The U.S. marine industry is facing a 1-2-3 punch from worldwide tariffs on steel and aluminum, anti-dumping and countervailing duties on Chinese aluminum sheets and Section 301 tariffs on nearly 350 marine products. That was the main takeaway at the Trade State of Play: Tariffs, Negotiations & Off-Ramps breakout session at last week’s American Boating Congress. “The administration’s stance on ...

Each year over 140 million Americans take to the water on a boat. Making sure they get back to the dock safely is the idea behind National Safe Boating Week May 18 – 24. Boating safety advocates across the U.S., including the marine industry, work together with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) to improve awareness of basic boating safety best ...

Brunswick Corporation announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Freedom Boat Club (FBC). Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Freedom Boat Club, founded in 1989, is the largest boat club operator and the premier marine franchisor in the nation. FBC and its franchisees service over 20,000 members, providing them with access to a fleet of nearly ...

The Foundation for Recreational Boating Safety, Education and Environmental Awareness announced that Bill Yeargin, President and CEO of Correct Craft is the recipient of the 2019 Hammond Marine Industry Leadership Award for his extraordinary service and commitment to advocacy on behalf of the recreational boating industry. Bill will be honored at the American Boating Congress (ABC) in Washington, D.C. during ...

Women Making Waves is Boating Industry’s effort to recognize the multitude of women in the industry who have made and continue to make great contributions to its success, propel its growth and lead their organizations and peers into the future. With over 100 nominations for this year’s Women Making Waves, choosing the highlighted women was no easy task. There is such ...

50 of the marine industry’s best new and innovative products For the sixth annual Boating Industry Top Products list, we’ve selected 50 of the best new or updated products and services for the marine industry, ranging from boats to engines to electronics and more.  To be eligible for consideration, products or services had to have been introduced or significantly updated ...

By Tim Hennagir Dealers share day-to-day strategies for improving income Dealers continually need to invest time, energy, and resources in their F&I departments. Doing so successfully can capture huge opportunities for income and pave the way for overall financial improvement. Refining strategies for incorporating finance and insurance products into the overall business and sales mix can follow a variety of ...

By Adam Quandt Marine entertainment manufacturers push limits to keep boaters happy on the water With the added challenges of a harsh environment and very limited space, marine audio and entertainment manufacturers have been tasked by consumer desires to catch up to the amenities offered in the automobile industry. Fusion Marine Entertainment managing director Chris Baird said that over the last ...

By Tim Hennagir Increasing market share through continued expansion remains a long-term goal for Russell Marine. The Top 100 dealership services all of Alabama, West Georgia and the panhandle of Florida with a primary focus on Central Alabama around Lake Martin.  Russell Marine achieved a No. 3 ranking on Boating Industry’s 2018 Top 100 and received a Best in Class ...

By Jonathan Sweet | Top 100 Director The business world is dominated by family-owned operations – according to the U.S. Census Bureau, 90% of business in the United States are family owned. And the boating industry is no exception. We see plenty of family-owned businesses in the Top 100 program – almost every dealer on the list has multiple family ...