Changing Scene

  • SEE THE NEW AGE OF SAIL EXHIBIT AT THE MARINE MUSEUM OF THE GREAT LAKES AT KINGSTON

    This summer, plan a trip to Kingston to visit The Marine Museum of the Great Lakes at Kingston. The 2014 Sailing Exhibit is taking shape at the Marine Museum of the Great Lakes at Kingston. The chosen title, “The New Age of Sail” acknowledges the phenomenal growth of sailing as a recreational sport in the 1960s and 1970s. If the era of Clipper Ships and Britain’s wooden walls was the original “Age of Sail”, then this rapid growth in sailing over approximately 20 years in the mid to late 20th century was definitely the New Age of Sail.

  • HANSEBOOT 2013 LAUNCHES NEW OPTIMIZED HALL CONCEPT

    Hanseboot is the big watersports event for professionals, boating enthusiasts and newcomers – it is held at the exhibition site, centrally located in Hamburg, from 26 October to 3 November 2013. hanseboot gives all the latest information on watersports trends and innovations, living up to its slogan “Northern waters, Northern lifestyle” with a focus on the Baltic, Scandinavia and Northern European waters. The exhibition features a wide range of boats and yachts, and a huge range of equipment and accessories, plus thematic highlights such as daysailing, 15hp engines, refit and funsport. Its hall concept has been changed, using all the hall areas on the B site to ensure optimal linking between the various areas of the

  • CHARLESBANK CAPITAL PARTNERS MAKES INVESTMENT IN TROJAN BATTERY COMPANY

    Charlesbank Capital Partners announced that it has made an investment in Trojan Battery Company, a leading global manufacturer of deep-cycle lead acid batteries.  Headquartered in Santa Fe Springs, Calif., Trojan has been owned by the Godber family since its founding in 1925. The transaction, which was funded with both equity and debt, introduces the first outside equity for the company, with the management team making a notable co-investment and the Godber family maintaining a significant ownership position. GE Antares Capital provided the debt portion of the financing. 

  • NEVER SWIM IN A MARINA – LAKE FATALITIES HIGHLIGHT NEED FOR ELECTRICAL SAFETY

    Thankfully, we have not heard any reports of fatalities in Canada, but last weekend’s accident involving a dockside electrocution at Lake Cumberland in Kentucky, along with swimming fatalities over the Fourth of July holiday last year, underscore the dangers when water and electricity mix. The common element in these unfortunate accidents was electrical current entering the water from boats or docks.  “Wet environments are particularly dangerous when it comes to electricity. It’s vital to ensure electrical connections on or near the water are properly installed with appropriate safety equipment,” explains Molly Hall, executive director of the American Safe Electricity program. “Your loved ones’ lives just might depend on it.”

  • IMPORTANT CHILD SAFETY REMINDER

    We were contacted by Jeff Rhodes, President of BC’s Coastal Craft Boats who was moved by a U.S. news story about a 5-year-old being killed when he fell off the bow of the boat he was riding in and was struck by the propeller.

    This sort of senseless tragedy should never happen. Rhodes contacted us to say, “I will sponsor a friendly safety notice reminding/urging people NOT to allow their children, passengers and pets to ride on the bow of boats while underway. I've personally seen this scenario too many times in BC waters and it sickens me every time, including an incident two weeks ago coming out of Horseshoe Bay. If I had of been in a boat and not on the

  • BOATER ASSIST CANADA HAS CEASED OPERATIONS

    Boating Industry Canada spoke to Al Donaldson, executive director of Boating Ontario who confirmed that notification has been sent to the Boater Assist Canada members stating that the Board of Directors of Boater Assist Canada have elected to cease operations of the program effective immediately. All Boater Assist Members who have paid membership fees in 2013 will have their money refunded to them in the very near future.
    The program officially ceased operation on July 4th but stayed open through the weekend of July 6 and 7 for emergency calls.

  • EAST MEETS WEST IN MARINE INDUSTRY TRAINING AGREEMENT

    British Columbia and Nova Scotia are shaking hands over an agreement to share training resources for Marine Service Technician apprenticeships. The Nova Scotia Boatbuilders Association, based in Halifax, will use training programs developed by Quadrant Marine Institute of Sidney, BC, for a new Marine Service Technician Apprenticeship Program being developed in support of an MST trade recently designated by the Government of Nova Scotia. Marine Service Technicians repair and maintain pleasure boats, yachts and light commercial vessels. They are trained in a wide range of trade skills

  • 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.