Changing Scene

Boating Ontario members applaud Ministry of Natural Resources for revised Water lot Lease Agreements

April 21, 2026 Ontario’s boating industry applauds Minister Mike Harris and his team on the completion of revised Water lot Lease Agreements for Ontario marinas. With dozens of Boating Ontario members relying on these agreements to manage fixed operations, moving forward with the extension is critical to ensuring marinas can operate reliably throughout the boating season. “Our government is taking action to…

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Godfrey Pontoon Boats Introduces Pontoon Dock Assist, Revolutionizing Docking Maneuverability and Control

April 21, 2026 Godfrey Marine, manufacturer of premium Godfrey pontoon boats and Hurricane deck boats, legendary innovator in versatile deck boat designs, just announced the launch of its Pontoon Dock Assist — a proprietary-engineered docking technology purpose engineered to solve one of the biggest challenges for pontoon owners: having the necessary precise control and maneuverability for pontoons at…

Read More Godfrey Pontoon Boats Introduces Pontoon Dock Assist, Revolutionizing Docking Maneuverability and Control
ICOMIA welcomes the China Boat Industry & Trade Association (CBITA) as a Sustaining Member

April 21, 2026 ICOMIA is delighted to welcome the China Boat Industry & Trade Association (CBITA) as a Sustaining Member. The China Boat Industry & Trade Association (CBITA), operating under the China Association of National Shipbuilding Industry (CANSI), encompasses entities engaged in vessel research and development, manufacturing, maintenance, sales, and related services. CBITA is dedicated to advancing sectoral planning,…

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Marine Service Tech Week Is Here

April 21, 2026 April 20–24, 2026 International Marine Service Technician Week started Monday, April 20 and we can’t wait to celebrate the backbone of the industry! This holiday is meant to bring awareness and recognition to the hard-working professionals who keep boating safe, reliable, and enjoyable. Thank your techs with us! Each day this week, ABYC will feature marine…

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Will “Wealth Effect” Go Into Reverse This Year?

April 14, 2026 I have not seen any specific numerical value to express “wealth effect” but there is no doubt that as the value of people’s real estate has risen, there is a “wealth effect” that spurs on consumer spending. When a family has bought a summer property for “X” and then discovers that it…

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New Canadian Cruising Organization Launches to Showcase 3,000 km Great Canadian Loop

April 14, 2026 Gary J. Brickell, founder and commodore, announces the launch of The Great Canadian Loop Association (GCLA), a grassroots boating group created to inspire owners of vessels from 20′ cuddy cabins to 50′ yachts to untie from their marinas and explore an epic 3,000 km freshwater cruising route around the Great Lakes and adjacent waterways. Born from conversations…

Read More New Canadian Cruising Organization Launches to Showcase 3,000 km Great Canadian Loop
ABYC – Aquatic Invasive Species: Industry Actions and the Path Forward

April 14, 2026 By Brian Goodwin, Director, Standards and Compliance When the ABYC Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Project Technical Committee met to review ABYC T‑32, Design and Construction in Consideration of Aquatic Invasive Species, one question from the resource management community rose quickly to the forefront: What specific steps have manufacturers taken to reduce the risk of transporting…

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Ford Motor Company and Sharrow Engineering Scale Production of the Sharrow Propeller in Detroit

April 14, 2026 Sharrow Engineering just announced that it is scaling production of its patented Sharrow™ Propeller through a collaboration with Ford Motor Company’s Advanced Industrial Technology & Platforms (ATP) team, using advanced 3D sand-casting techniques thanks to connections made through the Michigan Central innovation ecosystem. The result is a significant reduction in production timelines, shortening what used to…

Read More Ford Motor Company and Sharrow Engineering Scale Production of the Sharrow Propeller in Detroit
Boating Ontario Association Announces CEO Transition as Rick Layzell Steps Down

April 14, 2026 On Thursday, April 9th, 2026, The Boating Ontario Association announced that CEO Rick Layzell will be stepping down from his role at the end of 2026. Rick will transition out of the position and into semi-retirement as the calendar turns to 2027. During his tenure, Layzell played a key role in strengthening Boating Ontario’s position as…

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A Valuable List of Valuable Resources

April 7, 2026 On Thursday, March 26, I attended the Boating Ontario Regional meeting in Orillia. It was the last of the eight meetings the association held this spring. I took lots of notes because I was planning to write about this. But, I didn’t need to take any notes at all as it turned…

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Free lockage and discounted overnight stays on Canada’s historic canals and waterways

April 7, 2026 The Canada Strong Pass is back for summer 2026! The Government of Canada is offering free lockage and a 25% discount on fees for camping and overnight stays from June 19 to September 7, 2026 inclusive. Free lockage During the Canada Strong Pass period, free lockage will be available for boats, canoes and kayaks travelling…

Read More Free lockage and discounted overnight stays on Canada’s historic canals and waterways
Zach Hutcheson Steps into Chief Executive Officer Role at Correct Craft

April 7, 2026 Hutcheson to Lead Next Chapter of Growth and Culture-Driven ImpactOn April 1st, Zach Hutcheson stepped into the Chief Executive Officer role at Correct Craft. Hutcheson succeeds Bill Yeargin, who served as CEO for the past two decades. A long-time Correct Craft leader and previously the company’s Chief Financial Officer, Hutcheson steps into the role following…

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Freedom Boat Club Celebrates Franchise Network Excellence at 2026 Freedom Forum

April 7, 2026 Freedom Boat Club, the world’s largest boat club and a business of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC), recently hosted its 2026 Freedom Forum annual franchise conference in Tampa, Florida. This year’s event marked a significant milestone for the franchise network bringing together franchise partners from across the globe to celebrate a year of exceptional…

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Sail Canada Awards $80,000 in funding to 24 Member Clubs and Schools as part of the “Sailing for All” Initiative

April 7, 2026 Sail Canada is pleased to announce that 24-member sailing clubs and schools from across the country have been awarded a combined total of $80,750 as part of Sail Canada’s 2026 “Sailing for All” initiative. This funding is courtesy of Sport Canada’s Community Sport for All Initiative. “We are grateful for the continued support from Sport…

Read More Sail Canada Awards $80,000 in funding to 24 Member Clubs and Schools as part of the “Sailing for All” Initiative
Thomas Groves Named to Boating Industry 40 Under 40

April 7, 2026 Thomas Groves, Director of Marketing at Legend Boats, has been named an honouree in the Boating Industry 40 Under 40. Presented annually by Boating Industry, the 40 Under 40 program recognizes rising leaders from across North America who are making a strong impact on the recreational boating industry. Honourees are selected based on…

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In Uncertain Times Count On Service

March 31, 2026 I was surprised (in a positive way), at the Boating Ontario Regional meeting last Thursday, March 26 when CEO Rick Layzell asked the room how many attendees were looking for techs. The audience was largely marina people and only four or five hands went up. ‘Not very many from the audience of…

Read More In Uncertain Times Count On Service
Yamaha Motor Canada Announces 2026 Elite Dealers

March 31, 2026 Yamaha Motor Canada is proud to introduce its newest group of Yamaha Elite Dealers! This year, 42 dealers from across the country have achieved Elite status, with 16 of those dealers recognized for five years in a row*. To achieve Elite status, Yamaha dealers undergo a thorough year-long performance evaluation of all areas of their business,…

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Brunswick Corporation Named to Fast Company’s Annual List of the World’s Most Innovative Companies of 2026

March 31, 2026 Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC), the global leader in marine technology, has been named to Fast Company’s prestigious list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies of 2026. This year’s list shines a spotlight on businesses that are shaping industry and culture through their innovations. “Innovation is at the heart of everything we do at Brunswick…

Read More Brunswick Corporation Named to Fast Company’s Annual List of the World’s Most Innovative Companies of 2026
One Way to Make Boating More Affordable

March 24, 2026 Last week I received an email about a new initiative from Performance Sailcraft that aims to tackle one of the biggest barriers in grassroots sailing: the upfront cost of dinghy ownership. The company has launched “Magic”, a new financing program designed to make dinghy racing more affordable for sailors and clubs. The model…

Read More One Way to Make Boating More Affordable
Government House Foundation and the Maritime Museum of BC Announce the 2026 Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Maritime Achievement

March 24, 2026 A collaboration between the Government House Foundation and the Maritime Museum of BC, the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Maritime Achievement’s nomination period is now open. This award recognizes and acknowledges individuals and organizations along BC’s coast and inland waterways who have made noteworthy contributions to BC’s maritime interests in the areas of science, technology, business, applications of maritime skills, nautical…

Read More Government House Foundation and the Maritime Museum of BC Announce the 2026 Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Maritime Achievement

Changing Scene

Boating Ontario members applaud Ministry of Natural Resources for revised Water lot Lease Agreements

Godfrey Pontoon Boats Introduces Pontoon Dock Assist, Revolutionizing Docking Maneuverability and Control

ICOMIA welcomes the China Boat Industry & Trade Association (CBITA) as a Sustaining Member

Marine Service Tech Week Is Here

Will “Wealth Effect” Go Into Reverse This Year?

New Canadian Cruising Organization Launches to Showcase 3,000 km Great Canadian Loop

ABYC – Aquatic Invasive Species: Industry Actions and the Path Forward

Ford Motor Company and Sharrow Engineering Scale Production of the Sharrow Propeller in Detroit

Boating Ontario Association Announces CEO Transition as Rick Layzell Steps Down

A Valuable List of Valuable Resources

Free lockage and discounted overnight stays on Canada’s historic canals and waterways

Zach Hutcheson Steps into Chief Executive Officer Role at Correct Craft

Freedom Boat Club Celebrates Franchise Network Excellence at 2026 Freedom Forum

Sail Canada Awards $80,000 in funding to 24 Member Clubs and Schools as part of the “Sailing for All” Initiative

Thomas Groves Named to Boating Industry 40 Under 40

In Uncertain Times Count On Service

Yamaha Motor Canada Announces 2026 Elite Dealers

Brunswick Corporation Named to Fast Company’s Annual List of the World’s Most Innovative Companies of 2026

One Way to Make Boating More Affordable

Government House Foundation and the Maritime Museum of BC Announce the 2026 Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Maritime Achievement

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