Features

Throughout his long, award-winning career, actor, producer, writer and director Tom Hanks has had an interesting relationship with the water. He guest starred in the old TV series The Love Boat back in 1980, and followed that up with big-screen roles that also sometimes involved boats in Splash, Sleepless in Seattle, Forrest Gump, Cast Away, and Captain Phillips. The water ...

Ernst & Young LLP named Malibu Boats CEO Jack Springer regional winner for Entrepreneur Of The Year in the Southeast. The program recognizes entrepreneurs and leaders of high-growth companies who are excelling in areas such as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities, while also transforming our world. Jack Springer was selected as the Southeast regional ...

Heyday Wake Boats has announced that Caroline “Carro” Djupsjö and Allison Rain Hansen have joined the Heyday pro roster – the first two female riders to team up with the company.  The new additions to the pro lineup align with the brand’s efforts to disrupt industry stereotypes in its “We’re All Surfers” campaign that feature wake sports enthusiasts. The campaign ...

During the ICOMIA/IFBSO Congress held earlier this month in Split, Croatia, ICOMIA president Andrea Razeto presented NMMA president Dr. Thom Dammrich and Finnboat’s past president Dr. Jouko Huju with honorary lifetime memberships.  According to ICOMIA, “As mark of highest appreciation for past services to ICOMIA, on recommendation of the Executive Committee, we would like to honour two individuals who over ...

“This isn’t just for boaters. It’s not just about people who actually use our lakes. This is for everyone.” That was one of the takeaways as Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN-3) hosted a round table discussion about aquatic invasive species with local experts and community leaders in Medicine Lake, Minnesota. During a recent tour of all 36 cities and towns in ...

(Hint)…create better content and tell better stories By David Gee The good news is it has never been easier to reach large numbers of people with our marketing and messaging due to the proliferation of social media platforms and other marketing channels. The bad news though is it has never been more difficult to actually connect with them…due to the proliferation of ...

Boats, motors — and sales — continue to grow By David Gee There are lots of things you can do in, on, from and behind a boat; cruise, chill, eat, swim, surf, ski, and ride to name a few. The most popular one? It’s throwing out a line and a lure or some form of bait and reelin’ them in. ...

By Adam Quandt When it comes to fuels, at this point it’s clear that 15% ethanol (E15) is not going away. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Trump Administration have both pledged a commitment to the year-round sale of E15. With that, the marine industry continues to stress education as a form of defense toward misfuelling risks. “We ...

By David Gee I love this time of year. It’s my favorite in fact. The sweet spot of the boating season lies ahead, filled with endless possibilities and opportunities to make memories with friends and family and maybe even perfect strangers. As we all know, owning a boat is an easy way to make more friends! One of the greatest ...

By Adam Quandt Whether related by blood or not, Quality Boats is all about creating and maintaining a family within the four-location dealership. That family extends from all of its team members to its customers and everyone who falls in between. “We offer a family atmosphere,” said co-owner Dan Bair. “We are the longest-tenured family-owned and operated boat dealership in ...