Boat sales increased by 3 percent in May, according to the latest Info-Link Bellwether report. The Bellwether report tracks sales of powerboats across the country based on new U.S. boat registrations on a rolling 12-month basis. Bellwether states are geographically dispersed states representing roughly half of the U.S. boat market (varies by market segment and time of year). Boat sales ...

40 trendsetters who are leading the boating industry  Boating Industry’s annual profile of the best young leaders in the marine industry highlights a unique group that stands out from their boating peers.  This year’s group represents an impressive cross-section of talented industry individuals who serve associations, manufacturers, marinas, and dealers.  These individuals were selected for their numerous accomplishments so far – ...

With the unofficial tagline, “We sell everything from kayaks to cruise ships,” you know something different is happening within the Nautical Ventures Group. Despite being somewhat new to the Top 100, earning its first Top 100 accolades in 2016, Nautical Ventures has used being a little different than the traditional dealership to launch itself into success. “We believe our efforts ...

Products evolve to meet fishing, boating segment needs Freshwater fishing remains a critical market segment within the boating industry. Recent data from Statistical Surveys confirms that the market continues to exhibit solid growth in the single digit range.  According to SSI, sales of new retail registered outboard-powered aluminum fishing boats in the U.S. increased from 61,000 in 2016 to 62,000 ...

Marine industry keeps watch on Washington, EPA policy   Industry insiders remain hopeful that the Consumer Protection and Fuel Transparency Act of 2018 will promote much needed public education on the proper use of E15. To combat the U.S. Environmental Agency’s current E15 labeling, the bill directs the agency to involve consumers, through focus group testing, in creating labels and pump ...

What’s ahead for U.S. outboard manufacturers? Recent comments from key executives at Yamaha Marine Group and Mercury Marine provide insight into why higher horsepower products were recently introduced by each company. Yamaha Marine Group President Ben Speciale provided an industry overview during his company’s late May product launch for the 5.6L, 425-horsepower V8 XTO Offshore outboard. “Our view of the ...

Earlier this spring, Boats Group announced the findings from an in­-depth analysis of U.S. sales leads across three of its sites – YachtWorld, Boat Trader and boats.com. InfoLink Technologies, Inc. conducted the lead analysis for Boats Group to identify consumer purchase behaviors and provide market intelligence. Over the last five years, new boat sales have been steadily increasing coinciding with ...

Boat sales increased by almost 4 percent in April, according to the latest Info-Link Bellwether report. The Bellwether report tracks sales of powerboats across the country based on new U.S. boat registrations on a rolling 12-month basis. Bellwether states are geographically dispersed states representing roughly half of the U.S. boat market (varies by market segment and time of year). Boat ...

National Safe Boating Week is back and in full swing for 2018. The week highlighting different aspects of boating safety began May 19 and will run through May 25. “We are passionate to educate our communities about safety,” said a news release from the National Safe Boating Council. “It saves lives!” The week kicked off with Wear Your Life Jacket ...

The National Marine Manufacturers Association will testify before the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) 301 Committee to oppose the imposition of high and compounding tariffs on U.S. marine manufacturers. Today’s public hearing is part of USTR’s Section 301 investigation, which was initiated under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 to examine China’s unfair trade practices and continued infringement of ...