2023 Women Making Waves award winners named
June 29th, 2023
Boating Industry magazine officially named the 2023 Women Making Waves award winners. The Women Making Waves program—now in its sixth year—recognizes the multitude of women in the marine industry who have made and continue to make great contributions to its success, propel its growth and lead their organizations and peers into the future. Here is […]
New Tenn. law increases BUI penalties
June 28th, 2023
Starting July 1, 2023, a new Tennessee law means there will be no difference in the way the courts treat Boating Under the Influence (BUI) and Driving Under the Influence (DUI) cases, as reported by several local news organizations. The new law will authorize courts to use the same sentencing for BUI cases as DUI […]
Registration opens for IBEX 2023
June 22nd, 2023
Registration is now open for the 2023 International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX). Set to take place Oct. 3-5 in the newly renovated Tampa Convention Center, IBEX 2023 will offer visitors access to more than 680 exhibitors spread throughout three exhibit halls, docks and outdoor displays. IBEX’s first and second floor exhibit halls will showcase […]
Proposed UK PFAS ban will affect international marine industry
June 21st, 2023
The European Chemicals Agency and the United Kingdom's Health and Safety Executive are examining proposals to ban the use of PFAS, which could have implications for the marine industry both in the United States and abroad, according to an article written by Katy Strickland in Practical Boat Owner magazine. PFAS, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are […]
Brunswick Corp. experiences IT security incident
June 20th, 2023
Brunswick Corporation recently experienced an IT security incident that has impacted some of its systems and global facilities. The company said it has activated its response protocols, which include pausing operations in some locations, engaging leading security experts and coordinating with relevant law enforcement agencies. Brunswick said it is working to address the incident in […]
Proposed legislation focuses on kids and fishing
June 15th, 2023
A bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced the Youth Coastal Fishing Program Act of 2023. U.S. Representatives Maria Salazar (R-Fla.) and Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif.), and Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) introduced the legislation, as reported by Soundings Trade Only. The bill would create a grant program within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric […]
2023 IBEX Innovation Awards submissions now open
June 14th, 2023
Entries for the 2023 IBEX Innovation Awards program are now being accepted. The awards program recognizes manufacturers and suppliers who bring new, innovative products and technology to market. The winners will be announced during IBEX 2023, taking place October 3-5 in Tampa, Fla. All entries must be submitted by August 23, 2023. Learn more at […]
Minnesota governor signs boater safety legislation
June 8th, 2023
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed the Environment Budget bill (MN H.F. 2310) into law on May 24. The legislation contains a boater safety education provision that promotes responsible and safe boating practices. The bill reinforces the state's commitment to promote safe and responsible boating practices and has long been supported by the recreational boating and […]
2023 National Boating Safety Awards submissions now open
June 6th, 2023
The Sea Tow Foundation’s Boating Safety Advisory Council announced the call for entries for the 2023 National Boating Safety Awards. There is no cost to enter, and applications take less than 10 minutes to complete. The Awards recognize efforts to promote boating safety within the for-profit sector of the boating industry, and two new award […]
Recreational boating’s economic impact climbs to $230 billion
June 1st, 2023
New data released by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) found that the annual national economic impact of recreational boating increased 36% from $170B in 2018 to $230B in 2023. The industry’s contributions to the U.S. workforce grew as well with a 14% increase in jobs supported, from 691,000 in 2018 to more than 812,000 […]