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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.

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.

This story has been removed at the client's request

Instead of working for a living, Barb and Ted Dallimore of Sandy Cove Marine in Innisfil, are now working at living. They are newly retired and are planning to travel in their motor home. Friends shared their experiences over the decades wishing Barb and Ted well in their retirement.

Doug and Brenda Dawson joined 160 other marine friends and business associates who gathered to celebrate Ted and Barb’s retirement.

Many in attendance were also celebrating “Survival”.

The Vancouver-based Canada Metal Pacific said that it had acquired New Zealand-based Rocna Anchors adding a line of anchors to its range of other marine products.  Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Media quoted John Mitchell, president of Canada Metal Pacific as saying, “We have been searching for a line of anchors and anchoring products to complement our CMP anchor chain. We are very excited to bring Rocna Anchors into the fold.  Their superior performance fits well with our focus on innovation and quality products.”

Cruisers Yachts held their dealer meeting at the company’s headquarters in Oconto, Wisconsin. The annual gathering featured Cruisers Yachts’ christening of the 2012 41 Cantius sports coupe, unveiling of a new interactive website and plans for the upcoming year.

Crate Marine was the recipient of this years’ coveted Dealer of the Year Award. Crate Marine has five locations throughout Ontario and Quebec. They provide full marine sales and service and have been in the Cruiser Yachts family for three years.

Local sailmaking mainstay UK Sailmakers Northwest is pleased to announce the successful transition of ownership from Tim Knight to Stuart and Joy Dahlgren. While the actual purchase took place earlier this summer, all parties were committed to ensuring a high level of continuity for customers and industry partners and thus executed a ‘soft handover’ that has resulted in seamless service for both repair and new sail clients.

‘I could not have been happier, Stuart and Joy have shown great aptitude and that coupled with the great staff, the business is actually invigorated with new energy and ideas.

The Brunswick Dealer Advantage program offers a growing menu of dealer services to its marine dealership communities in Canada and the USA, all designed to help dealers attract more customers, retain employees, improve operations and lower costs. ADP Lightspeed is the latest addition to a list of providers such as Brunswick Financial Services, Brunswick Dealer Certification, BoatTrader.com, iBoats.com, ARI, AT&T and Sprint, Aramark, UPS, Staples and US Bank.

ADP Lightspeed’s fully integrated dealer management software lets dealerships maximize business performance by automating operations and providing powerful new business-building tools for growth.