Mixed sales data from latest industry association
by Peter Rendle
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America NMMA's latest Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary, featuring data through April 2026, shows the recreational boating market continues to navigate elevated interest rates and cautious consumer sentiment.
Posted on 15 Jul Latest industry stats from the NMMA now available
by Peter Rendle
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America The latest annual total industry sales by category and state report, part of NMMA's 2025 U.S. Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract, is now available for member download.
Posted on 8 Jul DAME Awards celebrating three and half decades
by Peter Rendle
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America Building on last year's impressively large field of entries, Metstrade's DAME Design Awards will celebrate three and a half decades of design excellence by providing unique opportunities for exhibitors.
Posted on 1 Jul Navico updates Lowell facility plans
by Peter Rendle
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America Navico Group, a division of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC), this week announced operational updates at its Lowell, Michigan facility. The changes are intended to reduce fixed costs, improve efficiency, and support long-term growth.
Posted on 24 Jun Government introduces Great American Outdoors Act
by Peter Rendle
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America On June 10, House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) and Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) introduced the bipartisan Great American Outdoors Act 250 (GAOA 250).
Posted on 17 Jun Brunswick introduces TotalCare initiative
by Peter Rendle
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America TotalCare was launched this week, an exclusionary protection program designed to deliver maximum coverage, simplified pricing, and added coverage benefits for new boat owners across the marine industry, from Brunswick.
Posted on 10 Jun Importers assisted to enter US boating market
by Peter Rendle
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America IBEX and Metstrade have partnered with the National Marine Representatives Association (NMRA) and the Marine Marketers of America (MMA) to launch a new export-focused program designed to help international companies enter the U.S. leisure marine market.
Posted on 3 Jun Global exposure of boating across 28 countries
by Peter Rendle
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America World Boating Day 2026 concluded last weekend in spectacular style, bringing together 28 countries across 143 events in a global celebration of life on the water.
Posted on 27 May Corporate reports covering 2025 feature this week
by Peter Rendle
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC), one of the world's largest marine technology companies, has released its 2025 Sustainability Report, detailing meaningful progress in initiatives that benefit its people, its products and the environment.
Posted on 20 May Industry segments continue to expand
by Peter Rendle
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America Lyman-Morse has begun construction of a new 15,000-square-foot facility to support large-scale composite fabrication and assembly, marking a significant expansion of the company's manufacturing facilities in Thomaston, Maine.
Posted on 13 May Industry meetings with federal policy makers
by Peter Rendle
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America The recreational boating industry gathered in Washington, D.C., for the start of the American Boating Congress 2026 (ABC), bringing together manufacturers, dealers, retailers and stakeholders from across the country for three days of policy discussions.
Posted on 6 May Congress update and corporate announcements
by Peter Rendle
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America For those attending the recreational boating industry's premier advocacy event, the American Boating Congress (ABC), the latest agenda offers a detailed look at the policy discussions that will drive this year's advocacy in Washington, D.C.
Posted on 29 Apr Economic factors now affecting boat sales
by Peter Rendle
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America NMMA's latest Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary, reflecting data through January 2026, indicates continued softness across the recreational boating market as elevated interest rates and cautious consumer sentiment weigh on demand.
Posted on 22 Apr It's all about sailing this week
by Peter Rendle
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America Clean Sailors, the organisation behind the innovative ReSail platform, announced an exciting new partnership with Circular Flow, a leader in neoprene reuse solutions.
Posted on 15 Apr Mixed signals from industry bodies re market state
by Peter Rendle
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America NMMA released its annual Outboard Engine Sales Trends report, part of the 2025 U.S. Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract, offering a comprehensive look at one of the recreational boating industries closely watched segments.
Posted on 8 Apr Recreational infrastructure emphasised at Capitol
by Peter Rendle
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America Last week, NMMA joined the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) and its member organizations on Capitol Hill to advocate for the reauthorization of the Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF) via the America the Beautiful Act.
Posted on 1 Apr Industry marches on despite overseas distractions
by Peter Rendle
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America On March 17 many marine industry bodies joined the Congressional Boating Caucus to host a Capitol Hill briefing focused on a top priority for the recreational boating industry: improving infrastructure and expanding access to public waters.
Posted on 25 Mar Jay Leon on his new role Velocitek's CEO
by David Schmidt
A Q&A with Jay Leon about his new role as Velocitek's CEO On March 9, 2026, Velocitek named my friend Jay Leon, a longtime Seattle-based dinghy and big-boat sailor (and wing-foiling addict), as their new CEO. I pinged Leon, via email, to learn more about RTK GPS technology and his new role.
Posted on 24 Mar Feedback on the state of the industry this week
by Peter Rendle
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America The Newport International Boat Show has announced the results of its Economic Impact study on the September 2025 event, at the Newport Yachting Center in Downtown Newport, Rhode Island.
Posted on 18 Mar The news across the whole industry this week
by Peter Rendle
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America This week, the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) released new data highlighting the economic impact of outdoor recreation in 2024. The outdoor recreation industry generated $1.3 trillion.
Posted on 11 Mar Despite conflicts focus is on industry growth
by Peter Rendle
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, there is renewed momentum to invest in America's infrastructure and celebrate the outdoor experiences that connect families and communities.
Posted on 4 Mar Despite economic considerations awards still vital
by Peter Rendle
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America Last week at the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show Industry Breakfast, NMMA President and CEO Frank Hugelmeyer delivered his annual State of the Industry address, outlining both the challenges that shaped 2025 and the opportunities ahead.
Posted on 25 Feb Pom Green: Born into Boatbuilding
by Mark Jardine
The Switch revolution, and the ethos behind Element 6 Evolution Pom Green has a family heritage in boatbuilding, growing up in the heyday of Green Marine, and has gone on to establish Element Six Evolution. While he has learned from legendary designers such as Doug Peterson, he has gone on to define his own legacy.
Posted on 25 Feb The sailing industry in the limelight this week
by Peter Rendle
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America NMMA's latest Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary showed retail and wholesale activity remained under pressure as elevated interest rates and cautious consumer sentiment continued to influence purchasing behavior.
Posted on 18 Feb Cautious optimism from marine industry leaders
by Peter Rendle
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America The National Marine Manufacturers Association's Q4 Marine Leadership Barometer, fielded in December 2025, shows executive sentiment strengthened among marine manufacturer members in the U.S. and Canada.
Posted on 11 Feb The early boat show scene reports strong sales
by Peter Rendle
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America The Discover Boating New York Boat Show, in partnership with Progressive, and the Discover Boating Minneapolis Boat Show, in partnership with Progressive, took place last weekend amid challenging external conditions.
Posted on 4 Feb The award season is in full swing
by Peter Rendle
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America The NMMA and Boating Writers International (BWI) announced the winners of the 2026 Minneapolis Innovation Awards, recognizing groundbreaking new consumer marine products, during the Discover Boating Minneapolis Boat Show.
Posted on 28 Jan A Splash of Colour at boot Düsseldorf 2026
by Mark Jardine
I was very much looking for things which brighten up a cold and wet January At boot this year I was very much looking for things which brighten up a cold and wet January.
Posted on 27 Jan Atlanta and New England kick off the Boat Shows
by Peter Rendle
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America The Discover Boating Atlanta and New England boat shows, in partnership with Progressive, kicked off the New Year attracting tens of thousands of buyers and boating enthusiasts shopping for new boats, accessories and the latest marine innovations.
Posted on 21 Jan Industry stats reflect economic financial pressure
by Peter Rendle
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America NMMA's latest Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary, covering data through October 2025, showed economic pressures persisted as elevated borrowing costs and mixed household outlooks continued to influence marine market activity.
Posted on 14 Jan The industry looks at the past and what lies ahead
by Peter Rendle
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America NMMA has released its fiscal year 2025 Year in Review, outlining the Association's impact across advocacy, Discover Boating initiatives, industry data and insights, certification, and membership engagement.
Posted on 7 Jan Consumer confidence continues to decline
by Peter Rendle
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America U.S. consumer confidence weakened for a fifth consecutive month in December, reflecting growing unease about business conditions, jobs and household income, according to the latest report from The Conference Board.
Posted on 1 Jan Mixed 2026 signals according to industry analysis
by Peter Rendle
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America NMMA's latest Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary, covering data through September 2025, shows economic pressures persisted as elevated borrowing costs and mixed household outlooks continued to influence marine market activity.
Posted on 17 Dec 2025 Sailing takes center stage this week
by Peter Rendle
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America Sail America's Industry Conference registration is now open! Sign up for the 12th edition of SAIC. The two-day event, specifically geared toward sailing industry professionals, will take place at the Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina, RI on March 25-26.
Posted on 10 Dec 2025 Cautious optimism reflects industry sentiment
by Peter Rendle
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America As the recreational boating industry enters the final quarter of 2025, NMMA's Q3 Marine Leadership Barometer shows slightly improved sentiment among top executives from NMMA marine manufacturer members in the U.S. and Canada.
Posted on 3 Dec 2025 Metstrade welcomes 1000s of industry professionals
by Peter Rendle
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America Metstrade (18-20 November) closed last week after welcoming thousands of leading leisure marine professionals from across the world to the biggest edition of the show to date.
Posted on 26 Nov 2025 Recreational fishing also feels effect of tariffs
by Peter Rendle
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America The White House published separate "Joint Statements on Frameworks for Agreements on Reciprocal Trade" on November 13, with Argentina, Ecuador, El Salvador, and Guatemala. Each outlines the key elements of the different Frameworks.
Posted on 19 Nov 2025 Support for Sportsfishing Equipment Exporter
by Peter Rendle
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) provides critical support to U.S. sportfishing equipment manufacturers, and to a lesser extent, benefit American fishing companies utilizing a global supply chain.
Posted on 12 Nov 2025 Reduction in Federal Funds rate
by Peter Rendle
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America As expected, the Fed cut its target for the federal funds rate by 25 basis points this week, a welcomed move for the recreational boating industry. The reduction will modestly lower financing costs.
Posted on 5 Nov 2025 Politics still influencing the marine industry
by Peter Rendle
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America The U.S. government shutdown, now in its fourth week, is beginning to strain the economy as economists warn that the longer it continues, the more lasting the effects could be.
Posted on 29 Oct 2025 State of industry address from NMMA CEO
by Peter Rendle
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America Last week at the International BoatBuilders' Exhibition & Conference in Tampa, NMMA President and CEO Frank Hugelmeyer opened the Industry Breakfast with a state of the industry address to a sold-out crowd of more than 950 marine industry professionals.
Posted on 22 Oct 2025 A Day at the Allen Factory!
by Mark Jardine
New and innovative products, cutting-edge manufacturing techniques The Allen factory, based in Southminster, Essex in the UK, makes many of the deck hardware and fittings that we use in our sailing, be that on dinghies or keelboats.
Posted on 16 Oct 2025 A diverse list of industry news items this week
by Peter Rendle
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America The U.S. Department of Commerce this week posted the list of Section 232 inclusion requests submitted by domestic producers. The requestors are asking the Department to subject approximately 700 HTS Codes as derivative articles of steel and aluminum.
Posted on 15 Oct 2025 Tariffs continue to affect the industry
by Peter Rendle
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America President Trump issued new Section 232 tariffs on imports of timber, lumber and other wood products. The Department of Commerce has announced new Section 232 investigations into several different imports that could affect marine manufacturers.
Posted on 8 Oct 2025 Industry announcements across the board
by Peter Rendle
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America Intrepid Powerboats has announced the addition of Wally Castro Marine as its newest authorized dealer, representing Intrepid across Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.
Posted on 1 Oct 2025 Industry reps underscore national boating reach
by Peter Rendle
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America On September 18, members of Congress, staff, and policy leaders gathered for an exclusive briefing hosted by the Congressional Boating Caucus, which offered a deep dive into the impact and priorities of the recreational marine industry.
Posted on 24 Sep 2025 Economic environment affecting U.S. boat sales
by Peter Rendle
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America NMMA's latest Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary, covering data through June 2025, shows continued pressure on retail sales as economic uncertainty and elevated borrowing costs weigh on consumer demand.
Posted on 17 Sep 2025 NMMA Industry reports now available for download
by Peter Rendle
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America The latest report on cruiser, water sport, fishing boat and trailer sales trends, part of NMMA's 2024 U.S. Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract, is now available for member download.
Posted on 10 Sep 2025 Metstrade to accommodate over 1600 exhibitors
by Peter Rendle
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America Visitor registration is now open for Metstrade (18-20 November), the most influential event in the leisure marine industry, and will be the biggest show to date, with expanded halls, enhanced zones, and over 1,600 exhibitors.
Posted on 3 Sep 2025 IBEX announces 2025 Education Conference line-up
by Peter Rendle
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America The International BoatBuilders' Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) has announced its 2025 Education Conference line-up, featuring an expanded schedule of seminars, workshops, and Main Stage sessions for marine industry professionals.
Posted on 27 Aug 2025