Market Outlook

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — TakeMeFishing.org, a program of the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation has joined with AccuWeather.com to supply fishing conditions as a widget. Changing weather patterns not only affect fishing success, but also boater safety. With one glance at the TakeMeFishing.org homepage, anglers and boaters can better prepare for a day on the water. Consumers can try it at ...

OCEAN CITY, Md. — The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) report that 16 people have died on state waters this year due to boating accidents, an above-average figure. There were 13 boating deaths in 2010. According to NRP stats, incidents were most likely to happen on a Saturday between noon and 8 p.m. Officials cite hot weather and increased boat ...

CHARLESTON, S.C. – It’s an unofficial measurement, but some waterfront communities are measuring their economic status by abandoned boats. “Certainly the economic downturn did seem to increase the number of boats that were being reported as derelict,” said Dan Burger, director of communication for the Ocean and Coastal Resource Management division of the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental ...

TIVERTON, R.I. — A proposed closure of boat traffic to parts of the Sakonnet River has riverside businesses worried. The closure, requested by the state’s Department of Transportation, would be in response to a public works project. They’re requesting that boat traffic be stopped for one month, starting in late August, so barges and cranes can be brought in for ...

PHILADELPHIA, Penn. — ACE Recreational Marine Insurance has released its top ten list of important tips to help recreational boaters protect their vessels as well as other property on board during the hurricane season. “The best defenses to protecting your boat from hurricanes or any severe weather are planning, preparation and timely action,” said Damon R. Hostetter, Senior Vice President, ...

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin waters have seen 18 fatalities this summer, already matching the number of watercraft fatalities in 2010. Speeding is the leading cause of the fatalities, according to a report by the Wisconin DNR. Alcohol was cited in six of the deaths, or 33 percent. In 2010, alcohol contributed to 22 percent of the fatal accidents. “If people ...

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — GE Capital, Commercial Distribution Finance (CDF) has issued its 2011 Mid-season Update for the marine industry. Bruce Van Wagoner, managing director of the Marine division at CDF wrote these comments in the report: “We are generally pleased with the year-to-date results across the nation despite challenging regional weather conditions and an overall “mixed” macro-economic climate. Wholesale ...

DRAPER, Utah — The online boating social network iboats.com has seen an increase in users, pushing membership over the 300,000 mark. The company also added 55,000 members to its “I love boating” Facebok page; Twitter followers are more than 18,000. “The total iboats.com social media reach has grown by over 50 percent in the last year, continuing to make iboats.com ...

SCHAFFHAUSEN, Switzerland — Garmin Ltd. has released its second quarter results for the period ending on June 26. The company reports total revenues of $674 million, down 8 percent from $729 million in second quarter 2010. Overall revenues in the North American market were down 21 percent to $358 million compared to $455 million for the same time period last ...

SPRINGFIELD, Va. — The company Engaged! Has launched a social media platform for the marine industry. The platform, called Mingle Marine, offers users and subscribers social media tips, examples and how-to information targeted to the marine industry. The information is distributed via Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Tumblr. A recent Facebook post says, “Twitter Tool: Schmaps. Use Schmaps to help drive ...