In This Issue

Growing number of readers report ethanol-related problems Despite efforts to educate boaters about concerns over ethanol in general and E15 in particular, those in the industry are seeing a growing number of problems caused by the fuel. That’s according to the latest Boating Industry reader survey. We surveyed our readers via email in May to find out more about their ...

40 leaders from the boating industry’s next generation While finding employees interested in the marine industry can be a challenge, this year’s 40 Under 40 shows there is reason to be optimistic. These individuals touch all aspects of the industry, from associations to manufacturing to dealers to marinas and more. But they all have one thing in common – they stand ...

It seems we spend a lot of time in this industry worrying about young people – and with good reason.  Gen Xers and Millennials aren’t buying boats at rates comparable to the Baby Boomers or the Silent and World War II generations that came before them. They also aren’t choosing to work in the industry – leading to the workforce ...

How’s your season going so far this year? I hope you’ve been delivering a ton of boats and have dozens and dozens of happy clients hitting the water as the summer is in full swing. During this time of year, it can be challenging at times to keep on top of your marketing. And if you don’t have a dedicated ...

If there’s one constant in the recreational boating industry, it’s that freshwater fishing boats always manage to sell.  Even at the height of the downturn, freshwater fishing rigs were one of the few types of boats that continued to move off the lot – with some buyers joking that at least they would have something to do if and when ...

When it comes to finding and keeping good employees, Top 100 dealers are the businesses that just get it. They are willing to make investments that keep their employees happy, show they value their teams and provide the means for those individuals to have a life outside their job. Providing a retirement savings plan is a key component to achieving ...

One of the major shifts in social media trends in the past few years is the proliferation of live streaming video and story platforms, which both have a high level of organic consumer engagement. Started on Periscope and Snapchat, respectively, these social media tools are now on Instagram and Facebook and available to a wider audience.  Trying any new social ...

Social media moves fast. Once you think you’ve got it mastered, there’s a new trend or platform to learn. And your customers are moving right along with it – they want information in the palm of their hand, right in the moment, and what they consider “engaging content” is constantly changing.  One of the major shifts in social media trends ...

50 of the best new products for the boating industry For the fourth 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 accessories to boats to engines and more. To be eligible, products had to have been introduced or significantly updated since January 2016. From ...

More than anything else, it’s new product that pushes boat, engine and accessory sales.  Whether it’s a new, more efficient engine or a feature-loaded boat model, boaters are driven to pursue the latest, greatest thing. Without innovation, there’s no burning desire to buy. We know that – and we also know that new product information is one of the most ...