Changing Scene

Suntex Marinas and Centerbridge Partners announce joint venture to acquire over $1.25 billion in new marinas

Apr 16, 2024 On April 3rd, 2024, Suntex Marina Investors, LLC, the largest standalone marina owner in the U.S., and Centerbridge Partners, L.P. (“Centerbridge”) announced that they have established a joint venture backed by Centerbridge-affiliated funds and global institutional investors (collectively, “the Investors”) to acquire over $1.25 billion in new marinas across the United States. These funds will be…

Read More Suntex Marinas and Centerbridge Partners announce joint venture to acquire over $1.25 billion in new marinas
Sea Ray Celebrates 65th Anniversary Dealer Meeting at The Westin Resort in Cape Coral, FL

Apr 16, 2024 Sea Ray celebrated its 65th anniversary marine industry dealer meeting April 3-5 at The Westin Resort in Cape Coral, Florida. During the event, attendees enjoyed training, business updates, award recognitions, and on-water product demonstrations of Sea Ray’s latest model line-up including the award-winning SLX 260 Outboard and all-new SDX 270 Surf. The event was…

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Charting 140 Years of Innovation: The Enduring Legacy of BENETEAU

Apr 16, 2024 “Innovative… the word has defined BENETEAU since its creation 140 years ago.” This is the root of BENETEAU’s legacy, founded by her family before her, that Madame Annette Roux has carried on through today. Every aspect of the brand has been designed to be remarkable with each hand it has passed through. Shaped by the experiences…

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Changes to the Marine Safety Fees Regulations (Vessel Registry Fees)

Apr 16, 2024 Changes to the Marine Safety Fees Regulations (Vessel Registry Fees) are now published in the Canada Gazette, Part II. Changes that are now in effect since Monday, April 1 Since Monday, April 1, the amendments to the regulations that came into force will modernize TC’s vessel registry fees by: • increased fees for some services to better…

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Celebrate International Marine Service Technician Week with ABYC!

Apr 16, 2024 Here’s what you have to look forward to: Daily Technical Challenges • Check in on our social media accounts every day at 1pm ET for a chance to win a special prize pack. The best, most complete answer wins! ABYC Scavenger Hunt • Make sure your shops and marinas are organized – we’re…

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Boateka Continues its southeast expansion adding a new retail center in Tampa Bay

Apr 16, 2024 Boateka, a business of Brunswick Corporation, specialized in direct-to-consumer pre-owned boat sales through its digital platform and dealership model, today announced its newest location in the Tampa Bay region, a top five boating market in the United States. Strategically located in close proximity to Freedom Boat Club’s largest corporate territories in Tampa Bay and…

Read More Boateka Continues its southeast expansion adding a new retail center in Tampa Bay
Could the housing shortage be our friend?

Canada’s shortage of housing (I can’t even utter the word “affordable” – that’s a bad joke) is being exacerbated by high interest rates and the record-breaking immigration numbers. Everyone needs a place to live and if you have come to Canada recently, you will have been met by a severe shortage of homes to buy or rent.

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Yamaha Motor closes acquisition of Torqeedo, the global market leader in electric mobility on water

Torqeedo, the global market leader in marine electric mobility, has announced the successful closing of the acquisition by Yamaha Motor. The closing of the share purchase agreement with German engine manufacturer DEUTZ AG, the previous owner of Torqeedo,

Read More Yamaha Motor closes acquisition of Torqeedo, the global market leader in electric mobility on water
Vision Marine Technologies marks a strategic milestone with Neogy Startek’s Advanced Lithium Battery production facility completion

Apr 9, 2024 On April 3, 2024, Vision Marine Technologies Inc., a leader in electric marine propulsion, was thrilled to announce the commissioning of its partner Neogy, a subsidiary of Startek Energy Group, state-of-the-art lithium battery production facility in Pompignac, France. This pivotal development marks a significant milestone in the industrialization of high-tension battery packs designed specifically for…

Read More Vision Marine Technologies marks a strategic milestone with Neogy Startek’s Advanced Lithium Battery production facility completion
Hear, hear! Underwater microphones offer extra protection to BC’s iconic whales

On April 4th, 2024, Ocean Wise announced a new method to help protect whales from ship disturbances and collisions in BC’s waters.

Read More Hear, hear! Underwater microphones offer extra protection to BC’s iconic whales
SV Dorothy, Oldest Canadian-built Sailboat, Wins 2024 Classic Boat Award

The Maritime Museum of BC’s classic 30’ sailboat Dorothy, built in Victoria in 1897 is back in the winner’s circle! Supporters of Dorothy’s extensive refit and continued sailing along the BC coast have been anticipating the news of the 2024 Classic Boat Awards, administered by the yachting world’s most prestigious magazine, UK-based Classic Boat Magazine.

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Don’t Miss Out on the recognition you deserve – deadline to submit is May 16!

Entries are now being accepted for the 2024 International Achievement Awards (IAA) competition. These awards return for the 77th year of recognizing the best projects across the specialty fabrics industry. Entering these awards is an opportunity for you to showcase your technical skill and talent to the entire industry.

Read More Don’t Miss Out on the recognition you deserve – deadline to submit is May 16!
Brunswick Corporation Named one of ‘America’s Most Trustworthy Companies’ by Newsweek for Second Consecutive Year

Brunswick Corporation, the world’s largest recreational marine technology company, has been named by Newsweek to its list of America’s Most Trustworthy Companies for the second consecutive year.

Read More Brunswick Corporation Named one of ‘America’s Most Trustworthy Companies’ by Newsweek for Second Consecutive Year
What’s fair, what’s reasonable, and what do you want?

We have some excellent news to share this week but first, a bit more on the yacht broker class action lawsuit unfolding in the United States. Last week we wrote that the suit was brought against several organizations in the yacht sales world. The

Read More What’s fair, what’s reasonable, and what do you want?
The Big Picture: Great Lakes ice coverage hits new low

Apr 2, 2024 According to NOAA, ice cover on the Great Lakes usually peaks in late February or early March. But this year, it bottomed out, grazing 3.46 percent, on March 3, when the data used in this graphic were downloaded. Satellites have kept tabs on the lakes’ iciness for more than 50 years, recording their…

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The Maritime Museum of BC Eyes the End of the 4th Annual “Float the Boat” Fundraising Campaign with One Milestone to Go

Staff at the Maritime Museum of BC celebrate one milestone to go!(L-R: Events and Development Manager Anya Zanko; Development Coordinator Tina Edwards; Executive Director Brittany Vis)Photo courtesy of The Maritime Museum of BC. Apr 2, 2024 The Maritime Museum of BC’s 4th annual Float the Boat fundraising campaign nears its end, running until 4 April 2024. Only one more milestone in…

Read More The Maritime Museum of BC Eyes the End of the 4th Annual “Float the Boat” Fundraising Campaign with One Milestone to Go
How long do you really need an EPIRB?

Apr 2, 2024 For some boaters, it’s 10 days according to BoatUS Foundation beacon rental program statistics. The majority of America’s nearly 12 million recreational boaters don’t often travel far offshore, beyond cellular or VHF range. But for those who only do on a rare occasion, having an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) is important, allowing…

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Baltimore bridge collapse: potential for significant supply chain disruption

Apr 2, 2024 On March 26 at around 1.35am ET, the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapsed after it was struck by a container ship. The container ship involved is the Singapore-flagged Dali which can carry just under 10 000 TEU (20ft shipping containers) and was operating on a 2M alliance service between Baltimore and the…

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GOT MY ATTENTION…

Maybe it’s the Donald Trump news cycle but there just seems to be a lot of attention going to high-profile court cases these days. I feel like everyone is on trial or is suing everyone else – sometimes both! After a while you become a bit numb to it all but a newsletter last week from Phil Friedland, (a well-known marine industry veteran) got my attention.

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2024 Marine Fabrication Excellence Awards

Sponsored by the Marine Fabricators Association (MFA), the Fabrication Excellence Awards contest is designed to recognize excellence in marine fabrication. The entries are judged by a panel of certified marine professionals. Awards of Excellence and Outstanding Achievement Awards are given in each category.

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