Weekly 5: Outboard engine shipments up 6 percent through February
The BI Weekly 5 is a collection of tips, news and data affecting the boating industry this week. Be sure to look for the BI Weekly 5 every week on BoatingIndustry.com.
1. Outboard engine shipments up 6 percent through February
U.S. outboard engine wholesale shipments grew by 6.1 percent for the twelve months through February 2017, for NMMA’s control group of manufacturers, which represent 95 percent of the market, the association reported.
Gains were led by 4-strokes and higher-powered engines. Corresponding dollars were up 9.4 percent.
2. Yacht repair tax break advances in Georgia
A Georgia bill designed to bring more yacht repairs to the state passed a State Senate committee last week, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.
House Bill 125, which passed the Georgia House last month, would deliver a tax break to repairs of more than $500,000.
3. Ethanol vs. Isobutanol test results
The industry’s concerns over ethanol are well documented and isobutanol has been touted as a possible alternative.
Boating magazine put the two fuels to the test to see how they performed and found several benefits of isobutanol.
4. AIWA campaigns for the 1,100-mile waterway in Washington, D.C.
The Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association, a waterways interest group, recently gathered in Washington, D.C., to ensure the Department of Transportation-designated marine highway M-95 is a top priority for Congress and the Trump Administration.
AIWA members are requesting legislators allocate $50 million for additional dredging needs to come from within the US Army Corps of Engineers operating and maintenance budget. AIWA members also pressed the case for continued allocations for operations and maintenance of navigation projects.
5. Caterpillar facing class-action suit after federal raids
A week after the IRS and other federal agencies raided its facilities, three law firms have filed a class action lawsuit against Caterpillar on behalf of shareholders.
The lawsuit states that Caterpillar allegedly made “false and/or misleading statements” regarding the company’s “business, operations, and prospects,” WAND reports.
