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40 young leaders blazing a trail of success in the recreational boating industry By Adam Quandt Boating Industry’s annual recognition program of outstanding young leaders in the marine industry highlights a unique group of individuals that stand out from their industry peers. Selected from over 200 nominations from across the industry, this year’s group features strong young leaders from all ...

By David Gee The boat buying public is fully on board for outboards. Retail sales increased for the eighth consecutive year in 2019, nearly reaching pre-recession levels with a 13-year high. “We’re seeing the trend in consumer demand for higher performance engines continue with outboard engine sales growth in 2019 led by engines 200hp-plus, accounting for 27% of sales, and ...

By Adam Quandt Family owned and operated for over 43 years and now in its second generation of ownership, Essex, Maryland’s Riverside Marine defines family-owned and focused business. And with that mindset, the dealership and marina has consistently powered to success. “Riverside is operating a successful profitable business with staying power for a major downturn like it was before the ...

Sponsored Content By Robert Grant, CDK Global Lightspeed It’s no secret that texting has become the preferred way to communicate. In fact, 78 percent of U.S. consumers say that receiving a text message is the fastest way to reach them for important service updates and purchases. That’s why your dealership needs a texting solution. But what do you need to ...

By Adam Quandt Industry leaders across the recreation marine sector regularly preach the importance of selling the experience of boating, rather than just simply selling the product. With generous room aboard and the ever-increasing versatility of both pontoons and deck boats, manufacturers within these segments of the industry are consistently striving to provide the experience of boating to the many ...

By David Gee The word hurricane is derived from “juracán,” which according to Taíno natives in the Caribbean and Central America, were storms spawned and controlled by the goddess Guabancex, also known as the “one whose fury destroys everything.” The scientific name for a hurricane is tropical cyclone. In general, a cyclone is a large system of spinning air that ...

By David Gee Start a marina by following these nine steps. 1) Plan your business. 2) Determine your costs. 3) Figure out your ongoing expenses. 4) Figure out your target market. 5) Figure out all the different ways to make money. 6) Figure out how much to charge. 7) Figure what your profit might be. 8) Figure out how you ...

Personal watercraft manufacturers strive to keep users on the water, longer By Adam Quandt Now in its eighth consecutive year of growth, the personal watercraft (PWC) of today continuously shatter expectations of who they’re for and what they’re designed for. Manufacturers all around speak of consistent growth between both current users moving up or trying new platforms and first-time buyers ...

By Adam Quandt From humble beginnings in 1941 as a tent with 50 boats on display, to over 700 contracted exhibitors, an additional 300 working/support dealers and roughly 1,000 total companies participating, the Miami International Boat Show — produced by the National Marine Manufacturers Association — continuously provides one of the largest stages for the recreational boating industry to shine ...

By David Gee The relationship between recreational boat builders and their dealer networks is a symbiotic one, with each needing the other to survive. And like any relationship, it requires dedication, diligence and constant communication to build and maintain trust and respect that go beyond contractual agreements and product portfolios. “Almost anyone will acknowledge that trust is the key to ...