While boat sales grew again in April, the rate of growth declined, according to the latest Info-Link Bellwether report. According to Info-Link, the Bellwether report tracks sales of powerboats across the country based on new U.S. boat registrations on a rolling 12-month basis. Bellwether states are geographically dispersed states representing roughly half of the US boat market (varies by market ...

The 2017 Innovation Awards program is open for entry, show organizers announced Monday.  Winners will be announced during the Industry Breakfast on the opening morning of the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference on September 19 in Tampa. Products can be submitted for the IBEX Innovation Awards through August 4.  All products entered will be reviewed by leading industry journalists and ...

Marine financing specialist LH-Finance announced it will be a platinum sponsor of Sail America’s Industry Conference. The day-and-a-half event features educational seminars, workshops and networking events. It has hosted more than 150 of the sailing industry’s most prominent business professionals. “Supporting the Sail America Industry Conference is paramount for LH-Finance," said Herve Bonnet, president and CEO of LH-Finance. "Knowing how ...

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. New Jersey dealer who faked death now facing Florida charges A former New Jersey boat dealer who faked his death nearly three years to avoid criminal charges, has ...

More than 250 individuals from the boating industry descended on Washington, D.C., last week for the 2017 edition of American Boating Congress, the industry's annual legislative conference. ABC 2017 featured a full three-day lineup of speakers, hill visits and networking events. This year, industry stakeholders took part in approximately 185 meetings with legislative and regulatory staff, more than ever before, ...

Salespeople are always alert for “buying signals,” those indications that the customer is ready to say yes. When this happens, the savvy salesperson knows it’s time to stop talking and ask for the order. But salespeople often miss the warning signs that all is not well. Mostly unspoken, these are the “no sale signals” customers send when they’re dissatisfied with ...

Dealer registration for the 2017 Marine Dealer Conference & Expo launched with great momentum in April, setting a new opening-month registration record for the December event. With 193 total dealer registrations during the April Earliest Bird savings period, MDCE attracted a more than 15 percent increase in registrations compared to the same period in 2016, and momentum has continued since ...

Registration is now open for the 27th International BoatBuilders' Exhibition and Conference, being held September 19-21 at the Tampa Convention Center. The 2017 IBEX Show, produced by NMMA and RAI Amsterdam, plans to offer more exhibiting companies on the show floors including more international participation, as well as a new Marina & Yard pavilion, and expanded outdoor exhibit space and ...

International Boat Industry magazine and its associated websites and newsletters have been acquired by Boating Communications Ltd. from Time Inc. (UK) Ltd. This follows Time Inc. UK’s decision in February to close its b2b marine division. Subsequently, Director Nick Hopkinson and three former members of staff – Edward Slack, Philip Pereira and Philippa Drysdale – negotiated an asset purchase through ...

Patrick Industries, Inc. has completed the acquisition of Leisure Product Enterprises, LLC. LPE is a holding company with three manufacturing subsidiaries under its umbrella: Marine Concepts/Design Concepts, Florida Marine Tanks and Marine Electrical Products. LPE primarily serves the marine and industrial markets with combined fiscal 2016 revenues of approximately $75 million. The aggregate purchase price for LPE was approximately $73.5 ...