Archives

  • MERCURY MARINE ANNOUNCES CHANGES IN FINANCE ORGANIZATION

    Mercury Marine has announced several appointments within its global finance organization.
     
    Bob Flesch has been named director of global operations – Finance. In this role, Flesch has financial responsibility for manufacturing, distribution, procurement, capital expenditures, product development and engineering, Mercury Racing and Mercury Marine’s manufacturing operations in Asia.
     
    Flesch has been with Mercury Marine for 26 years, and has held a number of finance and strategy positions of increasing responsibility. He was most recently Mercury’s division controller for commercial operations. Flesch holds a bachelor’s of science and a master’s of business administration degree from the University of Wisconsin –Oshkosh.

  • NORTHERN LIGHTS INTRODUCES UNIQUE DIESEL EXHAUST CLEANING SYSTEM

    Northern Lights, specializing in marine power generation, propulsion and HVACR, will feature its unique Diesel Exhaust Cleaning System (DECS) at the 2013 Miami International Boat Show, February 14-18 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

    Based on DCL International’s MARINE-X™ system, DECS removes soot and particulate matter as it is emitted from the diesel engine. The air and water quality on and around the vessel is vastly improved, offering a clean, enjoyable environment for everyone on board.

    When equipped with DECS, exhaust gas is routed through a

  • SEAKEEPER TO SUPPLY STABILIZERS TO BRUNSWICK BOAT GROUP

    Seakeeper has been named Brunswick Boat Group's preferred supplier for stabilization systems.  Seakeeper's actively controlled gyros will be offered as options, with projects already underway on the Hatteras 77, and several new Sea Ray and Meridian Sport Yacht, Yacht and Sedan Bridge models in development.

    In making this commitment to Seakeeper, Brunswick Boat Group can now offer enhanced comfort and safety to its boat customers.  After

  • SEA RAY ADDS NEW DEALER GROUP IN QUEBEC

    Sea Ray Boats is pleased to announce the appointment of Groupe Thomas Marine to its leading network of more than 400 marine dealers operating on six continents. The company joins Marina Fortin in serving customers throughout the province of Quebec.

    Marina Fortin has been a top Sea Ray dealer for over 20 years and remains an important part of the Sea Ray dealer network.

    “The addition of Groupe Thomas Marine strengthens our already considerable presence in the Quebec market,” said Andy Graves, president of Brunswick Boat Group. “I am delighted to welcome the dealership’s 29 years of experience to the Sea Ray team. Groupe Thomas Marine is committed to offering first-class service to its customers and will undoubtedly maintain the standards of excellence that our boat owners expect and deserve.”

  • NMEA RELEASES NMEA 2000 EDITION 3.00

    The National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) has just released an extensively upgraded version of NMEA 2000®, the industry's open architecture network standard. New Edition 3.00 replaces version 2.20 and includes updates and additions to the NMEA Network Message Database, NMEA 2000® Main Document, and NMEA 2000® Appendices A and D.
     
    "While the NMEA Standards Committee created many improvements in the overall standard, significant changes occurred in the NMEA

    Network Messages Appendix B, which contains the Network

  • PATTI TRAPP NAMED DIRECTOR OF QUALITY AT MERCURY MARINE

    Mercury Marine announced that Patti Trapp has been promoted to the position of Director of Quality.
     
    In her new role, Trapp is responsible for setting quality system standards and implementing them across all Mercury Marine functions.
     
    “Patti’s in-depth process expertise and engineering background are crucial for this role,” said John Pfeifer, Mercury Marine’s vice president of global operations.  “Plus, her passion for quality and building quality into the process used to make the product is key to continuous improvement in everything we do.”

  • BROWNELL TRAILERS, ROK BOAT STANDS AT VANCOUVER BOAT SHOW

    Brownell Trailers™, manufacturer of hydraulic boat trailers and ROK® Boat Stands, will be featured in booth 403 at the 2013 Vancouver International Show, February 7-11 at BC Place in Vancouver, British Columbia.

    Established in 1954, Brownell Trailers is the world’s premier manufacturer of fully submersible hydraulic trailers and the first choice of professionals for boat hauling equipment. Built for longevity, strength, safety, efficiency and reliability, a Brownell trailer produces labor savings and eliminates space problems by gunnel to gunnel storage.
    Unlike painted boat stands, ROK Boat Stands are rustproof, with fully galvanized bases and cast steel galvanized handles. Stackable and nestable with other major boat stand brands,

  • TIDE TURNING FOR CANADIAN BOATING INDUSTRY

    Canadian recreational boating industry reports thirteen percent increase in new boats and engine sales totaling $2 billion
     
    The Canadian recreational boating industry began to see the tide turn for new boat and outboard engine sales with an estimated thirteen percent increase from October 2011 through September 2012 compared to the same period the previous year, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) second annual 2012 Canadian Statistical Abstract. The Abstract reveals statistics on Canada’s recreational boating retail sales, participation and boater demographics, the overall retail market, imports/exports and economic factors which impact the industry.
     
    “An increasingly stable U.S. economy combined with a modest increase in Canadian consumer confidence helped contribute to healthy growth within the Canadian recreational

  • MAJOR SHOWING BY MARLOW AS THEY RELAUNCH MAINSHIP AT MIAMI

    Mr. David E. Marlow, Chairman of Marlow Acquisitions, LLC has announced that the rebirth of “America’s Trawler” will take place at the Miami International Boat Show next month, February 14-18, with the unveiling of the NEW Marlow Mainship 32. “I am excited, filled with pride and enthusiasm to bring this fine brand back to the boating public with a new 32’ sedan trawler filled with features that exceed today’s boaters demands,” stated David. This followed the all NEW Marlow Hunter 40 introduced at the Annapolis Show in October setting the standard for quality and comfort in the 40’ sailboat range.

    Marlow Acquisitions, LLC purchased all the assets of Hunter Marine Corporation and selected assets including the molds, tooling, and branding rights to Mainship in August of 2012. The NEW Marlow Mainship 32 will be built by Marlow Hunter at its’ manufacturing facility in Florida, the Hunter sailboat brand has been built for 40 years without an interruption.

  • ABBRA AWARDS HONOURS BILL MUNGER WITH PRESIDENTS AWARD

    ABBRA Honours William “Bill” Munger, Founder/Owner of Rhode Island’s Conanicut Marine Services With Prestigious
    Dennis Snow President’s Award at the Association’s 2013 Boatyard Business Conference in Fort Lauderdale, FL

    At the just concluded Boatyard Business Conference Awards Dinner & 70th Anniversary Celebration, the American Boat Builders & Repairers Association (ABBRA) named William “Bill” Munger the 2013 recipient of the prestigious Dennis Snow President’s Award.  The Award is given for significant and lasting contributions to the boatyard and marine service/repair industry, and Bill Munger joins a distinguished group of industry leaders to have received this honour.

  • WAVECRAFT USA WELCOMES NEW CEO

    Wavecraft USA, maker of the Waveblade handheld marine power tool, appointed Steve Smith as the company's new CEO.  Wendy Benge, Wavecraft USA's director of marketing and sales, made the announcement.  Smith's role will be global but will focus on the USA.
    Smith brings over 30 years of business background in sales and marketing to Wavecraft USA, including serving as Vice President, Europe for Polaroid Corporation, headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts.  He also offers a wealth of experience gained from living and working around the globe.  "Steve's expert direction and guidance will enable us to utilize our full resources as we plan for growth in additional markets," said Benge.

  • COMPOSITES INNOVATION CENTRE TO ESTABLISH FIRERCITY

    Rod Bruinooge, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced federal support for the Composites Innovation Centre (CIC) to establish a centre for the innovative use of agricultural products.

    "Our Government is helping ensure that Canada remains at the cutting edge of the composites industry," said MP Bruinooge. "Through this investment we are helping Canadian manufacturers gain a competitive advantage in this growing sector."

  • GRADY-WHITE-NAMES NEW VPS OF MARKETING AND SALES

    Grady-White boat’s president Kris Carroll has announced role changes in the company’s executive team. Shelley Tubaugh is named Vice President–Marketing and now adds responsibilities for media and all integrated communications to existing duties in market research and customer relations. Joey Weller, Vice President Sales will center
    his energies on sales support team for the Grady-White dealer network, including external network development plans and programs as well as internal sales support systems.

    Both Tubaugh and Weller have been with Grady White since 1988 and have extensive experience within the organization. Carroll states

  • CANADIAN SAFE BOATING COUNCIL PRESENTS CANADIAN SAFE BOATING AWARDS FOR OUTSTANDING EFFORTS

    Across Canada, seven individuals and four organizations stand out for their efforts in 2012 in support of recreational boating safety and environmental stewardship. And now the Canadian Safe Boating Council has recognized these individuals and organizations with awards for their heroism and outstanding accomplishments.

    The Canadian Safe Boating Awards (CASBAs) are like the Golden Globe awards of safe boating. On January 13th the Canadian Safe Boating Council hosted the annual CASBA ceremony to recognize the efforts of the general public, volunteers, professionals, companies, agencies and organizations that have distinguished themselves in the fields of boating safety and environmental

  • AWLGRIP ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT OF FOUNDING MEMBER DAVID HALCOMB

    David, or “Dr. Grip” as he is affectionately known in the industry, has finally decided that, after a career spanning 40 years in leading the way in topsides systems, it is time to hang up his spray gun and indulge his other passion in life, traveling in his motorhome with his wife Christi. David will, however, remain as a consultant with Awlgrip passing on his extensive knowledge and skills to the next generation of Dr. Grips.

    From humble beginnings in 1973 when an as yet un-named topside paint was used on David’s father’s boat, interest steadily grew until the following summer when David somehow got America’s Cup Winner ‘Courageous’ and her tender painted completely with Awlgrip. During that summer Awlgrip became the buzzword in Newport and the phrase “get your boat Awlgripped” was coined. As the brand grew, with David and other Awlgrip colleagues leading the way, Awlgrip launched even

  • US SAILING TO FOCUS ON NEW SAILORS NOT TV AUDIENCES

    The President of US Sailing, Thomas Hubbell, believes the sport should focus on gaining new participants, rather than adding television viewers.

    Speaking exclusively to iSportconnect, Hubbell added that the “strategic” nature of sailboat racing makes it difficult to broadcast effectively on television. Hubbell said: “Sailboat racing is an athletic and strategic chess game, played on an ever changing field that is too big to fit on a television screen, has no time-outs and has an uncertain duration of 30 minutes to several weeks. I would rather we spend all our energy putting new participants on the water than creating spectators sitting in front of TV sets.”

    However, the President did add that documentaries can help to recruit new participants and commented on future television opportunities.

  • SALUS MARINE WEAR RECOGNIZED WITH AQUANAUTE’S PRESTIGIOUS SPONSORSHIP EXCELLENCE AWARD

    At the 2013 Toronto International Boat Show, Salus Marine Wear was recognized by the Aquanaute Training Centre (ATC) with the most prestigious “Sponsorship Excellence Award” for their outstanding contribution and leadership to responsible and Safe Boating, presented by ATC President Vahe T. Vassilian to Steve Wagner, President of Salus Marine Wear.

     

  • NEW ENTITY PILOT BOATS FEATURE MARK ELLIS DESIGNS

    Tom Johnson, owner of RothBiltBoats has announced that his new company, Pilot Boats, LLC has purchased the assets of Holby Marine, formally headquartered in Bristol, RI.  The Holby Marine molds and tooling have been transported to Maine where production will begin soon.  Tom is also pleased to announce a concurrent production agreement with Front Street Shipyard (FSS).  FSS (www.frontstreetshipyard.com) will be the builders of the full line of Pilot Boats for the newly created entity, Pilot Boats, LLC.  The boats will be manufactured in Belfast, Maine at the main FSS facility.

    The Pilot Boat product line includes three sizes, Pilot 18, Pilot 20 and the Pilot 24, these three sizes will continue to be produced. 

  • OCEANS 2050: FUTURE OCEAN – FUTURE BUSINESS

    In 2050, what will the state of the ocean and the ocean business community be – and what must be done between now and then to ensure that both are healthy and productive?  The Sustainable Ocean Summit Workshop to Explore the Drivers, Trends and Scenarios Shaping the Shared Future of Ocean Industries explores these issues on 17 January 2013.

    Join other senior ocean industry representatives in tackling these overriding questions at the agenda-setting “Oceans 2050” workshop preceding the Sustainable Ocean Summit (SOS), 22-24 April 2013, Washington, D.C.
    Space is limited at this unique, business-only, agenda-setting global ocean workshop on 22 April, 2013. Members of the ocean business community are

  • GREG BRATKIW OF EVOLOUTION SAILS TAKES THE HELM AT NAUTILUS PROPELLER CANADA


    Nautilus Propeller and SPW GmbH in Bremerhaven, Germany are pleased to announce the appointment of Greg Bratkiw as the new owner of Nautilus Propeller Canada.

    Past owner Jesco Afheldt has been the exclusive importer and distributor for the SPW line of Variprop and Variprofile feathering propellers along with Varifold for the past twelve years. “I am very pleased that I can now retire and hand over the helm to Greg. With his 30 years of Sailmaking experience, currently with Evolution Sails Canada, Greg can now provide customers with expertise to enhance performance while sailing and under power. They are now specialists both above the water and below. With over 1,000 propellers sold and serviced in Canada I wanted to make sure we left the company in good hands.”