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.

Textiles Intelligence published an article by MarketResearch.com in February, 2009, describing forms of textile recycling and businesses making it work. “Recycling in the textile and clothing industry offers companies important benefits, particularly from an environmental viewpoint,” writes Gregg Kellett, online marketing manager for MarketResearch.com. To encourage recycling in Europe, for example, the EU passed new [...]

Glen Raven Custom Fabrics was named sponsor of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary’s Recreational Boater Safety Visitation Program (RBSVP). The RBSVP provides support for outreach to marine retailers, dealers and boating organizations throughout the United States. Glen Raven will be donating 25,000 window decals to be displayed by supporters of the RBSVP. The decals will [...]

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is expected to stimulate the maritime and boating industries by including $440 million worth of dredging projects in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers stimulus list. The Corps says that acquiring these new projects in addition to its normal workload and the Gulf Recovery efforts will be challenging but [...]

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) has decided to discontinue three of its shows to strengthen the industry’s selling environment and create better opportunities within its stronger market shows. The San Diego Boat Show, the Schaumburg Boat & Sportshow and the Virginia In-Water Boat Expo & Sailfest will no longer take place. The NMMA’s strategic [...]

The National Marine Manufacturers Association has moved the New York Boat Show out of its holiday dates and back into its traditional timeframe. The show will take place January 20–24, 2010, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. The New York Boat Show is the world’s first and longest-running boat show.

Repreve FR from Unifi has been selected by textile supplier Momentum Textiles for a line of health care privacy curtains. Repreve FR is the most recent product from Unifi made from recycled fibers, and it is the first recycled polyester fiber with inherent flame retardant properties. Unifi produces multi-filament polyester and nylon textured yarns.