Changing Scene

  • SFC ENERGY EXPANDS EFOY COMFORT FUEL CELL DISTRIBUTION NETWORK FOR BOATS IN CANADA

    EFOY COMFORT fuel cells now available at Western Marine and its appointed dealers. First presentation of EFOY COMFORT fuel cells for the Canadian marine market to the public at the Toronto International Boat Show starting on January 11th 2014. SFC Energy AG, technology and market leader for portable, mobile, and off-grid power generation and distribution, has further expanded the international EFOY marine dealer network. Western Marine Company is the new Canadian distributor for EFOY COMFORT fuel cells. Western Marine Company is a distributor of marine parts and accessories serving wholesale customers throughout Canada. Their extensive inventory

  • WEST MARINE’S NEW PRODUCT REVIEW DAY SET FOR JANUARY 31, 2014

    West Marine has announced its New Product Review Day is set for Friday, January 31, 2014.  The event will be held at the Company’s Watsonville, California based Support Center located at 500 Westridge Drive.  West Marine’s New Product Review Day allows prospective inventors and vendors to pitch new products to West Marine Category Managers for consideration and the chance to be sold in West Marine retail stores, and through its other channels of business, including westmarine.com. “West Marine is always on the lookout for the innovative products to maximize our Customer’s enjoyment of boating, fishing, sailing or paddling,” said Ron Japinga, EVP Merchandising for West

  • DON’T MISS OUT ON THE EDUCATION SESSIONS AT THIS YEAR’S IFAI CANADA EXPO

    To be held March 13 to 14 at the Sheraton Centre Hotel in Toronto, IFAI Canada Expo 2014 is designed to bring you business growth opportunities by combining a variety of educational programs with the latest and best fabrics, equipment, hardware and services.
     This year's full registration includes your choice of two different education tracks. Track 1 is the Tent Installation Boot Camp, which includes a variety of educational modules conducted by the Tent Rental Division of IFAI. Track 2 is business and manufacturing focused and includes professional business seminars and training workshops. Both tracks include Friday's Anchoring Clinic.

  • CDI ELECTRONICS ELECTRONIC IGNITIION SERVICE SCHOOL STARTS IN FEBRUARY

    The CDI Electronics Electronic Ignition Service School is just around the corner. The school will be held Wednesday through Saturday, for the first three weeks in February 2014. The classes will begin at 8:00 am on Wednesday and end around 3:30 pm on Saturday. The classes are limited to 20 attendees and we expect them to fill up quickly. Once the class has reached 20, you will have the chance to sign up on a waiting list and will be notified if a spot becomes available.

  • CRUISERS’ 328 SPORT SERIES BOW RIDER CROWNED 2013’s BOAT OF THE YEAR

    Cruisers Yachts, a world-renowned manufacturer of luxury yachts and sport boats, is pleased to announce Boating Magazine has bestowed the 328 Sport Series with its coveted Boat of the Year award for 2013. Editor’s named the vessel “Boat of the Year” after reviewing performance data and commentary from the magazine’s Tech Team. In all, the group assessed approximately 100 vessels between 30 and 70 feet. Each test considers a boat’s construction, design, styling, performance, and adherence to the standards set by the American Boat and Yacht Council. Boats in contention must also meet the demands of the mission for boats in their category. The 328 SS was chosen because it led all others in innovation and excellence in a brand-new boat category.

  • 2014 TORONTO INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW FEATURES

    There is always something for everyone at the Toronto Boat Show and 2014 proves to be no exception.  For trade professionals, brokers, marina owners, families, couples, old boat enthusiasts, water sport aficianados, paddlers and those who are new to boating, the Toronto International Boat Show has more than enough offerings to make you long for summer in order to get out on the water and enjoy it. Features this year include…

  • SEALINE TO LAUNCH F380 AT THE DUSSELDORF BOAT SHOW

    Sealine will be unveiling their new F380 flybridge motor yacht at the Dusseldorf Boat Show in January. Following on from the success of the award winning F450, this new model offers more space than any other cruiser in this size range currently on the market. With their innovative design features Sealine has maximised the use of space and light throughout whilst also providing complete flexible living areas above and below decks. The signature wrap around windscreen offers 360 degree panoramic views from the saloon and there are double seats at both the lower and upper helm for social cruising. A port side sofa provides versatile seating and storage, movable for maximising the floor space available. To the

  • ABYC MARINE SYSTEMS CERTIFICATION COURSE IN BC

    From February 11 to 14, 2014 starting at 08:30 AM Daily, industry professionals can take the ABYC Marine Systems Certification Course at Raven Marine, 419 West Esplanade in North Vancouver, British Columbia.
     
    This course with instructor Kevin Ritz, includes key information from 21 different ABYC Standards as they apply to boat component selection and installation. Best industry practices will be a part of the body of knowledge that a certified technician will be expected to be proficient in regards to Potable Water Systems, Waste Water Systems, Tanks, Plumbing, Electrical Installation, System Monitoring, Compressed Gas

  • RECORD GLOBAL CAR SALES PROJECTED FOR 2014: SCOTIABANK

    As a driver of the economy, new vehicle sales can have a major impact and we all know cars and trucks only last so long before needing replacement. The cyclical recovery in global auto sales remains intact with purchases advancing in every region, except Europe, over the past year, according to the latest Scotiabank Global Auto Report.

    "Purchases in Canada are expected to edge up to a record 1.76 million units in 2014, with volumes boosted by an improving labour market and the best vehicle affordability in more than three decades," said Carlos Gomes, Scotiabank's Senior Economist and Auto Industry Specialist.

  • SUNSAIL CELEBRATES 40 YEARS OF SENSATIONAL SAILING

    In 1974, when the world was in the depths of a recession, the Watergate Scandal forced Nixon to resign, and the Velour Jumpsuit (the original Onesie) was in fashion, a small sailing school embarked on their first Flotilla Holiday. Forty years later, the school, known as Sunsail, is still offering Flotillas and a whole host of other ways to sail from 27 exciting and exotic locations around the world.

    Flotilla adventures have always played a key part in what Sunsail offers while 40 years of constantly improving these experiences has allowed us to deliver the best there is. With 23 routes designed around making the most of customers' time on the water, each itinerary takes you to the

  • YOUR CUSTOMERS WHO ARE THINKING OF CHARTERING IN EUROPE MAY NEED AN INTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY (ICC)

    As you may be aware, it is now mandatory to hold a recognised International Certificate of Competency (ICC) if you wish to charter a boat in certain European countries. It is generally required for the inland and coastal waters of Mediterranean countries. In Northern Europe and Scandinavia the ICC is generally not required, but it is strongly advised to check with any European or eastern bloc country that you wish to charter in before you leave.

  • ISLAND YACHT CLUB – NO INITIATION FEES

    The Island Yacht Club introduces no initiation fees for New Boating and Social Memberships. Nestled in Blockhouse Bay, one of the prettiest coves in the Toronto Islands, the IYC offers a multi-cultural club with a family oriented atmosphere where you can swim in the pool, play tennis, dine casually or elegantly, or take to the waterways by sail, powerboat or kayak. Relax in the clubhouse while enjoying spectacular sunsets framed by mature trees. Their private tender whisks you on a scenic journey, from Queen's Quay, across the Toronto Harbour, through Blockhouse Bay, and onto Muggs Island.

  • BOATING ONTARIO CONFERENCE AWARDS

    The 2013 Boating Ontario Conference and Trade Show concluded with the President’s Dinner and Awards ceremony on December 3rd, 2013.

    It was an excellent conference and attracted a much larger attendance this year but perhaps most encouraging was that the group included many more young people this year. These new faces will be the future of the industry and undoubtedly they profited from the veteran industry members, experts in the trade show and the excellent roster of presenters who were there.

  • VOLVO PENTA APPOINTS NEW DEALERS IN CARIBBEAN

    Dealers who have Canadian boaters cruising south this winter will want to know that Volvo Penta of the Americas has announced the appointment of Scotts Marine of Grand Cayman and Pirate Marine Hardware of Cozumel as full-line sales and service dealers.
     
    Founded in 1985, Scotts Marine is a full-service marine center, offering a comprehensive range of boats, motors, trailers, batteries, gensets, parts, accessories and electronics, in addition to maintenance and service. The company is the authorized dealer for major brands including Volvo Penta partners Tiara Yachts, Cobalt and Starcraft. Scotts Marine is part of Scotts Industries Ltd., one of the largest suppliers of heavy construction equipment in the Cayman Islands.

  • CAMERA ADAPTER HELPS BOATERS CAPTURE ACTION FROM NEW ANGLE

    Expanding the versatility of its One-Handle-Does-It-All System, Shurhold Industries introduces the Camera Adapter that is compatible with GoPro Cameras and Shurhold Handles, offering hundreds of great uses.
    Now, owners can capture underwater footage from inside the boat or on the dock. It can be used to see above a crowd or to capture moments of scuba diving or swimming underwater.

  • DOLPHINITE CHOOSES WOODARD AND COMPANY FOR CANADIAN SALES REPRESENTATION

    Gelcoat products manufacturer Dolphinite has chosen Woodard and Company Ltd to represent the company’s product lines in Canada.
    Woodard and Company has offices across Canada and has been representing manufacturers of marine OEM and aftermarket products since 1967. Dolphinite launched the GelMatch™ All-In-One Gelcoat Aerosol Can at IBEX 2013 in September. The innovative product solves the traditional challenges when repairing gelcoat. Most repairs are costly and time consuming, so mistakes in mixing and color matching can be very expensive. Dolphinite’s GelMatch All-In-One Gelcoat Aerosol Can takes the guess out of these problems, providing an aerosol can that is

  • TRUE NORTH YACHTS ANNOUNCES NEW SALES CONSULTANT FOR BENETEAU POWER, SABRE YACHTS AND BROKERAGE

    Elif Hanhan Yener recently arrived in Oakville from Turkey where she and her husband own and operate a successful Yacht Brokerage in Kalamis Marina in Istanbul. Elif has been selling power yachts since 2009 when she moved from a Marketing Manager position to join her husband in the company. Elif and her family have decided to raise their young son in Canada, and was eager to continue on the marine business.

    She joins True North Yachts as sales consultant for Beneteau Power and Sabre Yachts and as a pre-owned broker.

  • PERFORMANCE BOAT INSURANCE EXPERT GRAHAM NEALE WORKING WITH SKIPPERS’ PLAN

    The CG&B Group Inc., operators of Skippers Plan marine insurance, has brought well-known boater and insurance broker Graham Neale on board as Senior Account Executive. For many years, owners of offshore performance boats have appreciated Neale as a broker who understands their boats as well as their insurance needs. Neale, who will be working primarily with CG&B’s logistics clients, will also be contributing to the Skippers’ Plan team. High performance craft are in most ways like other boats yet their design and power means they need to be treated individually. The engines and components and construction of performance boats are specialized so it takes a broker conversant with them to provide proper coverage.

  • POLISHING THE CRYSTAL BALL

    As we speak, Spring 2014 is visible on the horizon. But before it arrives, it’s floorplan time, merchandise ordering time and staff hiring time.  What to do? Yes, we first get to the boat show season, but then the daffodils bloom and its time to launch.  What will you be featuring at your dock/showroom/retail outlet and how many of them will you be able to sell?