The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) released its Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary, reflecting data through January 2026. On a rolling 12-month basis (February 2025–January 2026), new powerboat retail unit sales declined 9 percent year-over-year to 214,832 units. Across segments, performance remained mixed but generally down. Freshwater fishing boats declined by 1.7 percent and personal [...]

In 2025, U.S. outboard engine sales totaled 267,000 units, a 3.9 percent decline year-over-year. This data comes from the National Marine Manufacturers Association’s (NMMA) annual Outboard Engine Sales Trends report, part of the 2025 U.S. Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract. NMMA said that despite softer unit demand, the market remained stable overall, supported by resilient pricing and [...]

On April 13, the federal government pushed back the start of reporting relating to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) substances to begin on Jan. 31, 2027—or 60 days following the effective date of a forthcoming final rule, whichever is earlier. "A finalized start date for this rule gives companies clear direction and accountability," the EPA said in [...]

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has developed the Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (CAPE) portal, which importers and brokers can use to submit refund requests for duties imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), as authorized by a March 4 Court of International Trade ruling that deemed the duties illegal. The [...]

ATA Women in Textiles Summit participants. Image: Devin Steele More than 100 professionals from across the U.S. textile industry gathered in Asheville, N.C., March 30–April 1 for the eighth annual Advanced Textiles Association (ATA) Women in Textiles Summit, a dynamic, multiday event focused on leadership, mentorship and advancing women in a traditionally male-dominated industry. The [...]

Advanced Textiles Association (ATA) is now accepting applications for open ATA Board of Directors positions. The ATA Board of Directors relies on highly engaged, volunteer leadership that is willing to represent our members, work with ATA leadership staff and provide guidance in the direction of the association and its activities. The ATA Leadership Development Committee [...]

The Batyline® Eden collection is phthalate-free, ISO-certified and OEKO-TEX® approved. Photo: Serge Ferrari Group The Batyline® Eden collection has added six new colorways for 2026: Colorado, Denim, Yuzu, Peach, Wasabi and Mint. This palette mixes energetic tones and light, sorbet-inspired hues. The Batyline Eden collection is engineered for cushion covers and tensioned applications on loungers, [...]

The Marine Fabricators Association (MFA), a member group of Advanced Textiles Association (ATA), has put out a call requesting speaker proposals for the Marine Fabricators Conference. Submissions are due May 1. The 2027 conference will be Jan. 7–9, 2027, in Nashville, Tenn., at the Embassy Suites Nashville. The conference features three full days of education [...]

Kyle Van Damme, MFC, president/CEO of Marine Tops Unlimited, was named one of Boating Industry’s 40 under 40 in the March 2026 issue of the magazine. Van Damme’s father started Marine Tops Unlimited in the early ‘80s, and he began his career at the shop in middle school by cutting grass, cleaning and other odd [...]

Barbara Connett, who has worked on the Marine Fabricators Conference for the past several years, was promoted to Advanced Textiles Expo show director, beginning with the 2026 show. “Barbara is the right person at the right time to give Expo the focus it deserves. Her experience at ATA and strong understanding of the needs of [...]