By Jill Snider July 15, 2025 Monday, July 7, I attended a boating industry event hosted by Boating Ontario. The “Meet the Board Mixer” was the first of its kind in many years. Revived by the association as a way for local members to connect in a relaxed environment, I walked away feeling inspired by…
July 8, 2025 If there’s anything to be taken away from the geopolitical tumult of the past six months, it’s that the permeability across the US/Canadian border cannot be taken for granted. For 55 years, the Annapolis Boat Shows (held in Maryland every October) have drawn a sizable contingent of Canadian boaters, dealers, and manufacturers….
July 8, 2025 By John Gullick I have been asked if CanBoat will again be offering local events across the country to talk to boaters about their Safety Equipment and giving them an opportunity to legally dispose of outdated marine flares. CanBoat is excited to announce that their partnership with CIL Orion will continue but…
Queen of Cowichan is one of several B.C. Ferries vessels due for replacement. Credit: B.C. Ferries. July 8, 2025 By Mathew Channer B.C. Ferries has selected China Merchants Industry Weihai Shipyards (CMI Weihai) to build four New Major Vessels (NMVs) as part of its fleet expansion plan. CMI Weihai is an experienced builder for large international…
July 1, 2025 As part of the Canada Strong Pass initiative, the Government of Canada is offering free admission to national parks, national historic sites, and national marine conservation areas operated by Parks Canada. This also includes free lockage at the seven canals administered by Parks Canada on historic waterways (mooring fees still apply). Discovery Passes that…
Katy Campbell at the helm of Panacea X – Mathew Channer July 1, 2025 By Mathew Channer Katy Campbell is a Canadian yacht captain, sailing instructor and owner of Sea to Sky Sailing in Vancouver B.C., who is working to close the gap between aspiring and trained sailors and improve Canadian sailors’ path from dinghy…
June 17, 2025 By: Jeff Doran, President CCEOC Inc. The boating industry, characterized by innovation, craftsmanship, and a deep-rooted passion for life on the water, is undergoing a transformation. As competition for skilled workers intensifies and customer expectations rise, companies are realizing the value of not just building exceptional products, but also cultivating exceptional workplaces. Becoming an employer of choice in the boating…
When asked last week who would pay for the new tariffs, he said retailers “could eat the tariffs.” Burp. June 17, 2025 A new 50% tariff on all steel and aluminum imported into the US announced by President Trump on Friday went into effect yesterday. This will directly affect the pricing of roughly about 96,000…
June 10, 2025 Boating BC is pleased to announce several exciting changes for the upcoming 63rd Vancouver International Boat Show being held January 14 – 18, 2026. The show will be held at the Vancouver Convention Centre West for the coming year as BC Place will be closed for several months due to the FIFA World Cup of Soccer tournament next year….
June 10, 2025 The marine industry world-wide is essentially paralyzed not knowing which of its options to activate given the 24% tariff on outboard engines implemented in the last two months by the Trump administration. The whole industry is waiting to learn what the “deal” will be between the U.S. and Japan. Japanese auto imports…
May 27, 2025 By Mathew Channer Canadian manufacturer Pace Inflatable Boats has partnered with Sail Canada and Yamaha-Motor Canada to become the official coach boat of the Canadian National Sailing Team. Pace Marine, which specializes in commercial and recreational Rigid aluminum Hulled Inflatable Boats (RHIBs), will supply Sail Canada with an all-new Pace Arrow 580 RHIB, powered by Yamaha, and Pace trailer to support the…
May 27, 2025 Dometic Marine Segment President Eric Fetchko was honoured with the 2025 Eddie Smith Manufacturer of the Year Award during the American Boating Congress Industry Lunch, held recently in Washington, D.C. and hosted by the National Marine Manufacturer’s Association. This prestigious award is presented annually by the Center for Sportfishing Policy (CSP), America’s leading advocate…
Written in Partnership with Kropf Industrial May 20, 2025 An open-frame hydraulic boat trailer with adjustable frame width remains the gold standard for boat handling and storage efficiency. Either used on its own to retrieve vessels on a ramp, or in conjunction with a marine lift, hydraulic trailers such as those manufactured by Conolift allow…
May 6, 2025 By Mathew Channer Tracy ‘Unstoppable Tracy’ Schmitt is a Canadian author, motivational speaker and 4-way amputee who recently represented Canada at the Hansa Para Worlds in Australia, and who is determined to get sailing back into the Paralympic Games. Schmitt, the only Canadian competing in the Hansa Para Worlds, had not sailed…
Apr 29, 2025 Jointly written by MD Marine Insurance, Orbit, Gallagher Skippers’ Plan and Aviva Boat ownership brings a lot of joy—but also a unique set of insurance considerations. Whether you’re a seasoned boater or new to the lifestyle, understanding how your insurance policy works can make all the difference when it comes time to file a claim. Three common but…
Apr 22, 2025 By Mathew Channer Ontario-based company Ryse Solutions is trialing a much-needed program to collect 1lb propane cylinders from marinas and properly dispose of them. These 1lb propane cylinders are widely used on recreational vessels for cooking but there are limited resources available for correct disposal. When 1lb propane cylinders end up in…
Apr 15, 2025 Photos: Good Earth Productions The popular TVO Original series TRIPPING returns with a boat ride exploring the Muskoka Lakes, Ontario’s celebrated cottage region with its boats, lavish cottages and striking natural environment. Available to stream across Canada starting April 20 on TVO. Her name is Heather and she is a locally built runabout…
Apr 8, 2025 By Mathew Channer Ontario’s Clean Marine eco-rating program turns 30 this year, marking 3 decades of protecting and preserving Ontario’s waterways. Clean Marine Assessor and Events Coordinator Rick Legedza, who worked for more than 35 years in fiberglass before Clean Marine and has seen some very dirty marine work, says the program…
Apr 1, 2025 In the ever-evolving world of marine design and repair, composite materials have become a game-changer. Their strength, lightweight nature, and resistance to corrosion make them ideal for boatbuilding, repair, and maintenance. However, working with composites requires a specialized skill set that goes beyond traditional materials like wood and metal. This is where…
By Mathew Channer Apr 1, 2025 The iconic silhouette of Island Queen III is a familiar site for residents of Kingston, ON and The 1000 Islands, and for good reason. This year marks the vessel’s 50th anniversary. The Island Queen III is a triple-decker Mississippi Paddlewheeler, built from aluminum and adorned with oak and antique…