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Canada's marine industry mourns the passing of Bette Mason, wife of Jack Mason and mother of Lori Mason of Mason's The Store in Port Credit Harbor.

Jack and Bette Mason established their marine chandlery in Port Credit and now their daughter Lori  continues to operate and expand this well-established business. The Masons were also founding members of the Port Credit Yacht Club.

One of the companies that is currently sharing its marine-industry talents in the restoration of Canada's sailing icon, Bluenose II, will soon be putting that same remarkable expertise to work to help re-create one of the famed schooner's greatest rivals.

Covey Island Boatworks is pleased to announce that it will be providing all ten of the spars, standing and running rigging, mast hoops and rig metal work for the schooner Columbia, a replica of the 140-foot schooner that sailed out of Gloucester, Massachusetts, in the 1920s.

“We are delighted to be part of the new Columbia project,” said Covey Island Boatworks president John Steele.

October 28 is the deadline for rebooking your Halifax Boat Show space. The Atlantic Marine trades Association reminds exhibitors that if we want to return and reserve their spot from last year, complete and return to space rental contract before October 28.

For those who weren't exhibitors in 2011, but who want space in 2012, submit a space contract as quickly as possible so the organizers can address your request.

On October 19, Irving Shipbuilding celebrated its successful selection to negotiate the right to build Canada's future combat fleet under the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy (NSPS).  The company gathered late in the day to recognize its employees, community and government partners, and Canadians from coast to coast to coast for the outstanding support of Nova Scotia as a Canadian shipbuilding Centre of Excellence.

"This is tremendous news!  On behalf of the men and women of Irving Shipbuilding, we are honoured to be chosen by Canada to build the Navy's new combat vessel fleet for those who serve and we look forward to successful negotiations in the coming months," said Jim Irving, CEO, Irving Shipbuilding.

The Nova Scotia Boatbuilders Association (NSBA) will be holding a four-day ABYC Electrical Certification Course at the Atlantic Beer Institute in the Brewery Market Building in Halifax (1496 Lower Water Street), on November 29th to December 2nd, 2011

Facilitated by ABYC, this course is designed for the marine technician with at least three to five years' experience working with marine electricity. The student also needs some familiarity with ABYC electrical standards. Course topics include: electrical theory, lead-acid batteries, using a multi-meter, battery testing, generator sets, inverters, grounding and bonding systems, troubleshooting and more.

Oceanair has appointed Mark Chapple to the position of interim Technical Director. Responsible for the Technical Department and managing a team of 12, the role encompasses Product Development, Design, Quality & Testing, Engineering and Research & Development.

Mark’s role at Oceanair will be primarily focused on directing new product development projects and for continual improvements to Oceanair’s existing product range. An experienced engineer and general manager, and formerly Oceanair’s interim Operations Director, he will be able to drive initiatives in both the Technical and Operations departments for improved manufacturing and assembly efficiency into the product design process.

After 12 years at Pacific Yachting magazine, most recently as Publisher, Mark Collett will be joining Canadian Yachting's team to head up the Western Canadian division and develop a truly national Canadian boating magazine.

"Mark's solid experience in both the boating and publishing industries will expand our efforts to provide Canada with the national reach and scope it should have," commented Elizabeth Kerr, Canadian Yachting's publisher.

IBEX 2011, the International BoatBuilder's Exhibition and Conference opened with the Industry Breakfast and host Thom Dammrich, President of the NMMA lead off with some positive comments showing a 2% growth in new boat shipment over 2010 levels, worthwhile increases in boating participation across America and he reminded the audience that they were still a part of a $30 billion dollar industry.

Calls to the industry for increased support for activities that increase boating participation, such as the Grow Boating and Discover Boating programs as well as paying attention to non-white demographics are hoped to help build future sales strength.

An illustrious piece of Canadian maritime history is finally coming home.

Skyline International Development Inc. has announced an agreement with Douglas, Mich. entrepreneur R.J. Peterson to purchase and repatriate the S.S. Keewatin—the crown jewel in the Canadian Pacific Railway's once-mighty Great Lakes Steamship fleet—to its original home in Port McNicoll, Ont. Municipal council in Tay Township, which encompasses Port McNicoll, has passed a motion allowing the vessel to return.

The agreement follows four years of negotiation to relocate S.S. Keewatin from Saugatuck, Mich., where she has been docked since 1967, after being purchased by the Peterson family and converted into a maritime museum.

Canadian Boats Shows announced today that it has appointed Boatdealers.ca as the Official Boat Listing Service of the 2012 Toronto and Vancouver International Boat Shows (TIBS & VIBS). This partnership will provide the TIBS and VIBS websites with a boat-listing showroom of boats on display at the show. These showrooms will be powered by Boatdealers.ca and deliver additional value to all manufacturers and dealers exhibiting at TIBS and VIBS. The listings will also be displayed on Boatdealers.ca.

“We’ve seen significant growth in the number of consumers pre-planning their show visits, combined with an extended post-show decision process. 

The Binnacle announced that it has purchased the assets of MMOS Marine Supply.

Robert Dempsey and Chris Shaw of The Binnacle have worked with John and Barb Moore of MMOS to develop a plan that allows John and Barb to retire, relax and enjoy many future years on the golf course, following a very successful career in the business. Both companies have competed against each other with respect, professionalism and courtesy over the years, and The Binnacle couldn't have had a better competitor.

Dempsey and Shaw said, "We wish John and Barb continued success and enjoyment.

The October edition of Boating Industry Canada magazine is online now in digital form, ready for you to read, click on the hotlinks, print or electronically share any of the articles; it’s all there and it’s free!

This issue features a profile on Paul Nickel of the Pride Marine Group; a powerhouse boat dealer by any measure. Find out what’s behind their success. Also, meet the people behind all of Canada’s Marine Trade Associations from coast-to-coast. We have photos and bios for all your industry leaders.

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), the world’s largest producer of boat shows and the association representing the recreational boating industry in North America, announced today Progressive® Insurance, a leader in boat insurance, as the title sponsor of its 18 boat and sportshows from 2012-2014.

“We’re thrilled to have Progressive® Insurance on board as the title sponsor of NMMA boat and sportshows. Our involvement with this great organization will help bring boating to more consumers and reach millions of potential show attendees, elevating the NMMA shows’ brand.

David Hayden, president and executive director of the National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) since 2007, submitted his resignation to the organization’s board of directors at the conclusion of the NMEA’s International Marine Electronics Conference & Expo last week in Fort Myers, Florida.

In a statement to NMEA Board Chairman David Gratton and Vice Chairman Johnny Lindstrom, who accepted his resignation, Hayden said, “I wish to thank the board for the opportunity to serve, and I believe that the timing is right for me to move on.

Electric propulsion for boats has been around for over 100 years.  It is only recently that new technology has enabled electric boats to start competing against internal combustion engines.  On December 5th the Boating Ontario Conference will feature two Canadian companies who have embraced electric engines to propel their product lines.  Fred Gingl, a former President, CEO and Vice Chairman with auto parts giant Magna International, now creates BionX products including the SeaScape12.  Ian Bruce, owner of Montreal Classic Boatworks, designed and built the Bruce 22 and will soon offer an electric motor option.

Fred Gingl will explain why he decided to relinquish his senior Magna roles to become Founder and President of Magna Marque International Inc., a new product group focused on alternative mobility products.

Digital Yacht Ltd.’s BOATraNET, a wireless server for onboard navigation networks, took top honors as winner of the National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) Technology Award for 2011. Three members of Boating Writers International (BWI) selected the winner from 13 entries, based on innovation, benefit to boaters, practicality, and value.

The NMEA Technology Award was presented at the 2011 NMEA International Marine Electronics Conference & Expo held last week at the Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa in Fort Myers, Fla.

MarineMax Inc., North America's largest recreational boat and yacht retailer, is proud to announce the introduction of MarineMax Vacations, a charter program offering premium sail and power yacht vacations. As part of the program, the Company will also be offering a yacht ownership program for the charter fleet.

The new venture begins with vessels from luxury sailboat builder Dufour Yachts. MarineMax is currently developing custom power boats for future vacation charters. The first charters are scheduled to begin December 2011 in the British Virgin Islands.

Parks Canada, in collaboration with the Canadian Coast Guard, Canadian National, the Montreal Maine & Atlantic Railway, and Quebec’s Department of Transport, has extended the navigation season on the Richelieu River until October 31, 2011.

Floods caused by tropical storm Irene closed the Erie Canal on August 27 and 28, trapping some 250 boats in the New York State Canal System. At the request of the New York State Canal Corporation and the New York State Governor’s Office, Parks Canada agreed to keep the canals at the Chambly and Saint-Ours historic sites operational until October 31 thus providing an alternate navigation route via the St. Lawrence and Richelieu rivers.

Mercury Marine has  announced that it will assume future responsibility for worldwide sales, service, distribution and support of the Cummins MerCruiser Diesel (CMD) range of high-speed diesel marine engine systems (less than 5-liter displacement), including the TDI/SDI ranges of Volkswagen engines.

The transition of responsibilities from CMD to Mercury Marine has begun and is anticipated to continue into 2012. Mercury, Cummins and their joint venture CMD will all work together to ensure a smooth, orderly transition.