The United States Coast Guard (USCG) and American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) have set the date for the next free online Risk Mitigation Series, dedicated to reducing the risk involved in designing and building recreational boats. Registration is now open for Risk Mitigation: Series 2--Put the Fire Out!, scheduled for Tuesday, May 17, 2022.  The USCG/ABYC Risk Mitigation: Series ...

The U.S. and Japan are set to announce a deal that would cut tariffs on steel. Under the agreement, a limited amount of Japanese steel will be allowed for import without the 25% levy imposed by President Trump in 2018. If Japan goes over that amount, the tariff would return. Japan is one of the top 10 sources of steel to the ...

The 2022 Progressive® Insurance New York Boat Show®, presented by Discover Boating®, and Progressive® Insurance Louisville Boat, RV & Sportshow®, presented by Discover Boating®, both wrapped up on Sunday, January 30. The New York show faced an atypical year as the record East Coast snowstorm forced closure on Saturday (traditionally the show’s busiest day). Coupled with current market-specific challenges, attendance was down ...

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) and Senator Michael Bennet’s (D-CO) introduced the Rural Outdoor Investment (ROI) Act, which would provide much-needed capital for rural communities seeking to build and plan for recreation economies.The Rural Outdoor Investment (ROI) Act focuses on promoting economic growth in rural communities through coordination and strategic investment in recreation assets, planning and business ...

Registration for the 2022 American Boating Congress (ABC) is now open for all industry stakeholders. The industry’s annual advocacy event returns in-person to Washington, D.C. from Wednesday, May 11 through Friday, May 13, 2022 at the Intercontinental – The Wharf.  Early-bird pricing is available through February 24 here and at the link below.  This year’s advocacy event will feature discussions with members ...

World Cat catamarans announces the appointment of Kimberly Hegel as the new Director of Marketing effective immediately.  Hegel is stepping into this position with more than 20 years of experience in marketing, product development, event planning and communications. Her previous work includes Product Manager and Commercial Marketing Manager at Greenworks Tools, Product Manager at Husqvarna Group, Director of Walmart Sales and Trade Marketing at Spectrum ...

Valhalla Boatworks has announced the all-new Valhalla 55 center console, the largest resin-infused center console of its kind.   “There will be nothing like it,” said Viking Yachts President and CEO Pat Healey, who broke the news at the Viking Yachts & Valhalla Boatworks VIP Boat Show at the Viking Yacht Service Center. “We’re setting a new standard by bringing ...

Underscoring its commitment to accelerating growth and innovation, Ilmor announced that Mike Lindberg would assume the role of Vice President of Marine. Lindberg will lead Ilmor's marine division overseeing operations, manufacturing, engineering, sales, and customer experience. "Our marine product line is a central part of our long-term business strategy, and Mike Lindberg has been a critical part of our tremendous growth," said ...

By Bill Yeargin Luxury taxes, on items such as boats that politicians see as a “luxury,” are traps that don’t impact the rich but have a huge negative impact on people who can least afford it. They are the quintessential example of unintended consequences; history has demonstrated this unequivocally.  Politicians, many of whom I believe are well-intentioned, see luxury taxes ...

The Canadian government’s proposed luxury tax on new boats valued at CA $250,000 – originally scheduled to take effect January 1, 2022 – is expected to be fully implemented in the weeks to come. A spokesperson for Canadian Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland confirmed recently that the government will release draft legislation to implement the tax in the coming weeks.  In ...