Changing Scene

  • BOATING INDUSTRY CANADA ATTENDS VOLVO PENTA PRESS EVENT IN GOTHENBERG SWEDEN

    Volvo Penta recently hosted a major press event in Gothenberg, Sweden and invited approximately 50 marine journalists from 14 different countries including Argentina and Brazil from South America and three journalists from North America, Christopher Landry from Soundings Trade Only, Randy Vance from the Bonnier Corporation and Andy Adams from Boating Industry Canada and Canadian Yachting magazines. Unfortunately Andy had a prior commitment and asked me, John Armstrong to stand in. Of course I jumped at the chance to be associated with such esteemed journalists and of course with Volvo Penta, one of the most innovative companies for marine engines and drive trains.

  • IMTRA NAMES NEW CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

    Imtra has announced today the hire of Jeff Vancura to be the company’s next Chief Financial Officer (CFO). A finance veteran with twenty years of experience as a top executive, Mr. Vancura has held similar roles for Double E Company, TPI Composites and Mettler-Toledo Thornton. In addition to his financial duties, Mr. Vancura is also a member of Imtra’s strategic planning team. "Jeff will utilize both his financial management and strategic planning skills to help lead Imtra into the future,” said Eric Braitmayer, COO, Imtra. “His experience gives him the tools to perform his responsibilities exceedingly well, and his personality and positive attitude will allow him to seamlessly fit within the Imtra team."

  • RICK PITINO TO DELIVER KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT IBEX INDUSTRY BREAKFAST

    The International Boatbuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) announces that Rick Pitino, celebrated basketball coach of the Louisville Cardinals, will deliver the keynote address at the IBEX Industry Breakfast, to be held on Tuesday, September 17, 2013, from 7:30 to 9:30 am. Pitino has been head coach of the University of Louisville’s Cardinals since 2001, guiding them to victory in the 2013 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship. He has also served as head coach to Boston University, Providence College, and the University of Kentucky, and he has served two stints in the NBA, coaching the New York Knicks and the Boston Celtics.

  • WEBASTO PROVIDES CHRIS-CRAFT WITH ITS FIRST EVER MARINE SUNROOF

    Not only is Chris-Craft launching a new boat model, the Corsair 36 Hard Top, but it's the boatbuilder's first model with a sunroof. For such a monumental first, Chris-Craft chose Webasto Thermo & Comfort North America's Series 60 Marine Roof. "Developing the new hard top for our Corsair 36 with the Webasto team was a rewarding experience," said Chris Collier, VP of engineering, Chris-Craft Corporation. "Their series 60 skylight performed as promised and has so far, met all expectations. We plan to continue with this partnership as we further develop and expand our product line. We chose Webasto over competitor products because of ease of installation, larger overall daylight opening and the customer service relationship."

  • MOTORGUIDE DEBUTS ALL-NEW X3 TROLLING MOTOR FOR 2014

    MotorGuide announces its new X3 trolling motor designed to deliver better performance and durability for anglers looking for the best value in the 40- to 70-pound thrust range. “The new X3 cable-steer trolling motor delivers performance and stability that rivals more expensive motors,” said Ben Curtis, category director for MotorGuide.  “Designed from the ground up, these five-speed motors are both affordable and reliable.” The X3 offers best-in-class steering performance. A dual cable pull-pull steering system eliminates slack, while the innovative patent-pending Variable Ratio Technology (VRT) reduces torque steer feedback and improves responsiveness.  The oversized shafts are rugged and corrosion

  • IMTECH MARINE AND FARUNO MARK HISTORIC 50TH ANNIVERSARY

    Recently, Imtech Marine and Furuno Electric Co. announced the 50th Anniversary of their strategic partnership. To mark the occasion the two companies signed a three-year extension of most of their exclusive contracts and they agreed to explore to extend their cooperation to new opportunities worldwide. Furuno, which was established in Japan in 1948, represents Imtech Marine’s oldest partner relationship. With the 50th Anniversary celebrations taking place in Japan, Imtech Marine’s senior management met with the President of Furuno, Mr Yukio Furuno and Furuno’s senior management.

  • ENTER TO WIN 1 OF 3 FREE REGISTRATIONS TO THE BOATING ONTARIO CONFERENCE AND TRADE SHOW

    You could be a lucky winner of a free registration to the 2013 Boating Ontario Conference & Trade Show at Deerhurst Resort. It's easy to enter this contest! Tell Boating Ontario, in a few sentences, WHY you would like to attend the Boating Ontario Conference & Trade Show.  They will choose the three best entries and will pay for the winners to attend the event that runs from Sunday December 1st to Tuesday December 3rd, 2013. Here are the details for the 2013 Boating Ontario Conference & Trade Show:

  • NADEN BOATS AND THE CIBC RUN FOR THE CURE – NORTH BAY TEAM UP FOR THE PINK BOAT TOUR!

    A Northern Ontario boat building company is supporting the campaign to find a cure for breast cancer by building and donating a boat – a pink boat of course – that will be raffled off in support of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure – North Bay. The complete the package, valued at over $7,000, will consist of a 14’ Pink Naden Fisherman, a Tohatsu 15hp 4-stroke engine, a Yacht Club Trailer manufactured by Easy Hauler and donated by Baywood Enterprises in North Bay, 2 Salus Marine PFDs for the winner and her or his partner and a boat cover donated by Temagami Marine.

  • GRANDE SOLEIL IN SALE NEGOTIATIONS

    BAVARIA has recently decided to separate from Grand Soleil, after two successful years. Grand Soleil was purchased in October 2011 out of a “Concordato Preventivo” procedure, a consensual composition with creditors which started almost a year before.The acquisition was executed on the backdrop of a recovering market after the 2008-09 recession and an ambitious development plan in terms of new products and markets.  
    Grand Soleil added a strategic complementary product range to the Bavaria Group. Over €40 million were invested to restructure and re-launch the company through the course of two years. These massive capital investments resulted in a far better and more efficient business: new products, improved market presence, improved dealer network and more efficient production.

  • TALL SHIP UNICORN KICKS OFF 1812 TOUR WITH BROCKVILLE TO TORONTO VOYAGE

    The Tall Ship Unicorn is one of the fleet of Tall Ships that will be participating in the Great Lakes 1812 Tour this summer. Sailing as the only all-female crewed tall ship in the world, Unicorn sails the sea with proven on-board leadership programs for teenage girls and women. Holland-built in 1947 from German U-boat metals, Unicorn partners with Sisters Under Sail, a New Jersey based non-profit corporation established in 2005 dedicated to helping teen girls and women build confidence, develop leadership skills, and witness first-hand what women can do together when focused on a common goal. Since inception, its empowerment program has put more than 300 women and 500 girls from the

  • GET RIGGED UP FOR THE 27TH ANNUAL GEORGIAN BAY REGATTA

    The Georgian Bay Regatta (GBR) is one of the most unique sailing events in Ontario. On an annual basis for the past 27 years, a fleet of 40 to 50 boats have participated in this week-long adventure of racing and cruising various areas of Georgian Bay. As the itinerary of the GBR encompasses a combination of daily distance races, course races, nightly anchorages and visits to the various ports-of-call on the shores of Georgian Bay, it draws the interest of all levels of sailors to this yearly summer event.  The Regatta began with the Georgian Bay International Challenge Cup in 1986 and continues the tradition of friendly racing and competition that is

  • ASA ELECTRONICS PARTNERS WITH INDEPENDENT BOAT BUILDERS, INC

    ASA Electronics, an international manufacturer of premium audio and video electronics and appliances has partnered with the Independent Boat Builders, Inc. to be the video supplier of choice. Independent Boat Builders, Inc. (IBBI) is the leading marine buying group, with a reputation for financial stability, innovation, and integrity from their membership. IBBI currently has 20 members, located in the United States and Canada. Cumulatively, IBBI manufacturers sell more boats in the U.S. than any other entity. “Our new partnership with ASA will be a good addition for our members.  Their team is very enthusiastic about their products and their video product

  • CHAPARRAL BOATS AWARDED INDUSTRY OF THE YEAR BY BERRIEN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

    At the Berrien County Chamber of Commerce annual awards banquet Chaparral Boats, Inc. was awarded Industry of the Year. “We were honored to win the Industry of the Year award for our employees, dealers and suppliers” said Chaparral President, Jim Lane.

    “The Industry of the Year award recognizes local businesses large and small that have made a significant impact on our community either by expanding or improving their business, therefore improving the economy and quality of life for all in the community” said Chrissy Staley, Executive Director of the Berrien County Chamber of Commerce.

  • BURLINGTON COMPANY MARSMETAL/MARSHIELD INVOLVED IN NUCLEAR REACTOR OVERHAUL

    Well known Canadian marine industry producer of lead keels, MarsMetal has seen significant success with their MarShield division that applies the company’s skills in fabrication using lead, to a nuclear reactor overhaul. In a recent article by Gary Yokoyama, in The Hamilton Spectator newspaper, Kevin Milne, MarShield president, discussed the Burlington company’ opportunities in Ontario's multibillion-dollar plan to refurbish its nuclear reactor fleet. MarShield provides radiation protection equipment to energy companies, hospitals, labs and treatment centres, the military, emergency response and law enforcement.

  • IMI LAUNCHES SUMMER WEBINAR SERIES

    The International Marina Institute (IMI), a training subsidiary of the Association of Marina Industries (AMI), is launching a summer webinar series, starting July 16, 2013. Webinars on topics related to marina operations and regulations will occur every Tuesday at 1:00pm (Eastern) until August 20.  For Canadian industry members, some subjects, like the webinar on July 16 will deal with U.S. subjects such as “Demystifying the Healthcare Act,” which will not benefit Canadian operators.

  • AMTA ANNOUNCES MARINE SERVICE TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATE OF QUALIFICATION EXAM

    The Atlantic Marine Trades Association has announced that a Nova Scotia provincial Certificate of Qualification exam for the Marine Service Technician trade is now available to people who have substantial experience working in the occupation. Skilled tradespeople working in the industry are encouraged to write the examination. Having sufficient numbers of tradespeople certified in the occupation will allow companies to hire more Nova Scotians to participate in apprenticeship training programs.

  • ROSSITER CELEBRATES 40 YEARS WITH THREE FOLD INCREASE IN SALES

    Thanks to the dedication of New England, Mid Atlantic, and South Florida representatives, and a growing list of Dealers from the Great Lakes to Florida, the number of boaters enjoying the Rossiter experience has increased exponentially again in 2013 for the reasons best captured in the following quotes from boaters and dealers alike: “I just wanted to take a minute to thank both of you for all the help you have given us. The last few boats we sold had a significant amount of customizing. I was a little concerned that the boats would not be built the way they were ordered. That was NOT the case. The boats were built exactly as we requested by our customers, and they were delivered to us on schedule… I know as a dealer the

  • NMMA REPORTS THAT RECREATIONAL BOATING IS $121 BILLION ECONOMIC DRIVER FOR U.S.

    The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), has announced that recreational boating in the U.S. has an annual economic value of $121 billion. The industry’s rising tide supports 964,000 American jobs and 34,833 businesses, generates $40 billion in annual labor income and drives $83 billion in annual spending. The NMMA, on behalf of the U.S. boating industry, released these findings as part of its annual U.S. Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract, a collection of data and analysis on the state of the U.S. recreational boating industry. The Canadian Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract was

  • ABYC / ABBRA WEBINAR

    ABYC and ABBRA Will Co-host Webinar to Address Inventory and Profits for Maritime Companies and Individuals. The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) and the American Boat Builders & Repairers Association (ABBRA) will co-host their second webinar, Optimizing  Inventory, as part of an educational series that helps any maritime company, boat builder, manufacturer, marina or yard facility, and the service technician manage their inventory while improving profitability. The webinar will be led by Stephen Bullard, Senior Sales Director, PierVantage Marine Management Solution.  Bullard has more than 20 years in the marine service management, has logged more than 15,000 miles sailing the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and is a 100 ton master captain.

  • COVERED LANDINGS BID WELCOME TO CRUISE CUSTOMERS

    Located about 400 miles northeast of Quebec City, the Gaspesie peninsula and les Iles-de-la-Madeleine present some of the most picturesque scenery in maritime Canada. Beckoning passengers aboard ships cruising the St. Lawrence River, both ports boast covered landing facilities as elegant as they are functional. Engineered by Structurmarine, they provide comfort and safety for travelers moving from ship to shore. Les Iles-de-la-Madeleine welcomes cruise passengers from August to October, and Gaspesie from May to October. Authorities at both ports sought to upgrade their docks and improve the experience for tourists who come ashore via shuttle boats to shop, view local attractions and sample legendary regional cuisine.