U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Pete Buttigieg recently announced a new round of grants going to 41 ports across the United States from President Biden’s infrastructure package. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes nearly $17 billion for port infrastructure. The Biden administration is investing more than $653 million to fund port projects with the goal [...]

The American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC), which provides technical information for the global marine industry, has unveiled its 2024 class calendar for ABYC certification courses. The 2024 offerings include marine electrical, marine systems, marine standards and marine corrosion. Crafted to provide in-depth understanding and practical skills, these courses ensure that marine professionals adhere to [...]

The Recreational Boat and Marine Engine Exports and Imports section of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) 2022 U.S. Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract is now available. This report examines historical and recent trade data on different categories of recreational boats and marine engines imported to and exported from the U.S. each year. The trade dynamics [...]

The latest Sailboat Sales Trends report, part of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) 2022 U.S. Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract, is now available. Sailboat production in North America grew an estimated 3% in 2022, reaching 2,710 units. The U.S. remained a net importer of sailboats with both imports and exports rising over the course of [...]

The latest sales trends report for the pre-owned boat market, part of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) 2022 U.S. Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract, is now available for download. Pre-owned boat sales returned to pre-pandemic levels, down nearly 13% to just below one million units in 2022 following two years of growth. The market value [...]

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently denied a petition to establish a mandatory speed limit and other vessel-related mitigation measures for the protection of endangered Rice's whale in the Gulf of Mexico. According to NOAA, the decision was made based on various factors, including scientific assessments, the potential economic impact on commercial and [...]

Cedarville, Mich.-based Great Lakes Boat Building School (GLBBS) has secured a $354,600 Rural Business Development Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The school applied for the support as part of its “Enhancing Education with Equipment” campaign, which provides equipment and technology for skilled trades training. According to an article in Soundings Trade Only, GLBBS [...]

The American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) Foundation has opened registration for its fourth Educator Training Conference set for April 2-4, 2024, in Annapolis, Md. The in-person conference caters to high school and post-secondary educators and administrators who are involved in, or thinking about starting, marine service technology programs at their school. Industry leaders interested [...]

Sea Tow, an on-water marine assistance provider, is marking its 40th anniversary in business in 2023. Sea Tow is a provider of non-emergency on-water assistance including towing, fuel delivery, battery jumps and ungroundings, as well as salvage and recovery services including response to catastrophic events and marine spill response. At the forefront of on-water assistance [...]

The latest sales trends report for cruisers, watersports, fishing boats and trailers, part of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) 2022 U.S. Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract, is now available. The report examines retail unit sales for each category and by application. Following two years of extraordinary record growth, sales of new cruisers, watersport and fishing [...]