Changing Scene

  • NMMA CANADA RELEASES NEW CANADIAN RECREATIONAL BOATING INDUSTRY ECONOMIC IMPACT STUDY


    The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) announced the release of a study which reveals that Canada’s core recreational boating industry contributed an estimated economic impact of $5 billion and 67,000 jobs throughout Canada in 2012. The “core” recreational boating industry consists of boat and accessory manufacturers, boat and accessory dealers, marina operators, repair and maintenance shops, schools and boat clubs, and various other related companies.

  • YOUR HELP COULD SAVE A LIFE

    North American Safe Boating Awareness Week will take place across Canada from May 18th to May 24th, 2013. The purpose of this initiative is to promote safe and responsible boating practices to the estimated 16 million recreational boaters in Canada while significantly reducing boating-related fatalities.
     
    To help increase awareness of Safe Boating Awareness Week, on May 18th, 2013, boating safety educators, marine enforcement officials, politicians, media and the general public in Canada and around the world will gather to beat last year’s World Record Life Jacket event called Ready,

  • WEBINAR ON MAY 23 LAUNCHES DISCOVER BOATING CANADA’S 2013 MARKETING PLAN


    You are invited to join the all-industry webinar on May 23, 2013 as Discover Boating Canada launches their 2013 summer marketing campaign. This 30 minute webinar will provide a look at the marketing efforts on tap for the busy boating months ahead, including online advertising, social media, and public relations.

    Sign up to take part and learn more about how you and your staff can get involved in the industry-wide movement to welcome more people to the water.

  • NMMA CANADA HOLDS SECOND RECREATIONAL BOATING DAY ON THE HILL

    On May 1, 2013, a group of more than 25 leaders from Canada’s recreational marine industry arrived on Parliament Hill in Ottawa to raise awareness for several of the most pressing issues affecting the boating industry. National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) Canada board members and the heads of several marine trade associations gathered in the nation's capital to attend meetings with nearly two-dozen MPs from ridings across Canada, policy makers and members of Transport Canada.

  • BOATERSKILLS.CA ADDING ADDITIONAL BOAT-HANDLING INSTRUCTORS FOR MAY 2013

    In order to meet the rising demand in Ontario for boat-handling clinics, BoaterSkills.ca recently announced the addition of instructors to assist in training boaters on waters to the north and east of the GTA.

    BoaterSkills.ca, founded in 2011 by RYA Yachtmaster and Master Instructor Craig Hamilton of Port Credit, Ontario, is getting ready for what is shaping up to be a very busy season on the water and in the classroom.
     
    “In 2012 we saw a tripling of the number of clinic requests from boaters across the GTA and Cottage Country who want help with docking, close

  • “THIS IS YOUR BOAT. IT’S MY BABY BUT IT’S YOUR BOAT”

    In the last few months Bruce Kirby, the Canadian designer of the Laser sailboat, the world's most successful racing dinghy ever, and the one-design boat that powers arguably the largest and most significant class in racing, has revealed that for some time, he has not been paid the royalties owed to him by the builders who had contracts to build Kirby's design. Yet, the authorities in the Laser class association with the apparent cooperation of ISAF, the International Sailing Federation have continued to issue official plaques to these unauthorized Laser boats. The series of events would seem to undermine the whole concept of one-design sailing and racing. Here's Bruce Kirby's own explanation of the current events – Andy Adams Editor

    In an attempt to rescue the Laser Class from its downhill course of the past few years I have reluctantly decided that a name change, or re-branding is necessary.  During the past three or four years dealers have had difficulty getting timely delivery of boats, and in particular, of parts.  We have had

  • MARINE FUEL APP

    Northport Systems have partnered with MarineFuel.com, to provide the MarineFuel App on the iTunes App Store for iPhones, iPads, and iPod Touch FREE for download.

    MarineFuel.com is the ONLY provider with a full directory of marina availability and services in North America that also offers real-time fuel prices, discounts, and on-demand fueling and marina assistance with the premium level subscription.

  • PORALU MARINE WELCOMES ITS NEWEST MEMBER

    Poralu Marine, Marina Designer and waterfront developer has most recently added Mark Logan to their sales team. He will be working as the new Regional Sales Representative for the Ontario and the Great Lakes area.

    Since entering the market in Ontario, we have found it imperative to have feet on the ground as our products are expanding quickly through this region the company said in a statement. With projects from 50 – 5000 berths installed worldwide, no project is too big or small. In an ever-changing industry Poralu Marine has become one of the world leaders in docks and marina equipment. Our philosophy “People and their organisation make all

  • ABBRA MARINE SERVICE MANAGER COURSE REACHES A NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MARKET

    ABBRA, the American Boat Builders and Repairers Association in partnership with the Rhode Island Marine Trade Association (RIMTA) recently held an intensive and successful three-day Marine Service Manager course from April 9th- April 11th in Portsmouth, Rhode Island at the Hinckley Yachts Portsmouth Service Yard.

    The course had 20 boatyard professionals registered from over nine states and international locations including: Vancouver, Canada, Grenada, Maine, Maryland, Rhode Island, New York, Connecticut, North Carolina, and Florida.

  • KCS LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE FEATURING CRUISERS YACHTS AND CRUISERS SPORT SERIES

    KCS International Inc. (KCS), parent company of Cruisers Yachts, Cruisers Sport Series and Rampage Sport Fishing Yachts, have announced that they launched a new combined website featuring both the Cruisers Yachts and Cruisers Sport Series model lineups. The site demonstrates the Cruisers name now offers a full product line of vessels from 20-54'.

    "We learned, after conferring with consumers, dealers and media observers that the new sport boats, being produced at our Oconto plant, possess all of the quality craftsmanship that Cruisers Yachts are known for, which is why we had to step back and say 'the name needs to fit the quality', hence the Cruisers Sport Series" said Mark Pedersen, president of KCS International Inc.

  • NAVIONICS SURPASSES ONE MILLION APP DOWNLOADS

    Navionics, a leader in electronic charting and navigation data, has announced that downloads of its popular mobile applications for boaters and outdoor enthusiasts have crossed into the millions.

    Navionics apps include valuable features such as planning and real time routing, access to shared community data and updates, geo-referenced articles, points of interest (POIs), social media links, weather, optional overlays, and more.   As a complement to onboard chartplotters, Navionics marine apps provide the same high-quality detailed cartography boaters have relied on for decades, with the advantages of portability, instant
    community updates, and easy-to-download add-ons such as NavModule.

  • NORTHPORT SYSTEMS EXCLUSIVE CANADIAN DISTRIBUTOR FOR LIFE JACKET PRODUCT LINE

    Northport Systems Inc., producer of desktop and mobile navigation and mapping software products, has announced that it has been selected by Global Navigation Authority as the exclusive Canadian distributor for the LifeJacket product line. Effective immediately, the manufacturer of popular Fugawi desktop and mobile software, as well as the online chart subscription service X-Traverse.com, will sell and support LifeJacket’s innovative mountable waterproof iPad cases and accessories.

  • “SHOW US THE LOVE” TORONTO BOAT SHOW CHALLENGES

    In 2nd Annual "I Love Boating" photo contest, boaters enter their best digital images vying for top honours, Pentax cameras and shopping sprees The Toronto International Boat Show has announced a nationwide photo contest, calling for entries from Canadians coast to coast who are taking to the water in droves this summer. The 2nd annual I Love Boating photo contest begins on the May long weekend v coinciding with the official launch of the 2013 boating season.
     
    Boating enthusiasts are invited to upload up to 10 of their favourite digital photographs to be considered for three grand prizes, each including a

  • BILTMORE MARINE INDUSTRIES INTRODUCES THE WORLDS FIRST 100% COMPOSITE FIBERTOON

    Biltmore Marine Industries, in conjunction with Campion Marine, will proudly introduce the world’s first all fibreglass pontoon boat at the Kelowna Boat Show, April 27th and 28th in Kelowna, British Columbia.  The Biltmore Fibertoon® is an industry first, with patented innovative features that are unavailable in your typical aluminum pontoon boat.
     
    “After three years in development, we are proud to introduce the Biltmore Fibertoon®”, states Anthony Kalil, Biltmore’s President and Designer. “The Biltmore marks a new niche in the boating industry, by being the first 100% composite pontoon boat ever offered. The benefits of this composite

  • SABRE YACHTS AND BAVARIA POWERBOATS COME TO ONTARIO

    The owners of True North Yachts in Port Credit, Ontario, dealers for Bavaria, Marlow Hunter, Dufour, C&C and Tartan sailboats since 2008, have announced that True North Yachts will now be representing a selection of powerboat lines.

    Effective immediately, True North Yachts will feature Sabre, Back Cove and Bavaria powerboats in the Ontario market.

    Peter Solty, Director of the new True North Yachts Power Boat Division is pleased to announce that Paul Loach has joined True North Yachts as Sales Associate to represent the Bavaria and Sabre brands.

  • NORTH AMERICAN SAFE BOATING AWARENESS WEEK, MAY 18TH TO 24TH, 2013

    Since 1995,North American Safe Boating Awareness Week (NASBAW) has been a key tool reminding boaters of important safe boating-related behaviors at the start of the season.  As owners of boat dealerships, marinas or chandleries, NASBAW provides you an opportunity to show your customers that you care about their safety and enjoyment on the water.  The event organizers, the Canadian Safe Boating Council (CSBC) have great campaign materials that will allow you to reach out to your fellow Canadian boaters both directly through your customer communications and through the media.

  • CANADIAN POWER SQUADRON CELEBRATES NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK-APRIL 21 TO 27, 2013

    Richard Bee, AP, Chief Commander of the Canadian Power & Sail Squadrons (CPS-ECP) recently sent out a special communication recognizing that the work of the many CPS-ECP volunteers is sometimes taken for granted and those doing the work on the front lines do not always receive the accolades they deserve.

    So, in recognition of National Volunteer Week, April 21st to 27th, Chief Commander Richard Bee, would like to personally thank all of those Volunteering for Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons for the commitment of time and energy so freely and graciously given to CPS.

  • BAVARIA YACHTBAU ANNOUNCES CONSTANTIN VON BULOW AS CEO

    At the shareholder’s meeting on 17th April 2013 Bavaria Yachtbau announced Constantin von Bülow as CEO (Chief Executive Officer) to correspond even better to the changed requirements of Bavaria Yachtbau within this challenging environment. Constantin von Bülow has got extensive experience: he started his career at McKinsey and subsequently held various management positions in the automotive and packaging industry. Today he is Senior Vice President of Oaktree Capital.

  • JEPPESEN HONORS PAYNES MARINE AS TOP NORTH AMERICAN DEALER

    Jeppesen recently honoUred both its 2012 Dealer of the Year and 2012 Distributor of the Year, recognizing the vital role these partners played in sales of   C-MAP 4D, C-MAP NT+, C-MAP MAX, PC-Planner, and other Jeppesen electronic charting products in the North American boating market.

    This marks the second year Jeppesen has honored its Dealer of the Year — and the second consecutive year that Stamford, Connecticut-based Landfall has taken the honor. Landfall, one of the largest chart dealers in North America, received the distinction because of its dedicated service to marine electronics consumers through its brick-and-mortar storefront and active online/catalog mail order business. Jeppesen Channel Manager Jim

  • SALES AND SERVICE PARTNERSHIP WITH HURST MARINA AND ED HUCK MARINE

    For many years now Hurst Marina has built up a significant presence in the 1000 Islands and Lake Ontario with an “At Your Dock Service” featuring well equipped service vans and expert technicians. Through this Hurst has developed a successful service relationship with the historic third generation marina Ed Huck Marine (EHM).

    EHM is located in Rockport, the hub of the 1000 Islands and provides full marina services to the populations that reside along the 401 corridor that connects Montreal and Toronto. It’s thought the culture in this area requires Hurst to make a commitment to maintaining a greater presence in order to sell more boats there. Hurst wants to capture the loyalty of the boaters that enjoy the waterways to the south of Ottawa.