INSIGHT
Will Positive Economic Conditions Translate Into Boat Sales?
Generally, we seem to be seeing an improving economic picture on an almost global basis, and a solid looking 2014 ahead for Canada from many perspectives…but will these positive economic conditions translate into boat sales?
Countless boaters and commercial mariners owe their lives in large part to an organization that most of them never knew existed. Many others who go to sea can thank the same group for helping to ensure that their communications and navigation systems perform as advertised. That organization is the RTCM—the Radio Technical Commission for Maritime Services. Its primary job is developing technical standards for a long list of marine electronics, from survival signaling devices such as EPIRBs
Let me start by confessing that it’s not a billion-dollar bet–it’s more like $1.5 billion. You know how some people think the media is given to exaggeration, so we thought we’d understate this one for impact! It’s hard to imagine that much money in one place and it’s harder still to grasp the scope of the new Friday Harbour development that is taking place at Big Bay Point on Lake Simcoe in Ontario.
Following the recent successful introduction of a new premium yacht series – the L-Class – Sea Ray celebrated several infrastructure improvements at its Palm Coast yacht manufacturing facility during a waterfront ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, Feb. 28. The centerpiece of the celebration was a new extended water test ramp. Attending the event were several notable Florida state officials, including State Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection Hershel Vinyard and District 6 Constituent Services Manager Sue Bower.
Agency invokes Clean Water Act to consider permanently barring mine waste dumping in Bristol Bay watershed Dillingham, AK & Washington, DC: Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced it is invoking its Clean Water Act authority to assess permanently prohibiting or restricting mine waste disposal into Alaska’s Bristol Bay watershed. This decision puts on hold attempts to build the Pebble Mine, which would be North America’s largest open pit gold-copper mine.
Mercury Marine was named 2013 Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year on Thursday in Milwaukee.
Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Awards are presented annually by Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce (WMC) to leading Wisconsin-based manufacturers that produce world-class products and create employment opportunities in their communities. Mercury Marine took top honours in theMega category, which recognizes companies with more than 750 employees. Mercury employs 5,400 people worldwide, with 3,100 employees in Wisconsin.
Recently I read a report provided by Boat US, the largest insurer of recreational boats in the US,
that looked at their top ten insurance claim areas over the last five years. Number 5 on their list
caught my eye. While only representing only 2.5% of all claims in the past five years, boat fires
and explosions came in at number two on their list in terms of dollars paid out in claims. Number
one was theft. The reason for this extreme dollar amount is that theft, fire and boat explosions
almost always equate to a total loss for the insurer.
Cold up to 24 hours, Hot up to 12 hours, perfect for the boating lifestyle. Hydro Flask utilizes the most innovative
technology in beverage temperature preservation and convenience and reinforces a socially responsible business.
Double-wall vaccuum insulation, BPA-free materials, food grade stainless steel, a range of fun, durable colorus and a charitable arm called 5% Back makes Hydro Flask the most useful drinking container in your collection and peace of mind that you can be environmentally and socially responsible.
Pettit Marine Paint, leading manufacturer of high performance marine coatings, announced today its newest protective coating, Prop Coat Barnacle Barrier. The easy-to-use aerosol spray shields bare metals including aluminum, steel, stainless steel, cast iron, copper, bronze, galvanized steel and lead. Offering superior protection above and below the waterline, Prop Coat Barnacle Barrier’s exclusive high quality formula forms an excellent bond to underwater metals and running gear, inhibiting corrosion and preserving surface integrity.
BRP is collaborating with groundbreaking electronic artist deadmau5 to launch its latest product, the 2014 Sea-Doo
Spark personal watercraft (PWC), with a live concert event. “Spark Some Fun Miami” with deadmau5 will be held at
Fontainebleau Miami Beach on Sunday, March 23, and will showcase the spirit, fun and ingenuity behind the Spark model through a lively and colorful musical exhibition.
The second Terrestrial Invasive Plant Species (TIPS II) meeting will be held at the University of Toronto Mississauga on 6-8 August 2014. We are inviting presentations on the ecology, evolution, impacts, and management of plants invading terrestrial systems in Ontario, Canada and surrounding areas. The meeting will focus on plant invaders in an ecological context, with sessions highlighting their interactions with their physicochemical
The Michigan Boating Industries Association (MBIA), on behalf of its 300 members and the industry’s 54,000 employees, commends Governor Snyder for his leadership in pledging $6 million to fight invasive species threatening our Great Lakes in his recent budget proposal. “The Great Lakes are a jewel to this region and important to the economic welfare of Michigan. Combined, the boating and fishing industries have a $14 billion impact on Michigan’s economy,” said MBIA Executive Director Nicki Polan. “The Great Lakes must be protected for future
ICOMIA’s Small Craft Standards Bulletin provides industry stakeholders early notification on changes to existing standards and modifications to production methods; as developed and maintained by the ISO (International Organization for Standards) Technical Committee for Small Craft Standards (TC 188). “2014 is looking like it will be a busy year in terms of ISO Standards” explains Patrick Hemp, ICOMIA’s Technical Manager, “and in particular, TC 188 has a number of upcoming revisions and new publications that will need to be implemented”.
Addressing both increasing fuel costs and environmental stewardship, Mercury Marine has announced that the new Enertia ECO propeller has been released for sale to the Mercury Marine dealer network. The Mercury Enertia ECO was specifically designed for high-horsepower outboard-powered boats, offering boaters a 10 percent increase in fuel economy at cruising speeds while also living up to the performance and reliability standards inherent with all Mercury propellers.