Market Outlook

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – BoatUS recently announced the opening of its “Show Where You Tow” contest, where participants can win an EZ Loader Trailer, and the top three will win a $100 West Marine gift card. The contest is open to any trailer boaters, and no membership is necessary. To enter, consumers can go to boatus.com/trailerclub/photocontest and receive the free BoatUS ...

NASHVILLE, Ga. – Chaparral Boats announced that the Pride Marine Group will be opening its sixth location on Sept. 30, 2011, located in Innisfil in Ontario, Canada. The new location will cover 17,000 sq. ft, will have a three-story glass showroom, and its location in Innisfil places it between the markets of Simcoe, Georgian Bay and the Great Lakes. The ...

KENT, Wash. – Cutwater Boats recently announced the addition of Naples Marina Sales to their dealer network, expanding the manufacturer’s dealer network further in southern Florida. Naples Marina Sales has begun taking orders on 26- and 28-foot trailerable Cutwater boats, and will be doing sea trials on boats around Naples Bay. A sea trial can be scheduled through the dealer ...

DESTIN, Fla. – Legendary Marine of Destin, Fla., announced that it’s expanding the dealerships Five Star Military VIP Program to include dealerships in Panama City, Fla., and Gulf Shores, Ala. The program gives special deals to active duty and retired armed forces personnel, including discounts on new boat sales, service, and parts, along with storage discounts and access to special ...

CASTINE, Maine – ActiveCaptain announced the launch of its new website, CaptainRated.com. CaptainRated.com will allow users to post reviews and discuss boating products and services. Activecaptain.com debuted five years ago around the same concept, allowing users of the site to post reviews, local knowledge, anchorages, and hazards, and build on the wealth of available information on the website. Now the ...

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – BoatUS is recommending supplemental freeze coverage insurance for boat owners who store their boats in areas where snow and ice can cause freeze damage to boats and their engines. Freeze coverage is an inexpensive insurance option that protects boats stored in heated garages from damage that can result after power outages and freezing, as well as possible ...

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Representatives Dan Benishek (R-MI) and Dan Boren (D-OK) introduced legislation on Friday that would increase access on public lands for recreational fishing, hunting, and shooting sports. The new legislation would increase access for fishing and hunting by directing managers to open up lands for hunting and fishing until they’re closed, and directs managers to determine how new ...

PLATTSMOUTH, Neb. – The watchdog organization Nebraska Watchdog reported that the Boat Dealers Licensing Act (LB 495), designed to protect titles, prevent a variety of unfair or deceptive acts, and require boat dealers to be licensed, is facing an uncertain future as its main promoter, Nebraska State Senator Dave Pankonin, resigned. The bill is designed to close a loophole where ...

NASHVILLE, Ga. – Chaparral boats hosted their 2012 Worldwide Dealer conference at Chateau On The Lake in Branson, Mo., introducing a new line of boats directed at first time boat buyers. The H20 series will include 18 and 19-foot sport and ski/fishing boats, packaged with a trailer, and priced to appeal to first time boat buyers. “Judging by dealer reaction ...

BIMINI, Bahamas – Bimini Sands Resort and Marina announced that Turnkey Communications and Public Relations, Inc. would be the company’s new public relations agency. Bimini Sands is hoping that the choice of Turnkey Communications and Public Relation as their public relations agency will help increase the company’s international profile. Bimini Sands Resort & Marina is located 50 miles south of ...