Industry pressing key issues at boating congress - MarineBusinessWorld North America newsletter
by Peter Rendle 6 Mar 2024 12:00 PST
Registration open for the 2023 American Boating Congress in Washington, D.C © American Boating Congress
Registration for the recreational boating industry's annual advocacy event, the American Boating Congress, is now open.
The American Boating Congress will return to Washington, D.C. from May 8-10, bringing together all segments of the recreational boating industry to share its collective voice on Capitol Hill and address pressing matters for the industry. Following a successful event in 2023, the National Marine Manufacturers Association will welcome the industry back to The Wharf, D. C. at the Intercontinental Hotel.
Further south, California's marine and boating industries are set to meet in Sacramento on March 12-13 to impact state legislators and regulators on issues facing marinas, boating, waterways, and recreation. The 8th annual California Boating Congress brings together industry groups to hear from statewide leaders, policymakers, legislators, and more to gain a keen understanding on legislation and regulatory issues facing California's growing marine, boating, and water recreation industry.
Conservation: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced $1.3 billion in appointments to state and tribal conservation agencies through the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. These funds are derived from excise taxes paid last year by manufacturers of sportfishing equipment, ammunition, firearms and archery equipment, and a fuel and small engine tax. Since 1937, more than $28 billion has been distributed through annual apportionments for conservation and public access projects.
Expansions: MarineMax, Inc (NYSE: HZO), the world's largest recreational boat, yacht and superyacht services company, this week announced that it has completed the acquisition of Williams Tenders USA, Inc. Headquartered in Pompano Beach, Florida, Williams is a premier distributor and retailer for UK-based Williams Jet Tenders Ltd, the world's leading manufacturer of rigid inflatable jet tenders for the luxury yacht market. The acquisition is expected to be accretive in its first full year of operations.
The Maine Marine Trades Association (MMTA) has signed an MOU with the Association of Marina Industries (AMI) for the development of a Maine Clean Marina program. Under the terms of the agreement, AMI will provide its Certified Clean and Resilient Marina Professional training to MMTA's membership, including a focus on both federal and state-based environmental regulatory requirements and recommendations.
Sea Tow, the nation's leading on-water marine assistance provider, is pleased to announce that Sea Tow Portland/Midcoast, Maine has expanded its territory and added a Sea Tow vessel in Kennebunk which will operate from DiMillo's Marina. Boasting the closest marina to downtown Kennebunk, DiMillo's is located at 4 Doanes Wharf Road, just south of the famed Dock Square on the Kennebunk River.
New Products: Mercury Racing® today introduced the 60 APX outboard motor as the latest addition to its portfolio of Apex pure competition outboards designed for closed-course circuit racing. The 60 APX was revealed at the Dubai International Boat Show at Dubai Harbor, United Arab Emirates.
"Mercury Racing is excited to support the sustainable future of circuit competition with the low-emission four-stroke 60 APX model," said Jeff Broman, Director, Mercury Racing. "We've designed this motor to deliver strong performance with minimal maintenance over the course of a full season, reducing the cost of participation in the entry classes for professional tunnel boat competition."
Boston Boatworks have announced details of their 44 Offshore Express Cruiser series BB44 Hull 001 is out of the mold with the structural grid complete, and Hull 002 is prepped and ready to begin construction this month.
People: The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation today announced Billy Pope as the newest addition to its Board of Directors. From overseeing creative services and marketing efforts to promoting outdoor recreation opportunities and producing Alabama's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources award-winning Outdoor Alabama magazine, website, and television show, Pope adds his marketing and communications experience to the Board.
Keep aware,
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@worldmarine.media