Changing Scene

  • UNCHARTED WATERS: TORONTO’S ENIGMATIC HARBOUR

    Presented with the assistance of the Toronto Port Authority, from now until June 2013, come and see the

    Some of Canada’s most talented and exciting contemporary visual artists continue to participate in a photographic exploration at Toronto’s harbour. Dianne Davis, Johan Hallberg-Campbell, Jesse Louttit, Eamon Mac Mahon, Joanne Ratajczak and Clare Samuel represent the broadest range of photographic practice, and are recognized for their photo documentary, studio and series work.

  • NORTHERN CALIFORNIA MARINE ASSOCIATION INTEGRATES WITH THE NATIONAL MARINE MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION

    The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) has announced the integration of the Northern California Marine Association (NCMA) and its members with NMMA. The integration comes in an effort to grow boating participation across the U.S. and expand the market for recreational boating.

    NCMA and its members will be part of NMMA under the recently formed NMMA West. NCMA voting members unanimously approved the integration. “NMMA continues to look for new and strategic ways to help all segments of the recreational boating industry anticipate, adapt and prosper from changes in the economic landscape,” said Thom Dammrich, NMMA president. “With NCMA’s integration, we can help devote resources to spur growth of recreational boating in Northern California.”

  • RECORD BREAKING ATTENDANCE AT THE 2013 HALIFAX INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW

    Boat Dealers and marine retailers supported the the 2013 Halifax International Boat Show in a big way this year, with new boat lines, new equipment and great deals. Good weather meant that the show had a record breaking attendance day on Saturday and the other days were very steady as well with thousands flocking to Exhibition Park.
     
    “The buzz on the floor was fantastic,” said Show Manager Scott Sprague. “The excitement about the upcoming boating season coupled with the new line of boats debuting and great sales activity made this event one to remember,” said Sprague.

  • STILL A FEW SEATS FOR NSBA’S MARINE INDUSTRY CONFERENCE 2013

    There are still a few seats available for the NSBA Marine Industry Conference this week at the Lord Nelson Hotel in downtown Halifax. The sessions run on March 7th and 8th, 2013.

    Five internationally-renown speakers – all of whom were featured at the recent IBEX 2012 – will be talking on topics ranging from new and emerging marine electrical technologies to the design and construction of lightweight plywood boats.

    Program outline:
    Thursday, March 7th from 7pm – 10pm    Evening Industry Reception at Lord Nelson Hotel and Suites

  • STRONG SALES AT THE 2013 CENTRAL ONTARIO BOAT SHOW AND SALE

    The Central Ontario Boat Show & Sale just concluded its third successful boat show. The show ran Family Day Weekend, February 15-18 at the Careport Centre in Hamilton. Overall attendance was 23,191, a slight 3% dip from 2012, however, crowds were still very strong.

    Figures showed that while Saturday’s attendance was down slightly, Friday, Sunday and particularly Monday were very strong show days as compared to the 2012 recorded attendance.  Dealers reported to show management that a combined total of 118 boats were sold on the show floor which is an increase of 12% from 2012 show floor sales, with many dealers confident in after show sales expected to close in the near future from the show.

  • TROJAN BATTERY RECEIVES FROST AND SULLIVAN 2013 INNOVATIVE ENTERPRISE AWARD

    Frost & Sullivan (a research and consulting firm) has and awarded Trojan Battery its 2013 Manufacturing Leadership 100 Award (ML100) in the category of “Innovative Enterprise.”

    Trojan Battery was recognized for its innovative use of technology and equipment at its Lithonia, Ga. manufacturing facility.  Since the manufacture of deep-cycle batteries takes precision, accuracy and succinct methods to ensure the proper assembly of the delicate internal components, Trojan implemented specially designed Cast-On-Strap (COS) equipment to ensure the proper placement and connectivity of deep-cycle battery features

  • ADD CONVENIENT STORAGE WITH REMOVABLE POUCHES

    Many boat owners and their passengers need extra places to store small items so they don't get lost or thrown off the vessel during higher speed.  Accon Marine's Quick Store System lets users attach small, mesh storage pockets to their Accon Quick Release Drink Holders, creating convenient storage space on deck.

    Durable and breathable, these pockets are constructed from water repellant, vinyl-coated polyester mesh fabric.  Antimicrobial properties make the Quick Store System resistant to mold and mildew.  The pouches also feature Sunbrella™ acrylic binding and UV-resistant thread, while the straps

  • MARITIME MARINE FUNDRAISER GARAGE SALE

    The Maritime Museum of BC in Victoria hosts the 10th annual Massive Marine Garage Sale, as a fundraiser for the Museum.

    Participants may rent tables inside the customs building or sell from their vehicles along the cruise ship dock. Small boats may be brought in on trailers. Set up is from 3pm to 6pm on Friday April 19th or 7am to 8.30am Saturday. Early birds $25 before April 15th $35 after that date.

  • DISCOUNTED EARLY BIRD BOOKING FOR METS UNTIL MARCH 1, 2013

    Companies wishing to book stand space at METS 2013 should reserve space by 1st March 2013 in order to qualify for the early bird discount and save up to 15%.
     
    “Exhibitor bookings are up 20% compared to the same time last year,” confirms METS Domain Manager, Irene Dros. “We really urge companies to book space as early as possible as after March 1st, we start final allocation of stands and last year’s stand may no longer be available.”
     
    Interested parties can check out the application procedure on metstrade.com including stand packages. Package deals are available including catering and deluxe furniture.

  • BENETEAU POWERBOATS PREPARES FOR GROWTH IN NORTH AMERICA

    Beneteau America announced the appointment of Powerboat Sales Manager Justin Joyner during the Miami boat show. Joyner previously worked for Beneteau’s preferred finance partner, SGB North America, and therefore brings his expertise of retail and wholesale financing to the Beneteau America team.
    The expansion of the sales organization will also improve support for theexpanding dealer network. “Supplementing our established team with Justin’s marine financing background will strengthen Beneteau America’s ability to help our dealer network get more deals closed,” commented Laurent Fabre, President of Beneteau America. “We expect 2013 will be an important year for Beneteau Powerboats as we continue to build our

  • CMP REPORTS RECORD SPRING BOOKING PROGRAM

    CMP just completed its most successful booking program ever. The company reported a 108% increase in orders over its 2012 booking season. 
    President John Mitchell made the announcement. New products, year-end promotions and marketing strategies contributed to the increased customer demand. In the past year, CMP expanded its offerings of Martyr anodes and Octopus drives, while adding dock lines, anchor rodes, fender lines and shackles to its Titan product range. A global PR program, updated website, increased boat show presence worldwide and collaborative marketing also played a role in the success.

  • MONTREAL BOAT SHOW BEATS BAD WEATHER WITH INCREASED ATTENDANCE

    Despite the terrible weather on February 9th, the Montreal Boat and Water Sports Show, held from February 7th to 10th at Place Bonaventure, ended on a high note with 2.5 – 5% increase in attendance compared to the previous year. This attendance rate reinforces last years which had a remarkable increase of 25% (nearly 30,000 visitors).
     
    Presented by the Quebec Marine Association, the Montreal Boat and Water Sports Show is the largest event of its kind in Quebec with more than 400 models of boats and over 275 exhibitors (10% more than in previous years). The 2013 Show has been diversified in order to fully satisfy all

  • TAKU HATCH FAN IN TOP SIX INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS FOR 2013

    500 CFM Air Blast Exchange Mode exchanges stale cabin air in minutes.  The Caframo® Taku Hatch Fan has been chosen by West Marine as one of its top six most innovative products for 2013.

    The announcement was made at a press conference hosted by the USA’s largest retailer of boating equipment and accessories at the 2013 Miami International Boat Show.  Winner of a 2013 Pittman Innovation Award, the 12-volt Taku is designed to provide both powerful ventilation to remove hot, stale air from the cabin and quiet circulation to move air throughout.

  • INDUSTRY VETERANS HONOURED DURING 2013 MIAMI BOAT SHOW BREAKFAST

    West Marine’s Randy Repass and Geoff Eisenberg Receive NMMA 2013 Charles F. Chapman Award.  The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) today recognized Randy Repass whose distinguished career spans 45 years in the boating industry, and Geoff Eisenberg, a 37-year marine industry veteran,  as the recipients of this year’s Charles F. Chapman Award. Both received the award this morning during the annual Recreational Boating Industry Breakfast held at the Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show & Strictly Sail.

    First established in 1977, the Chapman Award recognizes individuals or groups that have provided consistent promotion and protection of the sport of boating and its benefits to both the recreational boating industry and the public. The award, presented each year during the Miami show, includes

  • FORTY-YEAR MARINE INDUSTRY VETERAN RECEIVES NMMA 2012 ALAN J. FREEDMAN AWARD


    The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) today honored Bob Long, Owner and CEO of Marine Concepts, with the 2013 Alan J. Freedman Memorial Leadership Award. Long received the award this morning during the Recreational Boating Industry Breakfast held at the Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show & Strictly Sail.
     
    NMMA’s Accessory Manufacturers Division (AMD) introduced the Freedman Award in 1984 to recognize individuals who, throughout the course of their careers, have made outstanding contributions to the marine accessories industry through leadership, creativity and personal motivation.

  • CMM CERTIFICATION BESTOWED UPON TWO CANADIAN OPERATORS

    Certified Marina Manager (CMM) honours were bestowed upon two Canadian marina operators at IMBC Conference in Fort Lauderdale.

    Mike McKeown, Manager of Beacon Bay Marina (Penetanguishene) and  Rob Walters of Outer Harbour Marina (Toronto) were awarded the designation of Certified Marina Manager, from the International Marina Institute, making them numbers 5 and 6 only in Canada.

    The AMI (Association of Marina Industries) is the association that regulates the training and certification process. It is a very involved process to

  • FEDS IGNORE PROTESTS, CLOSE KITS COAST GUARD BASE

    As protests of the federal plan to close Kitsilano Coast Guard Station mounted in late February, the government abruptly closed the Vancouver base without warning other levels of government, first-responder agencies or line CCG personnel. On February 19, three vessels departed the station, near the month of False Creek, 12 staff were assigned to other stations, and signage and flags were removed from the site.

    While Canada’s busiest year-round port lost its CCG station, Newfoundland made out big: two days after closing Kits base, the government announced it would spend $6.6 million to refurbish the station at Burin, a town of about 2,500 in southern Newfoundland. The closure of Kits base is expected to save the coast guard about $700,000.

  • ICOMIA ANNOUNCES 2014 WORLD MARINAS CONFERENCE TO BE HELD IN ISTANBUL

    The International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) together with renowned event organiser, Amsterdam RAI and ICOMIA member, the Turkish Marine Industry Association, DENTUR, are pleased to announce the much anticipated World Marinas Conference 2014 will be held in Istanbul, Turkey between 2 – 4 June 2014.

    The globally prominent travelling Conference is presented by the ICOMIA Marinas Group and, for the first time

  • MERCURY – CANADA’S FORMULA 2 POWERBOAT EXHIBITED AT THE CANADIAN MOTORSPORTS EXPO

    There’s no argument, Mercury’s Formula 2 powerboat stole the spot light at the 55th annual Toronto International Boat Show! With the success of Mercury’s highperformance display at Canada’s largest boat show, boat owner Ted Gryguc of Speedmaster Marine was sought after by Canada’s largest Motorsports Expo to have this breathtaking Formula 2 powerboat added to the exhibits at there show.
    Tammy Wolfe is the first and only Canadian to compete at the world famous 24 Heures de Rouen (24 Hours of Rouen) in France. Her all-female team finished 4th in Formula 2 and 9th overall, beating some Formula 1 teams.

    She finished second in the American Powerboat Racing Superleague Formula 3 Series points race in 2012.

  • BRP CELEBRATES EVINRUDE E-NATION BIRTHDAY WITH UPGRADES AND NEW FEATURES

     
    What a year it has been! BRP celebrates the first birthday of E-NATION, the socially-driven online community.

    Visitors to www.evinrudenation.com will experience new features like an enhanced navigation bar, and special sections for both Evinrude product reviews and professional teams.  

    “Whether you’re into fishing or just hanging out with friends and family on the water, visitors will find there’s something for everyone on E-NATION,” said Christopher Berg, Director of Marketing and Strategic Planning for Evinrude. “With a new look, new features and constantly updated content, the website brings all of us together to share our passion for the water.”