The industry marches on despite overseas distractions - MarineBusinessWorld North America newsletter
by Peter Rendle 25 Mar 09:00 PDT
Rudy Yakym (R-IN) - Congressional Boating Caucus briefing © National Marine Manufacturers Association
On March 17, NMMA, the Association of Marina Industries (AMI), the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA), and BoatUS 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.
The bipartisan event was led by Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Rudy Yakym (R-IN) and Don Davis (D-NC) and brought together congressional staff and industry leaders to discuss the critical role that federal policy plays in supporting safe, reliable, and modern boating access across the country.
Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed two priority bills for recreational anglers and the sportfishing industry: the Mitigation Action and Waterman Support (MAWS) Act cleared the House. The legislation would establish a NOAA pilot program to facilitate a market for Chesapeake Bay blue catfish in the pet and animal food industry to take millions of pounds of these harmful fish, particularly from sizes not suitable for human consumption, out of our waterways.
The U.S. Coast Guard has launched its National Recreational Boating Safety Survey, a key data initiative that will provide state-level insights into boating participation, vessel types and usage frequency across the country. Funded through the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund; the survey plays a critical role in shaping safety programs and informing policy decisions that impact the recreational boating industry.
New consumer research from Ipsos provides the latest look at how today's consumers are discovering, and engaging with boating and what it will take to grow participation in the years ahead. Insights from the research include: Today's buyers are younger, more diverse and digitally driven. Recent boat buyers (those who purchased their main boat after 2020) differ significantly from established owners who bought before 2020. They are also more likely to have entered the boating category via experiences (i.e. charters, rentals) and adjacent outdoor activities.
Suntex Marina Investors, through a joint venture with Centerbridge Partners, announced its merger with Windward's marina portfolio, a leading Florida-based marina network, further expanding the Suntex presence across one of the world's most dynamic recreational boating markets. The transaction adds 13 marinas and more than 3,000 slips, bringing the Suntex network of marinas to more than 100 nationwide, including 34 locations across Florida.
Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC), a global leader in marine technology, has been named to Fast Company's prestigious list of the World's Most Innovative Companies of 2026. This year's list shines a spotlight on businesses that are shaping industry and culture through their innovations. "Innovation is at the heart of everything we do at Brunswick and the force behind our commitment to redefining the marine industry and delivering transformative experiences for our customers," said Dave Foulkes, Brunswick Corporation CEO.
Metstrade reported its most successful edition yet in 2025, with exhibitors reporting positive commercial results, richer engagement with key decision makers, and positive feedback on the show's new layout, networking opportunities and collaborative experience. This is fuelling the most exhibitor sign-ups experienced this early in the year. Metstrade has also confirmed new plans for the 2026 edition - taking place November 17-19 at RAI Amsterdam - which includes additions to make the show easier to navigate, create clearer thematic zones, and make the best use of the available space.
More marine industry news at www.marinebusinessworld.com/NorthAmerica
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@worldmarine.media