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The U.S. Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract is the most trusted source of comprehensive industry data for recreational boating intelligence. The data presented in the report spans 2008-2022, to better understand the industry growth and shifts in market behavior by analyzing the data and presenting information including these sections: Total Industry Sales by Category and State, Powerboat Sales Trends, Cruiser, Watersport, ...

MarineMax recently established a groundbreaking Marine Service Technician Apprenticeship Program for the State of Florida.  The program consists of hands-on mentor-led and online self-led training at an assigned Florida location. The program spans three years, can be shortened to 1.5 years with approved experience, and consists of hands-on mentor-led and online self-led training at an assigned location. The Marine Service ...

In October, the Canadian federal government announced a streamlined process to enact restrictions on the use of recreational boats on its waterways. Under this new process, the Minister of Transport has the authority to issue interim restriction orders upon receiving a request from other levels of government, including municipalities. The federal government is temporarily availing themselves of this power while ...

The Yamaha Marine Technical School Partnership program (TSP) added three new schools to its growing list of participants, bringing the total number to 120 nationwide. Developed in 2015, Yamaha’s TSP program aims to develop a stronger marine technician workforce through a certified curriculum, Yamaha systems access and product donations used in the classroom for hands-on training. New program participants include: ...

Sunstream Boat Lifts announced the company has acquired Sarasota Boating World, located in Sarasota, Florida.“The acquisition of Sarasota Boating World will greatly assist Sunstream in expanding our SwiftShield Automatic Boat Cover product line by insourcing the digital design and manufacturing of custom covers for SwiftShield, and will further enhance our supply chain,” said Ken Hey, CEO of Sunstream. “We look ...

Brunswick Corporation has been named one of America’s Most Responsible Companies by Newsweek for the fourth consecutive year.  From the thousands U.S. companies considered for this honor, only 600 made the Newsweek list of honorees.   Throughout 2023, Brunswick has been recognized with numerous accolades for its environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) efforts. Specifically, the company was recognized on the Climate Leaders ...

Mercury Marine, a division of Brunswick Corporation, announced the promotion of Richard Straka to general manager of Mercury Canada. Straka joined Mercury in 2021 as category director and most recently served as director of supply chain and operations strategy. He previously held positions at GE Capital and Wells Fargo. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to accept the General ...

The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) announced that it added two new employees to its Education Team: Senior Education Developer Bernie DeGraw and Education Coordinator Carolyn Howell. “Adding Bernie and Carolyn will help us enhance our educational initiatives and deliver on our mission to fuel dealer success,” said Liz Walz, Vice President of Education. “They both have already ...

The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) has donated a boat to Cecil College in Chesapeake City, Maryland, for its new Marine Service Technician program. This donation offers Cecil College students a practical learning experience, enhancing their skills and employability in a sector increasingly in need of qualified technicians. “We thank ABYC for this generous donation. Their support provides Cecil ...

Banshee Marine Audio, a boat builder-focused audio company, announced its acquisition by Poly-Planar LLC, one of the longest operating outdoor entertainment brands. Banshee founder Dan Soeters will take over as president for the combined companies. Soeters has been in the marine audio business for over 20 years in several international markets and founded Banshee Marine Audio after leaving his role as ...