Ranger Boats will be allowed to award various already-existing fishing tournament prize money, as ruled recently in the bankruptcy case of its parent company, Genmar. Prize money totals $941,185, including $500,000 in prize boat certificates that promote fishing in the United States. Genmar believes Ranger to be a valuable asset “that needs to continue to [...]

The New Orleans Boat Show is expanding to include fishing, hunting, and other sporting and outdoors industries. Traditional boat show offerings will still be included at the show, but a wider selection of exhibitors, ranging from tackle and accessory dealers to hunting, fishing and travel booths, will now be available. Louisiana Sportsman magazine is teaming [...]

The National Marine Manufacturers Association and Boating Writers International recognized 10 marine aftermarket products for innovative achievement at the Marine Aftermarket Accessories Trade Show (MAATS) in Orlando. The winners accepted the awards during the MAATS Awards Reception. The winning companies were decided by a panel of seven judges based on innovative distinction, benefit to the [...]

Of the 48.5 million anglers in the United States today, 8.5 million have said they are interested in owning a boat. Respondents were most motivated to buy a boat to gain easier access to better fishing. Other respondents noted that fishing is a “gateway activity” to get youth interested in other outdoor activities, and that [...]

The Small Business Administration (SBA) is allowing small businesses to qualify for guaranteed loans based on net worth and average income, giving more credit to marine dealers. Previously, a marine dealer would only be eligible for the SBA 7(a) guaranteed loan program if annual receipts totaled less than $7 million. Now, eligibility for 7(a) loans [...]

Boat use is expected to rise during the summer months thanks to lower gas prices. The average gallon of gasoline is expected to cost $2.23, as compared to last summer’s average of $3.81 per gallon. The Energy Information Administration, which predicted the average fuel price, forecasts fuel prices to rise next year. However, those predictions [...]

Powerboat sales dropped 32 percent in the past year. However, the decline seems to have flattened out within the three-month period that ended March 31. This quarter istraditionally known for low sales volumes. Outboard boats were down 28 percent, sterndrive and jet boats were down 42 percent, personal watercrafts were down 30 percent and outboard [...]

In April 2009, the Industrial Fabrics Association International released a digital version of its two-part State-of-the-Industry series, publishedin the February and March issues of Specialty Fabrics Review. Part I focuses on the U.S. industry, covering market size, forces, keymarkets, market trends, global trade issues and the coming year’s outlook for the industry. Part II gives [...]

Luxury yacht builder, Fairline Boats Ltd., has chosen to feature Sunbrella Supreme for its biminis and cockpit covers on its flagship Squadron 78. Fairline says it chose the fabrics because of its good reputation in the marine industry. Sunbrella Supreme is a two-sided waterproof fabric available from Glen Raven Custom Fabrics.

National Boating Day has been declared as July 1 to recognize the boating industry’s recreational role in society, as well as its economic impact. The resolution must now move through the Senate before the president can proclaim observance of the day.