September 1, 2026 Boating Ontario is pleased to welcome Natalie Conway to the team as incoming CEO, effective September 1, 2026. Natalie will work alongside current CEO Rick Layzell as he transitions into retirement on December 31, 2026. Natalie brings exceptional bench strength to the association as she has most recently served as the Executive…
September 1, 2026 The NMMA reported in their August 24th newsletter, that on Saturday, August 22nd, the Trump Administration’s new 50% tariff kicked in on certain imports from Canada. The tariffs, announced in July, were originally supposed to go into effect on Aug. 19; however, President Trump issued a three-day delay in the implementation as negotiators neared a deal late last week….
September 1, 2026 Seven-year fundraising initiative brings total community impact to more than $192,000 Maple Leaf Marinas is proud to announce that its seventh annual Fuel Your Hospital fundraiser raised more than $36,000 for six local hospitals across Ontario, bringing the campaign’s cumulative donations to more than $192,000 since its inception in 2020. Held over the August long weekend at all…
September 1, 2026 The 2026 Canadian Safe Boating Council Symposium is taking place September 22–24, 2026, at the Hôtel Château Laurier Québec. This year’s theme, Education Builds Safer Waters, brings together boating safety professionals, educators, enforcement agencies, government partners, and industry leaders from across Canada to share ideas, build connections, and advance safe boating initiatives. Don’t miss your opportunity to: • Learn from leading experts and engaging panel discussions …
September 1, 2026 By John Gullick Boating in the spring and fall in Canada can be a truly breathtaking experience, with stunning foliage and quieter waterways. However, these seasons also brings unique challenges and considerations. Here’s a comprehensive list of do’s and don’ts to ensure a safe and enjoyable fall boating experience in Canada. Do’s • Check the Weather Forecast Regularly • Stay Informed: Fall weather can be…
– Sponsored Content – September 1, 2026 The Canadian boating market is evolving—and the strategies that worked only a few years ago may no longer be enough. Economic uncertainty, higher financing costs, changing consumer expectations and pressure on dealer inventories have transformed the way Canadian boat dealers must prepare for the next season. Customers are…
August 25, 2026 Boating Ontario is pleased to welcome Natalie Conway to the team as incoming CEO, effective September 1, 2026. Natalie will work alongside current CEO Rick Layzell as he transitions into retirement on December 31, 2026. Natalie brings exceptional bench strength to the association as she has most recently served as the Executive Vice President of the Ontario RV Dealer Association….
– Sponsored Content – August 25, 2026 The market is changing. Dealers’ needs are evolving. Marine SCA is evolving too. The Canadian marine industry is currently going through a challenging period. Economic uncertainty, decisions and tariffs imposed by our neighbours to the south, interest rates, and several other factors have contributed to a slower market….
August 25, 2026 The International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) has announced the distinguished list of judges for the 23rd IBEX Innovation Awards Program. Managed by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and independently judged by Boating Writers International (BWI), the program is one of the marine industry’s most prestigious honors recognizing manufacturers and suppliers who bring new, innovative products to market. Each of the…
August 25, 2026 By John Gullick Transport Canada, under the Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act has introduced some boat ownership responsibilities as follows: Boat owners are now responsible for the “end of life” management of their vessel(s). Boat owners are prohibited • From leaving their vessel adrift for more than 48 hours. • From intentionally causing their vessel to become…
August 18, 2026 With 10 years of experience at Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., Connor Megan brings broad marine industry expertise and a deep understanding of the Yamaha business and brand. Most recently, he served as Pro Staff and Sponsorship Supervisor, helping grow the brand through sponsorship initiatives and consumer engagement programs. In his new role, Megan will lead Yamaha Motor Canada’s…
August 18, 2026 By John Gullick Questions about the need to carry distress flares, what types to use and when to use them are among the most asked when I am conducting a Pleasure Craft Courtesy Check. Let’s start with when you need to carry flares. Pleasure craft greater than 6 meters (19.8 ft) in length and up to 12 meters (…
August 18, 2026 The 2026 Boating BC Conference, themed “Stronger Together – One Industry, One Course,” will once again be held at the River Rock Casino Resort in Richmond, BC. Conveniently located just steps from the SkyTrain, the venue offers the ideal setting to connect, learn, and collaborate with industry leaders from across British Columbia’s recreational boating sector. More details on sponsorship opportunities,…
August 18, 2026 It was announced on August 10th that Safe Harbor Marinas, a portfolio company of Blackstone Infrastructure, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire MarineMax in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $1.5 billion. Under the agreement, MarineMax shareholders will receive $53.00 per share in cash. Key Transaction Details • Purchase Price: $53.00 per share in cash….
August 18, 2026 Attwood has announced the introduction of its all-new Deck Fill, delivering a modern refresh to a staple product in the company’s marine hardware and fuel portfolios. Designed with contemporary aesthetics and engineered for long-lasting performance, the updated product brings a premium look and enhanced functionality to today’s vessels. “At Attwood, we’re always looking for ways to…
August 11, 2026 The National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) Board of Directors has appointed well-known Canadian marine electronics authority, Ken Harrison as the NMEA’s Ambassador to Canada. The board has tasked Harrison with being the NMEA’s “eyes and ears” in Canada with the goal of expanding the association’s standards and training resources across the country….
August 11, 2026 By John Gullick Unless a boat is secured, it will drift away. If it cannot be attached to something secure, such as a dock, piling, mooring buoy, tree, or boulder, it must be anchored. There is much more to anchoring than simply tossing the anchor over the side. An anchoring system has two parts: the…
The City of Richmond’s 23rd Annual Richmond Maritime Festival takes place on Aug. 22–23, 2026 at Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site. The two-day, family-friendly event brings to life the rich maritime legacy of Steveston through nautical-themed activities, workshops, puppet shows, and music. Not to mention, an array of beautifully restored wooden and working boats will be docked at the site for enthusiasts…
August 11, 2026 Rayglass Boats, a Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC) brand and a globally recognized designer and manufacturer of premium power boats, today announced that Australian boaters will get their first chance to see the Rayglass 2400 it in person for the first time. Queensland Marine Centre will bring the 2400 to the 2026 Sydney Boat Show,…
August 11, 2026 In their member newsletter, the NMMA reported that Grady-White Boats has announced that owner Eddie Smith is transferring control of the company to a perpetual purpose trust, an ownership model designed to preserve the company’s long-standing commitment to employees, customers, dealers and the Greenville, N.C., community while directing future profits to charitable causes. Believed to be the first…