, marine, tents and structures, health care and digital graphics. In this newly created position, Brommer is responsible for Herculite’s marketing communications programs designed to increase awareness and promote growth of the company’s products …

Oregon legislature approves access permit requirement for nonmotorized boats

June 25, 2019

The Oregon Senate and House passed legislation (SB47) that requires operators of nonmotorized boats to purchase a waterway access permit. The new access permit envelops the former aquatic invasive species permit and broadens its use by creating a waterway access fund. The legislation would require adults to purchase a $17 permit before floating a raft, …