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…
Mar 25, 2025 Canada’s Boating Industry is Taking on Water—It’s Time to Repeal the Luxury Tax Canada is facing escalating trade tensions with the United States, putting industries, jobs, and economic stability at risk. As businesses navigate new tariff threats, the federal government continues to weigh them down with another damaging policy—the so-called luxury tax on…
Mar 25, 2025 Reprinted with the kind permission of Marine Industry News UKhttps://marineindustrynews.co.ukTuesday, March 18th, 2025Written by: Chantal Haines A UK research study has outlined significant gaps in the understanding of how sunscreen may affect marine ecosystems. The UV filters in sunscreen can enter the marine environment directly through swimming or other water-based recreational activities…
Canadian Coast Guard Icebreaker Henry Larsen in Gaspe Bay, Quebec. The new polar icebreakers will be more advanced and have greater capabilities than the current CCG fleet. Credit: Shutterstock Mar 18, 2025 By Mathew Channer The Canadian Government has announced plans to build two new heavy polar icebreakers for the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG), with…
Mar 11, 2025 I just received a great idea to help save the Canadian boat business and boat dealers all across Canada from a disastrous summer in 2025. But we need to act quickly. With the United States launching a trade war against Canada and imposing 25% tariffs across the board, the Canadian government and…
Photo credit: Paula Keech Mar 11, 2025 By Mathew Channer Duncan Peacock, resident of Kitimat BC and member of Kitimat Marine Search and Rescue and RCMSAR Unit 63, has been awarded the 12th annual Tim Jones Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Outdoor Community in British Columbia. Peacock has been a member of Kitimat Marine…
Photo credit: Shane Desloges Mar 4, 2025 By Mathew Channer It’s rare to hear someone say “my dream and my purpose is to show up on the water every day and be of service” as passionately as Shane ‘Spike on the Water’ Desloges. A unique voice in Ontario’s marine industry, Desloges embodies the service first…
Photo credit: Bullitage Media Inc. Feb 25, 2025 Steven J. Bull, founder and president of Bullitage Media Inc. has been named Industry Rising Star at the Neptune Awards for Marine Marketing Excellence, presented by the Marine Marketers of America (MMA). The awards were announced at a gala event during this year’s Discover Boating Miami International…
photo credit: National Safe Boating Council Feb 25, 2025 By Mathew Channer The Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons (CPS) Foundation has stepped up to fund a critically needed flare disposal program in partnership with CIL Orion for Canadian boaters in 2025. Thanks to their generosity, costs for shipping, insurance, advertising, disposal, and neutralization are covered, and Canboat…
Feb 18, 2025 by Mathew Channer Difficulties continue for BC Ferries after several days of delays on the Tsawwassen-Swartz Bay route last week. Mechanical issues with BC Ferries vessel Coastal Inspiration resulted in 3 days of cancelled voyages before the vessel was pulled from service for main engine repairs. The Sailish Heron and Spirit of…
Feb 11, 2025 JAMES MATTHEWSYamaha Motor Canada, Ltd. (YMCA) is pleased to announce that James Matthews has been appointed as the new President of Yamaha Motor Canada, Ltd. James will step into his new role immediately, with Past-President Dean Burnett supporting the transition through February. James began his Yamaha career in early 2017 as General Manager of…
Funding will improve marine safety in coastal communities and enhance the EMSA maritime information system. Credit: Shutterstock Feb 11, 2025 The Canadian Government will invest $125 million through two initiatives under the Oceans Protection Plan to improve marine safety in 47 communities across Canada. $16 million of the funding will be used to support 34…
Feb 4, 2025 By Mathew Channer Yamaha showcased their prototype hydrogen combustion outboard engine at the Toronto International Boat Show this year, offering visitors an inside look at what completely sustainable vessel propulsion might look like. Possibly the only hydrogen combustion outboard in the world at this stage, Yamaha’s motor is still very much under…
Feb 4, 2025 Boating Ontario proudly supported the next generation of marine professionals during the Toronto International Boat Show, awarding multiple bursaries to deserving students dedicated to the industry. At the conclusion of a long day of labs and exams at the Skills Ontario competition, six young marine students were met with an unexpected but much-appreciated surprise. Boating Ontario CEO, Rick Layzell, addressed the…
Feb 4, 2025 John Guzzwell, who inspired dozens of sailors with his legendary, solo circumnavigation in his small, wooden, hand-built boat, Trekka, died at home in Poulsbo Washington with his wife, Dorothy, by his side. He was 94. Guzzwell, born in the UK in 1930, grew up on Jersey Island in a family intensely connected…
From left to right: Jan 28, 2025 The 2024 Canadian Safe Boating Awards (CASBAs) were held on Sunday, Jan 19th in Toronto, at the National Yacht Club. At this gala event, the Canadian Safe Boating Council (CSBC) honoured the people, programs, and organizations that help to make boating in Canada safer and better for all of us and to keep the environment clean. The…
Jan 28, 2025 NMMA Canada has announced the induction of industry veteran, Marc Duhamel, into the NMMA Canada Hall of Fame, its most prestigious honor. Duhamel, co-CEO and president of Legend Boats, was recognized this morning during the NMMA Canada State of the Industry Breakfast at the Toronto International Boat Show. Duhamel’s passion for the boating industry began at an early age…
Jan 28, 2025 1934-2024 In 1959, age 25, with $52 in his pocket, Ben Vermeulen arrived in Vancouver from the Netherlands, and through his ability to work with his hands, problem solve and design complicated machinery both in his head and in actuality, became Canada’s largest luxury yacht builder. The second of 12 children, Ben…