Aug 20, 2025 12.3 million service jobs. 1.7 million units sold. 20 parts found every second. Here’s how Lightspeed helps dealers get it done. Choosing a Dealer Management System (DMS) isn’t just a tech decision. It’s a full-on business decision. Your entire operation runs through this thing, and if it’s clunky, outdated, or missing key…
Custom Highfield Patrol RHIB observing surfers – Credit: Highfield Aug 19, 2025 By Mathew Channer There are many different reasons to go boating, but those seeking adventure are now leaning more toward Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boats (RHIBs). Highfield Boats aren’t just a key player in North America’s RHIB market, they’re one of its driving forces,…
Aug 5, 2025 Acquisition Strengthens OP Media Group’s Leadership in Canadian Recreational Boating Media Vancouver British Columbia, August 5, 2025 – OP Media Group Limited, a leading force in Canadian niche publishing for over 30 years, and publisher of Pacific Yachting, is pleased to announce the acquisition of three of Canada’s most respected marine brands…
Aug 5, 2025 Held each October in historic downtown Annapolis, the Annapolis Sailboat Show is North America’s premier in-water sailing event—and a valuable opportunity for marine businesses looking to grow their reach, especially in the U.S. market. With more than 50,000 attendees, 500+ exhibitors, and over 175 boats on display, the show brings together a…
Aug 5, 2025 By Mathew Channer Image: Shutterstock A 20-foot SmokerCraft and trailer were stolen from its owner’s driveway in Meaford, Ontario last week, the latest in a spree of boat thefts in the area. In June, a 16-foot vessel was stolen from a recreational sporting business in Grande-Digue, New Brunswick, and a Tahoe craft…
July 29, 2025 Mercury Marine, a division of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC), has announced the latest expansion of its award-winning Verado® outboard lineup with the introduction of the all-new V10 425hp Verado outboard and a performance-enhanced version of the V10 350hp Verado outboard. Both models set new benchmarks for performance in the high-horsepower outboard segment, delivering…
July 29, 2025 By Mathew Channer Canadian Company ENVGO, which is developing a cutting-edge electric hydrofoil boat, received strong early support from backers, with the company announcing it has raised $2 million USD in its first seed round. Early support includes Toronto-based Venture Capital firm Two Small Fish Ventures, follow-on investment from Garage Capital, and…
Taylor Doll lives and breathes the boating lifestyle. Credit: Dockside Marine Centre July 15, 2025 By Mathew Channer Taylor Doll’s smile is unmissable when he greets you, and it only gets wider when we head out onto Okanagan Lake, B.C. for a test run of the new 2025 Chapparal Surf 26. Doll loves boating and, as General Manager of Dockside…
July 15, 2025 Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site – Parks Canada is thrilled to invite paddlers and outdoor enthusiasts to one of the most unique paddling events in the country — Lock & Paddle 2025! Join us on Saturday, July 19, 2025, anytime from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the iconic Peterborough Lift Lock on the…
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…