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At the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, Cruisers Yachts unveiled interior upgrades on their 350 Express and 380 Express models which focused on the navigational center, stylish fabrics and adding more natural light to enhance the on-board experience. These new interiors bring a mega-yacht feel to these mid-size models.

“At Cruisers Yachts, we believe every design must benefit the overall yachting experience,” said Russ Davis, director of marketing for Cruisers Yachts.

Employees at Interlux® North America headquarters in New Jersey recently applied the company’s antifouling, topcoat and deck paint systems to better understand what Interlux customers experience during the bottom painting process and to familiarize themselves with the products the company manufactures.

Products applied included InterProtect 2000E epoxy barrier coat, Trilux 33 antifouling, 404 Epoxy primer, Perfection topcoat and Interdeck.

For its 40th Anniversary, Doral Marine International is pleased to announce the launch of the 275 Venezia Limited Edition for its 2012 Cruisers line-up.

The 275 Venezia design was first launched in 2008 as the “next generation” of the Doral family of luxury cruisers and received the 2009 Design Award from the Trailer Boats Excellence program. For 2012, the 275 Venezia Limited Edition – with a 9’4" beam – features many of the wants and needs of a North American boater with a European flair in style and design.

On October 31st, The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) Canada presented before the House of Commons Finance Committee. The Committee is hearing from a range of stakeholders across Canada in preparation for the 2012 federal budget. NMMA Canada was pleased to be invited to present before the Committee to discuss the recreational boating industry’s key challenges and future opportunities and how government can play a role.

Boating Industry Canada has learned that Canadian boat builder Erich Bruckmann passed away on October 28, 2011.

Erich was born in Dusseldorf Germany in 1930. He left Germany as a young man in 1956 to start a new life with his devoted wife and first son Peter. Within a year of arriving in Canada Erich began what would be a lifelong career as a boat builder. He was at the forefront of the yachting industry in the 1960's and 70's as one of the founding partners of C & C Yachts. Through hard work Erich was fortunate enough to be able to retire at an early age and spent many years enjoying life and travelling with Lisa, especially hiking in his favourite Austrian Alps.

It has been announced that efforts are underway to resume operations at boat builders Baja Marine, Donzi Marine, Fountain Powerboats and ProLine Boats, according to Ronald Glass, a Principal  in GlassRatner Advisory & Capital Group, LLC. Glass, who is headquartered in Atlanta, has been named temporary receiver of the four boat builders and their assets, along with Palmetto Park Financial, by North Carolina Business Court Judge James Gale.

Because of this, none of the four boat builders were exhibitors at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show although some Fountain and ProLine dealers were showing boats at FLIBS.

Boating Industry Canada has learned of a new website from Michigan that is part of an effort to maintain and increase awareness of the threat that Asian carp pose to the Great Lakes fishing, boating and tourism industries.

The organization, stopthecarpnow.org supports the permanent closing of the Chicago Sanitary Canal to stop the spread of these invasive species however, in the Part 1 and Part 2 video clips (on their home page) it notes that there are rumors of Asian Carp being deliberately released into the Great Lakes for good luck.

Based upon postings on YACHTWORLD.COM, Freedom Marine in British Columbia has the greatest number of used pleasure craft listings over 50’ in Canada.

“Our vision during the economic downturn has been to grow without overspending” said company president Don Young. “Emerging as Canada’s largest in this category is a testament to our client focused team”.

Since 2009, Freedom Marine has grown from 1 office to 3 with a team of 7 salespeople and 2 support staff.

Boating Industry Canada was in Louisville, Kentucky for the 21st IBEX, International BoatBuilder’s Exhibition and Conference and we interviewed Thom Dammrich, president of the NMMA about the show and the American boat market. The NMMA manages IBEX in partnership with Professional BoatBuilder magazine. Click here to view the video of Thom Dammrich’s comments:

On Friday October 7th Buckeye Marine hosted its annual Product Preview & Charity Event on site at their dryland facility just outside of Bobcaygeon. The event is hosted annually on the Friday night of the Thanksgiving weekend to raise money and awareness for a specific charity while allowing clients the chance to see what’s new for the upcoming boating season. This year Buckeye recognized the Kawartha North Family Health Teams efforts to fund a walk in clinic as the worthy recipient.

“The Kawartha North Family Health Team is not only a resource for the local communities of Bobcaygeon and Fenelon Falls but a walk-in clinic in these locations will act also as the closest medical facility for many of our seasonal residence and Buckeye clients.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.