Inventory and Profits Webinar for Maritime Companies

The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) and the American Boat Builders & Repair Association (ABBRA) will cohost a July 25 webinar, Optimizing Inventory, as part of an educational series that helps maritime companies, boat builders, manufacturers, marinas and yard facilities. The series will also help service technicians better manage their inventory while improving profitability.

Stephen Bullard, senior sales director at PierVantage Marine Management Solution, will lead the webinar. Bullard has more than 20 years of marine service management experience, has logged more than 15,000 miles sailing the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and is a 100-ton master captain.

Topics to be covered include Inventory Management Organization, Purchasing, Parts Management, Inventory Accounting and Physical Control, Evaluating the Inventory Management Function. The topics will be followed up by a question and answer session.

“More than ever the new economy dictates that inventory management is one of the keys to successful cash flow management,” says Ed Sherman, ABYC’s Director of Educational Programming.

ABYC and ABBRA members can find more information about registration here. Non-members looking to register should call ABYC at 410/990-4460, ext. 101.

AMI Launches Patriot Marina Day with New Partner

The Association of Marina Industries (AMI) announced a new partnership with the Folds of Honor Foundation, a nonprofit organization that raises money and gives scholarships to families of wounded or lost veterans, in celebrating Patriot Marina Day during the weekend of July 4th.

AMI is encouraging all marinas across the country to participate in this event. With matching funds, small donation receptacles, fishing derbies or other activities, marinas can bring people's attention to this important foundation and allow everyone to enjoy the waterfront at the same time. To register or to find more information and ideas for ways to celebrate, click here.

Two Marine Trade Associations Award Scholarships

The Marine Trades Association of New Jersey (MTA/NJ) Foundation awarded two education scholarships to students pursuing careers in the marine industry. The Cape Cod Marine Trades Association also announced the recipients of its 2013 scholarship awards. The Association presents scholarships each year to Cape Cod Technical School marine program students who are selected by their instructors and will continue their education in the marine trades upon graduation.

A $1,000 scholarship has been presented to Joseph Smith, graduating from the Marine Services Program at the Cape Cod Regional Technical High School in Harwich. Smith has been accepted to study at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy.

A second $1,000 scholarship has been awarded to Sabrina Kanaley of Falmouth, graduating from the Upper Cape Cod Technical School in Bourne. Kanaley ranked 7th in her class and plans to attend the Landing School in Maine where she will study Boat Building.

These Cape Cod Marine Trades Association scholarships support an ongoing effort to promote professional growth as essential to maintaining and building Cape Cod’s maritime culture.

The MTA/NJ Foundation was established to help promote boating safety and education and to award Education Scholarships to encourage education and professional development in the marine trades field.
 
This is the eighth year that the Association has been able to award scholarships to deserving students. 

The $1,500 MTA/NJ scholarship was awarded to Bryce Tocci of Brick, N.J.. Bryce has lived on the water his whole life and has repaired his own boats for many years. Bryce is graduating in June from Brick Township High School and Ocean County Vocational Technical School and will be enrolling in the Marine Mechanics Institute (MMI) in Orlando, Fla.

In addition to MTA/NJ's Education Scholarship, the Automotive Training Center in Warminster, Pa. sponsored a half scholarship to its Marine Technician Program. The recipient of the Automotive Training Center scholarship was William Dominguez of Toms River. William is graduating from Toms River High School South as well as Ocean County Vocational Technical School, Toms River Center. After completing training, William plans on moving back home to Toms River and pursue his career in the marine field.
 
The MTA/NJ also awarded two outstanding student awards for the purchase of tools for the trade. Bryce Tocci from the Ocean County Vocational Technical School and William Calton from Monmouth County Vocational School were the recipients of the awards.
 
"All of these individuals have worked hard to pursue their goals and have demonstrated their dedication to the future of the marine trades industry. We are very fortunate and thankful to all of our supporters who enable us to award these scholarships to these deserving students," said MTA/NJ Executive Director Melissa Danko.

Dr. Shrink Offers Free Marketing to Its Customers

Dr. Shrink Inc. is now offering customized marketing services to its customers to help prepare companies for the fall storage season. Services will provide customers with marketing materials, training and repairs of heat tools.

“At Dr. Shrink, we have always taken pride in offering excellent customer service and part of that service is offering marketing assistance to our customers at no added cost,” said Mike Stenberg, president at Dr. Shrink Inc. “We’ve seen how marketing can grow and develop a company and we want to share our experiences with our customers and support them as they try to grow their business.”

Dr. Shrink offers assistance with logo, flyer, advertisement and press release creation in addition to professional photo support. Other services provided by Dr. Shrink include social media strategy development and website templates for a small fee. For more information on Dr. Shrink’s marketing offerings click here.

President Obama Visits Ellicott Dredges

President Barack Obama stopped by Ellicott Dredges in Baltimore, Maryland, on May 17 to deliver a policy speech on infrastructure to a crowd of more than 500 people. During his speech, the President noted that Ellicott dredges and dredge exports “literally helped create our global economy.”

After inspecting a completed Series 670 Dragon dredge headed for West Africa with Ellicott’s Sales Vice President Paul Quinn, the President called Ellicott’s dredges the “best machines money can buy.”

The President said, “This company still has a set of core values that’s lasted for generations. Just like the folks who came before you … to sell products all over the world; to grow not just a business, but a community, and by doing that, you’re growing our country.”

The presidential visit was another milestone in Ellicott's long history of building innovative and state-of-the-art dredges for customers both in the USA and around the world.

Paul Quinn (L) and Dredge Assembly Manager George Allen (C) stand with the President aboard an Ellicott 670 "Dragon.	President Obama speaks to crowd in Ellicott factory.

PierVantage Signs New Boatyards

PierVantage™ announced that it signed on Kittery Point Yacht Yard in St. Eliot, Maine, Concordia Company in South Dartmouth, Maine, Derecktor Shipyards in Bridgeport, Conn., and Schooner Creek Boat Works in Portland, Ore., to use its cloud-based software solution. PierVantage said it is built specifically for boatyards, full-service marine facilities and boat building operations.

“The addition of Kittery Point Yacht Yard, Concordia, Derecktor Shipyards and Schooner Creek Boat Works is a sign that marine companies are feeling good about their growth prospects and looking to deploy new technology to improve their efficiency and productivity, increase profits, and become more competitive,” said Navroze Eduljee, CEO of CorVantTM, the creators of PierVantage.

“I don’t think changing operating software platforms is something any business owner or its employees look forward to. It is difficult to change from something that is not broken. We wanted a platform whose architecture and flexibility was built for tomorrow,” said Tom Allen, president of Kittery Point Yacht Yard. “With PierVantage’s cloud based solution, we don’t need to worry about evaluating our software platform every 10 years to keep up with the times -- release updates are seamless. Not having to worry about maintaining dedicated server platforms is a big plus and having access to our data from anywhere enhances both our efficiency and customer service.”

Governor Names Connecticut Marina Day

Governor Dannel P. Malloy (D-CT) proclaimed June 8, 2013 as Connecticut Marina Day in honor of the state’s many marinas that provide its residents and visitors with recreational activities along its waterways.

In his official statement, the governor said marinas are both a recreational boating facility and a community asset that contributes substantially to the community by providing a safe, reliable gateway for members of the boating community and welcomed guests.

“Connecticut marinas provide this state, and visitors of this state, a place where friends and families, united by a passion for the water, can come together for recreation, rest and relaxation,” said Governor Malloy.

Connecticut Marina Day coincides with National Marina Day, which takes place a day later on June 9.

IGY Marinas Hosts New Sportfish Contest

IGY Marinas announced its inaugural Million Dollar Sportfish Challenge. The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) all-tackle world record catch contest takes place from select IGY marinas and runs from May through December 2013.

The destinations chosen for the sportfish challenge include privately marinas as well as marinas under management agreements. The IGY marinas participating in the Million Dollar Sportfish Challenge include American Yacht Harbor, in St. Thomas, USVI; Montauk Yacht Club in New York, N.Y.; Blue Haven Marina in Turks & Caicos, La Amada Marina in Cancun, Mexico; Marina Cabo San Lucas in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Rodney Bay Marina in St. Lucia, Wis.

“IGY Marinas is home to a number of top nationwide sportfishing tournaments, and sees this contest as an opportunity to give back to the anglers that we have been fortunate to host for so many years,” says Bert Fowles, vice president of marketing and sales for IGY Marinas. Anglers will compete for a million dollar prize.

For further information on the IGY Marinas Million Dollar Sportfish Challenge, please contact us at marketing@igymarinas.com or visit http://www.igymarinas.com/news-events/million-dollar-sportfish-challenge/

More than 1,000 Marinas Offer Discounts Through BoatU.S. Program

BoatU.S. has announced that it has more than 1,000 marinas in the BoatU.S. Cooperating Marina Program, which offers discounts on fuel, repairs, transient slips and even fishing guide services.

Approximately 360 marinas in the group offer up to 10 cents off per gallon of fuel, and more than 320 marinas and boatyards offer repair discounts. Of the participating marinas, 600 offer up to a 25 percent discount on transient slip fees – or essentially four nights for the price of three. Some marinas offer up to $15 off repairs or 10 to 15 percent off any other service.

The BoatU.S. Cooperating Marina Program is a free marketing program open to all boating and fishing businesses from marinas to fishing guides. In exchanges, businesses offer discounts to BoatU.S. members, and BoatU.S. promotes participating businesses to boaters through the online Services Locator.

The goal of the program is to bring business to participants so the discounts need to be enough to encourage members to choose participating facilities over their nearby competitors, but not enough to financially hurt participants.

Those in the Cooperating Marina Program also receive $250 each year to promote their participation in the program and a $10 spiff for each new BoatU.S. member they signup, if they want to sell memberships.

For more information, contact David Mann, BoatU.S. membership programs manager, 888-333-2628; http://www.boatus.com/marinas.

New Marina Course Offered at Ports 2013 Conference

A new, one-day marina design course will be offered as part of Ports 2013 Conference in Seattle, Wash., on August 25. Using case studies, the presentations will demonstrate how to apply a highly integrated planning and design approach to small craft harbor development. This short marina design course is based on the 2012 American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Manual 50: “Planning and Design Guidelines for Small Craft Harbors.” The course will conclude with an interactive marina design workshop where all attendees will participate.

By the end of the course, participants will have a strong understanding of ASCE’s new guidelines for the design of small craft harbors and learn how a fusion of technical, economic and creative planning can optimize harbor design and economic development goals. Attendees will also come away with an understanding of how civil engineers can play a leadership role in integrating the built and natural environments for marina projects. The ASCE Manual 50 will be available for purchase the day of the course.

For more information on the course or to register, click here.

NOAA Launches Mobile Charts App for Testing Period

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) is testing its MyNOAACharts, a new mobile application that allows users to download NOAA nautical charts and editions of the U.S. Coast Pilot. The app was released on May 20.

The app is only designed for Android tablets for the testing period. It has GPS built-in capabilities, allows users to find their positions on a NOAA nautical chart, and can be used on land or water. Users can zoom in any specific location with a touch of the finger, or zoom out for the big picture to plan their trip. The U.S. Coast Pilot has geotagged some of the major locations – embedding geographical information, such as latitude and longitude, directly into the chart so it is readable in the app – and provides links to appropriate federal regulations. The app can be downloaded from the Google Play app store.

“Expanding the app across a multitude of platforms, ensuring easy accessibility to over a thousand charts and nearly 5,000 pages of U.S. Coast Pilot, will take considerable resources,” said Rear Admiral Gerd Glang, director of NOAA Office of Coast Survey. “We can do it if the boating community likes the app. We truly want the users to let us know if the app meets their needs.”

The beta test for MyNOAACharts will expire this Labor Day, Sept. 2. The decision to release a finished version of the app will be decided by Coast Survey and based upon usage and user feedback. For more information on MyNOAACharts, click here.

Disaster Preparedness Focus of NMBA Conference

Norris L. Beren, executive director of Risk Reduction Education, Inc., has been hired by the National Marine Bankers Association (NMBA) conference committee to discuss disaster preparedness at its upcoming conference, after several members felt the brunt of Hurricane Sandy last October. The author of two books, a Web-based training program and dozens of articles on preparedness, Beren has provided preparedness training for many major corporations, and has worked with more than 1,000 companies.

Beren presents the value and potential return on investment in creating a culture of preparedness throughout a business, which includes keeping the company running after a disaster, protecting shareholder value and surviving the difficult environment that could follow.

This year's conference agenda will highlight the latest economic trends affecting the marine industry, provide updates on legislative issues that continue to shape the lending environment and feature a presentation on reducing risk without reducing reward.

NMBA’s 2013 Conference will be held Sept. 8-10 at The Abbey Resort & Avani Spa in Fontana-on-Geneva Lake, Wis
For conference details or to register, click here.

American Boating Congress Brings Record Numbers to Capitol Hill

Attendance at the 2013 American Boating Congress (ABC), May 8 – 9, increased 25 percent from 160 attendees to 200, compared to last year. The number of co-hosts increased 138 percent from 13 to 31.

The increase in participants from all sectors of the recreational boating community resulted in more than 250 meetings with Members of Congress, up 34 percent from last year’s 187 visits, creating a more unified voice and making the boating industry’s presence known on Capitol Hill.

ABC gives members of the U.S. recreational boating industry a platform to meet with legislators and other decision makers on Capitol Hill, hear from prominent economic and political speakers and participate all while meeting with colleagues from around the country.

The event activities included multiple planning meetings and a variety of distinguished legislators and industry leaders addressing topics and issues impacting recreational boating. ABC also included luncheons and special awards and honorees.

Speakers included Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV); Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI); Frank Peterson, President of RBFF; Ken Walsh, US News & World Report chief White House correspondent; RADM Lee, United States Coast Guard; and Deerin Babb-Brott, Director, National Ocean Council Office. Speakers addressed economic concerns, sequestration, health care and legislation, as well as insight into their impact on recreational boating. ABC attendees also met with Senators, members of Congress and Congressional staff to directly address policies in face-to-face meetings

The States Organization for Boating Access (SOBA) recognized Rep. Frank LoBiondo (N.J. 2nd Congressional District) with its annual congressional award for his significant contributions to boating recreation. U.S. Sen. Mark Begich, D-Alaska, was given the Center for Coastal Conservation's Lifetime Achievement Award for Sportfishing, given each year to a federal legislator who is dedicated to promoting the sound conservation and use of ocean resources. The Center for Coastal Conservation also honored Phil Dyskow, the former president of Yamaha Motor Corp. U.S.A., who received the Eddie Smith Manufacturer of the Year Award. The evening included a BoatPAC reception attended by more than 200, including Members of Congress and ABC attendees, to discuss ways to continue working together on behalf of the entire recreational boating industry.

In addition to a robust conference program and successful meetings with Congress, the Congressional Boating Caucus was honored at a closing reception bringing federal legislators and industry stakeholders together under one common theme: support for the recreational boating industry as a whole. NMMA President Thom Dammrich said, “I look at the boating industry as an ecosystem. If bad legislation and regulation adversely affects one part of the industry, it harms the entire industry. We must continue to work together to gain ground on Capitol Hill.”

NMMA also released updated economic impact data for the recreational boating industry during ABC. The information reflects 2012 data from across the U.S. Each data sheet contains state and district information that includes the total annual economic value of recreational boating, which has an economic impact of $121.5 billion annually. The information also shows that nearly 35,000 recreational boating-related businesses across the country provide more than 338,000 jobs, and that Americans spend $51 billion related to more than 12 million registered recreational boats each year.

Mark your calendar for next year’s American Boating Congress, which will take place May 6-7, 2014.

IMBC Releases Agenda for 2014

The Association of Marina Industries (AMI) released a schedule for the 2014 International Marina and Boatyard (IMBC) Conference. View the 2014 IMBC Schedule here.

The 2014 agenda includes IMBC events, such as themed networking events and seminars broken into specific tracks. The three days includes two full days of educational sessions, exhibit hall hours and evening receptions.

"The positive feedback we receive each year helps us plan for future events," AMI Chair Gary Groenewold, CMM, said. "Consistency within the overall timeline was a clear, easy choice."

IMBC Facts
Attendance: IMBC attracts more than 700 marina and boatyard industry professionals each year.

Top three reported reasons for attending:
Networking
Educational seminars
Exhibit hall and exposure to cutting edge technology

Amount of education time: more than 10 hours of seminars, plus a marina and boatyard field trip, exhibit hall hours and networking receptions

Number of hours the exhibit hall is open: 13

Number of exclusive exhibit hall hours: 7.5

Average temperature in Fort Lauderdale: 77 degrees

Number of flights daily in and out of the Fort Lauderdale Airport: more than 700

Celebrate National Marina Day; Enter New Photo Contest

Now in its 12th year, National Marina Day, sponsored by the Association of Marine Industries (AMI), has merged with the efforts of Discover Boating to promote the entire marine industry and boating lifestyle in one nationwide event called Welcome to the Water on National Marina Day, Saturday, June 8.

AMI encourages marinas to reach out to its partner organizations, such as American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC), The National Safe Boating Council’s Wear It! Campaign, Ocean Conservancy, State Clean Marina Programs, US Coast Guard Auxiliary and ValvTect, for free NMD resources. For example, ABYC will host free boat system checks, and ValvTect will provide free trophies for marinas to award to the person who traveled the farthest to attend NMD.

All recreational boating businesses are encouraged to get involved. Suggested activities include: on-water, hands-on training; open houses; showcase of boats and related marine products; free demo rides with sales follow-up; and safety demonstrations.

To help celebrate the annual event, Marina Dock Age is holding a National Marina Day photo contest. To enter, take photos of the day’s activities on June 8 – the staff, the decorations, the boaters, the community, the docks, or the boats. The photo that best captures the spirit of the day will be featured in the magazine.

Please send digital photos to Anna Townshend, email to atownshend@marinadockage.com. Mail a disk or USB drive to 319 N. 4th St., Suite 650, St. Louis, MO 63102. Files should be 300 dpi, and at least 9 x 12 inches. The deadline for the photo contest is June 17. For more information about the photo contest, visit http://www.marinadockage.com/photocontest.html.

For more information on National Marina Day and its partner resources, visit http://www.nationalmarinaday.org.

Recovery Grants Available for Sandy Victims

Small business owners and nonprofits impacted by Hurricane Sandy can now apply for recovery grants of up to $50,000 per location at the website of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA). Those eligible, including marina owners, can use the money toward working capital, inventory, equipment, renovation and new construction at the place of business.

Under the program, businesses with multiple locations in New Jersey may receive more than one grant that totals no more than $250,000. To be eligible, applicants must have suffered at least $5,000 in damages from Superstorm Sandy. Grants will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis and priority will be given to applicants located in the nine most impacted counties: Atlantic, Bergen, Cape May, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean and Union.
Businesses must have applied and been denied or accepted for a Small Business Administration disaster loan to be eligible.

The $260 million Stronger New Jersey Business Grant Program is one of the initiatives approved by the NJEDA on April 30. It also approved $25 million to fund a tourism marketing campaign to assist Hurricane Sandy-impacted communities and promote the state’s tourism assets; and $12 million for securing a firm to operate the grant program under the supervision of the Office of Recovery.

For more information regarding the Stronger New Jersey Business Grant Program or application process, contact the NJEDA Office of Recovery at 855/SANDY-BZ or strongernjbusines@njeda.com.

Applications for recovery grants can be found here. Sign up here for NJEDA’s notification list for more information on Sandy assistance programs.
The Marine Trades Association of New Jersey also launched the new Go Boating NJ campaign to provide boaters throughout the region with current information on the condition of New Jersey’s waterways and popular boating areas.

The Go Boating NJ campaign will highlight, through on-the-water videos and photos, some of NJ's most popular boating areas to give boaters firsthand knowledge and visuals that these waterways are open and ready for them this season. The campaign also hopes to include video interviews with boaters and marina owners.

WQIS Welcomes New Staff

The Water Quality Insurance Syndicate (WQIS) welcomed John Ryszetnyk, as new Senior Vice President. A graduate of Kings Point, The United States Merchant Marine Academy, John holds a USCG 3rd Mate Unlimited Tonnage License and is a former U.S. Naval Officer. This will be John’s second term at WQIS, having previously served as an Underwriter from 1999 to 2003.

“There’s a great energy in the office right now and I’m looking forward to working with the team to renew our commitment to service while continuing to build and strengthen relationships,” Ryszetnyk said.

Along with John, two more team members are joining WQIS: Angela Konetzni and James Q. Stevens. Konetzni, previously an assistant claims manager at WQIS, has returned after a short hiatus and will be working as a consultant in the claims department. Stevens is the former head of marine insurance for Scottsdale Insurance Company and will key his more than 40 years of experience in WQIS’s continued initiative of providing superior service and systems integration.

ABC Hosts Policy and Industry Speakers

The 2013 American Boating Congress (ABC) will feature an influential group of policy specialists and industry authorities, as well as legislative and regulatory officials. On May 9, ABC will present its general session, featuring the following speakers:

Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI), Chairman of the House Budget Committee and a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee; Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV), who served previously as Secretary of State, Governor of West Virginia; Deerin Babb-Brott, director for the National Ocean Council Office: Rear Admiral Dean Lee, United States Coast Guard, as the Deputy for Operations Policy and Capabilities, and as the Fifth District Commander in Portsmouth, Va.; Kenneth Walsh, White House Correspondent, and reporter for U.S. News and World Report; and Frank Peterson, president of the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation.

IMI to Host Study Tour and Dry Stack Conference

The 7th annual Southeast Florida Marina and Boatyard Study Tour, hosted by the International Marina Institute (IMI) will take place October 29-October 30. The tour will be based at the B Ocean Hotel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The Study Tour is a two-day mobile training course that provides an in-depth look at the operations of different types of marinas and boatyards in South Florida. At the end of each day, attendees participate in a facilitated roundtable discussion and SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis of each marina before heading to a networking dinner. For more information or to register, visit marinaassociation.org/training/conferences-meetings/study-tour.
This year's study tour will take place just after IMI's Drystack Conference. Larry Halgren will host IMI's 10th Drystack Conference, October 27-28.

"I'm honored to partner with IMI on this event," said Larry Halgren, Halgren & Associates, LLC. "Facilitating the conference gives me the opportunity to assist IMI in its goal of providing training to the marina industry."

The Dry Stack conference will be held at the B Ocean Hotel, where the Study Tour will depart and return to each day. Following the Study Tour is the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.

For more information, visit MarinaAssociation.org or call 401/247-0314.

Structurmarine Announces New Hire; Signs PR Firm

Structurmarine has signed with Martin Flory Group to help showcase its marina projects and create publicity for the marina developer throughout North America.

"Structurmarine brings the same level of commitment and craftsmanship to every project, no matter the size or budget," said Laura Martin, Martin Flory Group president. "We do the same with our PR programs, providing the best service possible for every client. We're excited to bring greater recognition to Structurmarine's beautiful developments." Structurmarine also named Bruno Nolet as sales director for North America and the Caribbean. Nolet previous worked in both marine engineering and sales for Structurmarine. As he seeks to increase marina sales across his territory, Nolet said, “We’re seeking out potential partners and possible joint ventures, with the goal of expanding Structurmairne’s presence at the local level.”

ABBRA Extends Wage Survey Deadline; Offer Prizes

The American Boat Builders & Repairers Association (ABBRA) has extended the deadline for its 2013 Compensation and Benefits Survey for Marine Service Employees, formerly known as the Annual Wage Rate Survey. The survey will gauge and compare the rates, salaries and benefits in the current market.

Those that answer by April 30 will be entered in a drawing for a one-year (2014) complimentary ABBRA membership for 2014 or one complimentary registration for the 2014 ABBRA Boatyard Business Conference.
 
The survey will be segmented by state and region, by revenue and number of employees, and seeks information on a broad range of the most common jobs in today's boatyards. The survey will ask for information on hourly wages, average vacation time, health benefits and retirement plans.

For more information, call 954/654-7821. To complete the survey, visit here

ValvTect Petroleum Welcomes Three New Facilities

ValvTect Petroleum announced that the Dana Point Fuel Dock located in Dana Point, Calif., Harbour Town Yacht Basin on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina, and Del Rey Landing in Marina Del Rey, Calif., now offer ValvTect Marine Fuels.

Operated by John Van Dixhorn since 1986, the Dana Point Fuel Dock services Dana Point Harbor’s two marinas with more than 2,500 guest slips and transient boaters visiting the area. “We are totally committed to supply our customers the finest products available. Especially fuels that are specially formulated for marine engines that help prevent problems caused by ethanol and ultra low sulfur diesel that we are now required to sell,” Dixhorn said.

Jerry Nessenson, president of ValvTect Petroleum said, “By Dana Point Fuel Dock offering ValvTect Marine Fuels, it gives us an important position in the southern California market. In addition to providing ValvTect Marine Fuels to the harbor’s 2,500 slip holders, it makes ValvTect’s specially formulated marine-grade fuels available to cruisers cruising south to San Diego and Mexico.”

For more than 40 years, Harbour Town Lighthouse has welcomed boaters to this iconic, resort style marina. “ValvTect Marine Fuels provide our boaters with better fuel economy and lower maintenance costs, which improves their overall boating experience,” said Nancy Cappelmann, harbormaster at Harbour Town Yacht Basin.

“Harbour Town is a first class yachting center and resort with many amenities including special events, shops, restaurants and sporting activities. East Coast cruisers and those traveling the Intracoastal now have another premier location to fill up with high quality ValvTect Marine Fuels,” Nessenson said.

Del Rey Landing is one of the largest man-made marinas in the world, and is the only fuel dock servicing the marina’s nearly 5,300 vessels. It is one of only four marinas on the West Coast capable of accommodating megayachts up to 250 feet in length.

“We are pleased to offer ValvTect Marine Fuels as part of our commitment to provide only the highest quality products and services,” said Greg Schem, developer and operator of Del Rey Landing. “We built the marine industry’s most advanced fuel dock to accommodate Marina Del Rey’s thousands of local boaters and to provide dockage for weekend cruisers as well as superyachts visiting the Los Angeles area.”

Jerry Nessenson, president of ValvTect Petroleum Products, said, “We are honored to have Del Rey Landing join the nationwide network of Certified ValvTect Marinas. Along with its advanced high speed dispensing system and extensive amenities, it will provide boaters in the Los Angeles area and West Coast cruisers a safe and convenient fueling location to obtain ValvTect Marine Fuels.”

University of Wisconsin-Madison Adds New Course

The University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Engineering Professional Development will present two short courses for marina owner/operators, consulting engineers and marina designers, “Rehabilitating Docks and Marinas,” May 13–14, and “Modern Marina Design,” May 15–16. They complements the Docks and Marinas Course and Conference, which the university will present for the 39th consecutive year this coming November.

The “Rehabilitating Docks and Marinas” class provides the tools to ensure the long-term competitiveness of marinas. Attendees will be able to understand how market trends will an impact and learn how to use that understanding to develop a strategy that explores the cost-benefit of alternative rehabilitation options. This course is specifically designed to help facilities determine their condition and remaining useful life, enabling marinas to adopt a strategy to achieve long-term competitiveness.

“Modern Marina Design” presents the latest in marina design methods and concepts, by effectively combining innovative engineering with environment and economic approaches.

The instructors for “Modern Marina Design” are all nationally respected experts in the key aspects of marina design. Each is an author of a chapter in the recently issued “Planning and Design Guidelines for Small Craft Harbors.” The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) published this Manual of Practice #50, and one of the instructors, Fred Klancnik, served as the Chairman of ASCE’s Marinas 2020 Committee, and editor of the new manual.

As a special offer, course attendees can purchase the manual at a reduced price. For information on these courses visit: epd.engr.wisc.edu/docksmarinas or contact Howard Rosen directly at: rosen@engr.wisc.edu.

My-Villages Announces New Marine Industry Innovation Partners

My-Villages announced new partnerships, expanding the company’s MVIP program, which brings together marine companies to innovate with My-Villages. It uses online and mobile technologies to improve the experience of boat ownership and customer service.

Joining The Hinckley Company, the first My-Villages Innovation Partner (MVIP) to come aboard in December 2012 are Marine Professionals Inc. of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Saunders Yachtworks of Gulf Shores, Ala., and Yacht Tech based in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

“Our growing list of Innovation Partner companies is evidence that the marine industry has a strong desire to enhance the way we engage our customers, using both web and mobile technologies to connect, communicate and collaborate, while simplifying boat operations and marine maintenance,” said My-Villages founder and CEO Kevin Hutchinson.

The MVIP program draws together marine businesses that have agreed to use and/or market My-Villages’ digital application—available for web browsers, smartphones and iPads—that allows boat owners and marine professionals to communicate and collaborate online. They can enhance the product and make it available to their own customers.

The service app provides access to a boat’s equipment inventory, service history, relevant manuals, usage trends, trip logs and other useful information. It also supports automated service reminders, electronic service requests, real-time status reports on work in process, and the ability to upload images and video. The result is a seamless service that removes operational inefficiencies and addresses questions owners may have about routine maintenance and repairs, thus improving service for boat owners, while providing service yards and technicians with new tools to build and operate their business.

“We know it’s going to change the customer relationship experience for the better, and we’re committed to being at the forefront of that revolution,” said Marc Currei, president of Marine Professionals Inc.

The Innovation Partners program builds upon the My- Villages digital community, an online “boating village” that allows individuals and businesses to share expertise and advice free of charge. More than 30 companies signed on as BETA partners for the free service—including Hinckley, Kadey- Krogen Yachts, Dometic, Cummins, Westerbeke and others— and continue to contribute to the community. Additional Innovation Partners will be signed in coming months.

IMI Plans Drystack Conference; Call for Presentations

International Marina Institute (IMI) will conduct the 10th Drystack Conference Oct. 27 – 28, at the B Ocean Hotel, 999 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The conference will offer seminars about the latest in drystack technology, exhibits and networking receptions.

The IMI's annual Southeast Florida Marina and Boatyard Study Tour will follow the conference, Oct. 29 – 30. It will consist of tours of area marinas and boatyards as well as discussions on each property.

IMI has also posted a "Call for Presentations" on its website. Proposal topics should focus on the business of drystack storage, current trends, new technologies, and recent and upcoming projects.

Seminars can be designed for intermediate to advance levels of experience and should be geared toward IMI's audience, which includes internationally acclaimed marina-industry professionals, Certified Marina Managers, Certified Marina Operators, and marina managers, owners, and operators.

IMI asks that information be timely, informative and educational without overt company or product promotions.

Deadline for submissions is April 5, 2013.

For more information, visit www.marinaassociation.org, email IMI atimitraining@marinaassociation.org, or call the group at 401/247-0314.

Pink Shell Marina Opens

Pink Shell Resort's new marina officially opened Feb. 20. It is located in Fort Myers Beach, Fla. Owner Boykin Management Company construction of the marina on Sept. 4, 2012. Renovations cost more than $1.2 million.

The marina now offers 41 floating slips for boats up to 100 feet for transient, long-term and group dockage, 30-, 50- and 100-amp power pedestals, potable water, high-definition Direct TV, WiFi, pumpout service, slips to accommodate boats up to 100 feet long, service facility and ship’s store.

“Our new marina provides boaters with a destination that is only minutes from the Gulf of Mexico and the barrier islands of Southwest Florida,” said Ellis Etter, regional Director of Sales and Marketing for Boykin Management Group.

Marina guests will have access to Pink Shell Resort amenities, as well as boat rentals, charter fishing excursions, and the well-known Colgate Offshore Sailing School.

Northern California Marine Association Integrates with the NMMA

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) has announced the integration of the Northern California Marine Association (NCMA) and its members with NMMA. NCMA voting members unanimously approved the change.

The move is part of an effort to expand the recreational boating market. NCMA and its members will be part of NMMA under the recently formed NMMA West.

NCMA members not already NMMA members will now receive paid NMMA membership through May 31, 2015. NCMA’s Board of Directors also will become an advisory NMMA Board, with representatives appointed to the NMMA West Board of Directors. NCMA joins the former Southern California Marine Association, which earlier merged with NMMA.

In June 2012, NMMA opened Associate memberships to include to boat dealers, retailers and distributors. The new approach models marine industry associations worldwide by including all industry segments as part of its membership.

“NMMA’s robust resources, in addition to its role as a leading producer of boat and sport shows, will help us to revitalize shows in northern California,” said Gary Clausen, NCMA president. “We were pleased by the feedback NMMA received from the June 2012 integration with the Southern California Marine Association (SCMA).”

FEMA Extends NJ Deadline for Sandy Disaster Assistance

New Jersey residents and businesses affected by Superstorm Sandy now have until April 1, 2013, to register for individual disaster assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The deadline extends business registration with the Small Business Administration (SBA) for Disaster Loan Assistance. For businesses, such a loan is the best opportunity for disaster assistance. 

Representatives of the Marine Trades Association of New Jersey (MTA/NJ) stress that registering for an SBA Disaster Loan also is essential if marina owners want to later obtain a grant under the Community Development Block Grants. The MTA/NJ will update everyone about grants when more information is available.

For more information or to apply, call the SBA at 800/659-2955.

American Boating Congress Open Early Registration

Early Bird Registration for the American Boating Congress (ABC), coordinated by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is now open. Register for the meeting, taking place May 8-9, 2013 in Washington, D.C., to create a louder voice for recreational boating on Capitol Hill.

The American Boating Congress (ABC) lets attendees meet elected officials to discuss recreational boating concerns and speak with Congressional representatives. They also will learn more about the Congressional process, how to stay involved, and hear from elected officials, policy makers, and other speakers.

The NMMA government relations staff will provide the latest facts about water access, E15, legislation, taxes, small business concerns and more. Save with the discounted Early Bird registration rate of $200.

For more information, email Melissa Gurniewicz at mgurniewicz@nmma.org or call 312/946- 6281.

BoatUS Foundation Voting Open for $10K Grants

The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is asking the public to help it select winning projects in the 2013 Grassroots Grants Program. The program provides non-profit groups up to $10,000 to educate boaters about safe and clean boating. Go to either Facebook.com/BoatUSFoundation or www.BoatUS.com/foundation/grants/vote.asp to cast a vote.

Voting began Feb. 20. Seven grant proposals are listed. Those with the most votes by midnight (EST) on March 6, 2013, will have their projects funded.
Grant funds are donated by the half-million members of Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS). In 25 years, the Foundation has awarded more than $1.1 million to organizations that developed creative projects to promote safe and clean boating on local waterways. Up to $50,000 altogether is available for grants this year. 

This year's contenders are:

• Access Monterey Peninsula, Inc. of Monterey, Calif.
• Littleton Firefighters Foundation of Littleton, Colo.
• United State Coast Guard Auxiliary 1st District Northern of Weymouth, Mass.
• Annapolis Green of Annapolis, Md.
• The Bass Federation of Ponca City, Okla.
• Professional Anglers Association (PAA) of Kilgore, Texas
• Rozalia Project for a Clean Ocean of Granville, Vt.

The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water provides educational outreach directly to boaters and anglers to reduce fatalities, increase stewardship of America's waterways and keep boating safe.

Marinalife Expands Website with Service Locator

Marinalife launched a Service and Maintenance Locator feature on its website that provides detailed information about specific services provided by boatyards and repair yards around the country. With the new service boaters can search by city, state, or facility name and use an advanced search to filter by the type of repair they need. Facilities and services listed range from hull repair to rigging installation and repair, travel lift and engine services to moorings, rack storage, warranty service work and more.

This new online service benefits both the boater and the yard. Service, maintenance and repair yards now have a way to be easily found by the boating public. In addition, facilities may choose to be a featured partner with Marinalife and receive premium placement within search results. Results of service facilities in the directory also often include videos, photos and fuel prices, and may offer Marinalife membership discounts through the Marinalife Discount Card.
Marinalife is offering all boatyard and repair yards a free listing in the Services section of the website – www.marinalife.com/serviceyards. Those interested in participating should email Marinalife at info@marinalife.com to complete a form to be included in the directory.

Joy McPeters of Marinalife said, “We decided to launch this service because boaters look to Marinalife not only for advice on where to make marina reservations, but also as a trusted source for cruise planning, marina reviews, discounts and insurance. Now they can come to us for information about where to get service for their vessel.”

Marinalife has also partnered with ABBRA (American Boat Builders and Repairers Association) to help promote the services of their members to the boating public. ABBRA members are designated with an ABBRA logo next to their listing within the service and maintenance locator.

Pam Lendzion, President of the Board said, “ABBRA recognizes Marinalife as a great vehicle to connect boatyards with boat owners. ABBRA is proud to partner with Marinalife to enhance the boaters’ experience and take the hassle out of boat maintenance and repair. ABBRA member boat builders and repairers pledge to maintain the highest standards of workmanship, integrity, and honesty in dealing with their customers.”

Dr. Shrink Debuts Website

Shrinkwrap supplier, Dr. Shrink, recently revamped the customer order process on its website and added feature for learning more about the world of shrinkwrap.

 At www.dr-shrink.com, users now have secure retail and wholesale accounts that are used with their own user name and password. The Dr. Shrink account will remember all past orders and keep them on file so users will always have access to the list of items they've purchased in the past. 

Customers can now ship internationally and can also ship via freight for Dr. Shrink bulk size shrinkwrap rolls and large orders.

Blogs, how-to videos, weekly bundles and featured products are now all on the same site.

Accmar Forms New Partnership with Best Marine Solutions

Miami-based Accmar Equipment announced a new partnership with Best Marine Solutions (BMS) - a partnership that will ensure that each and every marina in the U.S. has an opportunity to evaluate Accmar Equipment pedestals as part of its product selection.

"Increased competition in the marina power pedestal market should be welcomed,” President of Accmar Equipment Company Juan Pizarro said.
Based in St.Petersburg, Fla., BMS is a new company established by EMP Industries, a marina pumpout & water recycling system manufacturer. President Tom Callahan said, "BMS is leveraging the former EMP sales team and partnering with select and quality product manufactures, like Accmar, to create an industry alliance - intended to offer the best quality products, pricing and service to the marina industry, throughout the United States and beyond.”

By partnering with BMS as a key vendor, Accmar Equipment Company said it hopes to become a leading source for aluminum encased power pedestals, dock fire safety equipment and dock accessories.

"By partnering with BMS, Accmar Equipment ensures that marinas just learning about our products, will have the opportunity to evaluate and compare Accmar's products, pricing and quality against the typical menu of marina dock products,” Pizarro said.

My-Villages Launches Mobile Service For Boat Maintenance

My-Villages, the web and mobile technology company, introduced its new premium service at the Miami International Boat Show. Available in its beta version, the company said its product will improve efficiency for boatyards and technicians.

My-Villages’ premium service—available for smartphones and iPads—makes boat maintenance simple. It provides marine professionals with immediate access to a boat’s equipment inventory, service history, relevant manuals, usage trends, trip logs and other useful information. The service also supports automated service reminders, electronic service requests, real-time status reports on work in process, and the ability to upload images and video to support an electronic service request, work estimate, or shared expert advice.

The result is a system that gives yards and technicians new tools to build and operate their business. My-Villages’ premium service will also soon allow service yards to better manage multiple clients and boats through integration to third-party billing systems currently used in the industry.

My-Villages announced the beta release of its free service, the boat village, at the 2012 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in October. The company committed at that show to bring out its premium service in early 2013. The premium service builds upon the existing My-Villages digital platform, which allows businesses to create a profile with links to social media, blogs, websites or other online content and create specialized electronic communities to share expertise and advice.

More than two dozen brand-name marine companies now serve as My-Villages beta partners for the free service, helping to craft products that serve both owners and the industry..

"Saunders Yachtworks has been a beta partner on My-Villages’ free service from the start, and our entire team is excited by what we have seen to date," said John Fitzgerald, president. "We have thoroughly investigated their free program. We believe, combined now with the premium service, that the products My-Villages offers represent the clear future for the yacht service and maintenance industry. We believe My-Villages will help us communicate better with our customers, allow us to better monitor, track and schedule ongoing maintenance protocols, and ultimately deliver a greatly enhanced service experience for our customers."

Students Get Industry Lessons At Baltimore Boat Show

Center of Applied Technology (CAT) – South students received a behind the scenes, in-depth marine professional experience at the Progressive Baltimore Boat Show, thanks to the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) and National Marine Manufacturer’s Association (NMMA).

On March 1, approximately 20 career and technology students from five local high schools (Annapolis, Broadneck, South River, Southern and Severna Park) enrolled in CAT South's Marine Repair Technology program met with factory representatives, NMMA leaders, show managers and dealers, as well as hear a formal presentation on the state of the marine industry and advice on marine industry careers.

“One of ABYC’s best contributions to our industry is ensuring that students who are interested in a career in boating get all the standards-based tools and knowledge they need to be successful in their future careers as a marine technician,” ABYC President John Adey said.

The students also participated in NMMA’s Fred’s Shed, an interactive experience for boat show visitors who are interested in maintaining, repairing or upgrading their own boats and engines. Instructor Larry Jenc, who is ABYC Certified, was Fred at this show, helping add to the boat owner’s experience and student lessons. It is industry recommended and stressed to the boating public that boats be built and repaired to ABYC standards.

The marine repair program prepares students for a career, or advanced training and post-secondary education, in the marine industry with regards to marine manufacturing, maintenance, repair and design. Students are later encouraged to test for ABYC’s Standards Certification that address specific compliance issues relevant to engineers, installers, compliance inspectors and marine surveyors.

New ‘Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!’ Event Offers Kayaking

The popular sport of kayak fishing will be part of the next “Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!” seminar, hosted March 9-10 at the Matlacha Community Park in Fort Myers, Fla.
The event is held in conjunction with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) through the Sport Fish Restoration Program.

Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing! is a national organization dedicated to attracting more women to sportfishing and to promoting conservation and responsible angling.
During the two-day, hands-on event, FWC educators will demonstrate ethical angler habits, such as safe hook removal, release techniques, fish venting and more. Local fishing guides will provide instruction on kayak fishing and angling techniques. The second day offers an optional fishing trip from kayaks, pontoon boats and flats boats.

“We have chosen to host our Gulf Coast event at Matlacha, a beautiful part of the state with bountiful fishing,” Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing! founder Betty Bauman said. “It’s a refreshing location, perfect for beginners, those who have fished before or any lady with fishing on her bucket list!”

HOSTAR Boat Mover Cleans Up After Sandy 

In the fall, BoatMax in City Island, N.Y., received its first HOSTAR Yardstar 35 self-propelled boat mover. The unit had its first big test. cleaning up the yard after Superstorm Sandy.

"Without the Yardstar, there wouldn't have been a Sandy cleanup," BoatMax owner Frank Virgintino said.  "Working with the unit was like having 20 extra men."
"We used the Yardstar to right boats by using its hydraulic arms to go underneath the boat and tilt it.  Then, we could lift up the whole boat," BoatMax general manager Ken Landi said. "Without the unit, we would have used forklifts and a travelift. Our travelift is 26 feet wide, which would have meant that we would have had to move everything out of the way to right one boat. It also would have taken a lot more time."

HOSTAR's Yardstar 35 can handle powerboats up to 60 feet and sailboats up to 68 feet.  The self-propelled unit has a capacity of 70,000 lbs. It's powered by a John Deere industrial diesel engine with complete instrumentation and full enclosure. It also has two, 2-speed hydraulic drive units with brakes at the rear and two hydraulic drive/steering motors at the front.  The operator's station has joystick controls.

The Yardstar has six, fully adjustable hydraulic arms to handle up to an 8-foot draft, forward-facing rear arms and inward-canting forward arms. It
also features a hydraulic walking beam suspension to lift/lower each side with pilot-operated, double locking valves on all cylinders.

"We haven't been able to use our Yardstar too much so far, since we only got it in the fall, but when righting boats, we only needed one machine, the Yardstar. Before we needed to use two forklifts and a travelift and now we only need one machine. We couldn't use the travelift with sailboats, but we can use the Yardstar," Landi said.

NMMA Applauds Nomination for U.S. Secretary of the Interior

On February 6, President Obama nominated REI CEO Sally Jewell to become the next Secretary of the Interior. The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) expressed its support of this nomination.

NMMA said Jewell has shown a solid understanding of the many issues required to oversee the Department of the Interior’s large portfolio of public land and water, and a keen business sense.

The Secretary of the Interior oversees a department that is critical to the country’s economic recovery and the protection and preservation of America’s natural resources, cultural and tribal communities, and public lands legacy.

NMMA praised the White House administration for choosing “what some would call a Washington outsider,” for showing that it values specific outdoor industry experience over partisan politics for this position.

NMMA President Thom Dammrich said of the nomination, “NMMA applauds the nomination of Sally Jewell for Secretary of Interior and will support Ms. Jewell in any way we can. We hope to work together to promote public water access, and outdoor recreational activities, particularly recreational boating.”

Professional Marine Realty Helps Marinas for Sale

“Turnaround management” — reforming an existing business to maximize operating income as quickly as possible — is a relatively new concept in the marina business. So is the ultimate goal of Professional Marine Realty, to sell the business at the best price it can.

Due to increasing competition and shifting markets, no business can take economic stability for granted.

Richard Graves of Professional Marine Realty said, “Our objective is revamping an existing business for sale that is underperforming due to poor financial management and marketing.”

The company also serves as the selling broker. Business brokers at Professional Marine have more than 70 years of combined experience in managing and marketing marinas and other pleasure boating businesses. Marina management and marketing experience give it the insight to maximize the worth of a marina in a short time. As turnaround specialists, the company said it offers a fresh view of problems, along with solutions that may not be visible to business insiders. For full details, visit www.promarine-realty.com, call 954/734-9376, or email rvgraves@promarine-realty.com.

NJ Marine Trades Association Continues Hurricane Sandy Recovery Efforts

Marine Trades Association of New Jersey (MTA/NJ) Executive Director Melissa Danko, along with MTA/NJ Board members, is meeting with Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Martin to discuss waterway debris management, dredging, permitting and a number of other items critical to rebuilding. Many plans under consideration include a statewide surveying/marking of state channels to identify hazardous debris and shoaling. It is important that New Jersey’s leadership is aware of the economic importance of the recreational boating industry.

The MTA/NJ also met with the Economic Development Authority (EDA) this week to discuss funding opportunities and financial support for marine businesses that need immediate assistance. The MTA/NJ is lobbying for the immediate restoration of the I BOAT NJ program for grant assistance, working with federal legislators, and urging the federal fisheries declaration that could provide additional funding.

Lastly, the MTA/NJ continues its push for the creation of an Office of Boating Waterways. The proposal includes the merger, consolidation or streamlining of existing state functions into the creation of a new Office of Boating and Waterways to serve as the sole source agency in state government responsible for managing boating and waterway programs. Creation of the office would show that all of New Jersey’s waterways are a vital resource to not only the marine trades industries but those that depend on them. It would also be a promotional tool. This office is even more critical because New Jersey needs a coordinated effort to support recreational marine trades.

For more information, please contact Melissa Danko at 732-292-1051.

Marine Marketers of America Extends Deadline for Neptune Awards Entries Due by Jan. 23

The Neptune Awards, which recognize best work by marine marketers, will take place this year in conjunction with the National Marine Manufacturers Association’s morning breakfast meeting on Feb. 14 at the Miami International Boat Show (MIBS). Due to holiday deadlines, the final date for submissions to the Marine Marketers of America (MMA) for the awards is extended to Jan. 23. Complete details about the Neptune Awards, including entry guidelines and entry form, are posted on the newly re-launched MMA website 

Also, MMA has announced the program for its bi-annual general membership meeting, scheduled 3 p.m. Feb. 14, at the boat show in the convention center. Ellen Valentine of Silverpop will speak, with two additional industry social media experts to follow. The event will conclude with a social mixer.

For more information, visit the MMA website

Aluminum Pontoon Boats Lead Increased Boating Trends in Canada

During 2012, the Canadian recreational boating industry recorded a 13 percent increase in new boats and engine sales. All sales totaled $2 billion, reported Sara Verni, public relations manager of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) Canada. Canadian manufacturers’ exports of boats and engines picked up in 2011 to $479 million, up 50 percent from the previous year, the first sign of significant growth in exports for the industry since 2009.

“An increasingly stable U.S. economy combined with a modest increase in Canadian consumer confidence helped contribute to healthy growth within the Canadian recreational marine industry in 2012,” said Sara Anghel, executive director of NMMA Canada. “The 13 percent increase in new boats and engines signifies the industry’s recovery from the recession and creates momentum for 2013.
           
“Canadian marine manufacturers have begun to broaden their horizons for exporting beyond North American borders,” she noted. “Australia, the European Union and the Middle East have become bigger trading partners for the Canadian recreational boating industry.”
    
The increase took place from October 2011 through September 2012, compared to the same period the previous year, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) second annual 2012 Canadian Statistical Abstract. The Abstract reveals statistics about Canada’s recreational boating retail sales, participation and boater demographics, the overall retail market, imports-exports and economic factors that influence the industry.

The leading boat trend in Canada is aluminum pontoon boats, experiencing a 23 percent increase in sales. Another trend is sport jet boats that experienced a 13 percent increase in sales. In 2012, more than one in five Canadian households owned at least one recreational boat.

One free copy of the Abstract will be available beginning in February 2013, to all NMMA members, to download at nmma.ca. Members may purchase a printed copy for $70; non-members can purchase it for U.S. $750. For more information about the abstract, contact Sara Anghel at sanghel@nmma.org or call 905/951-4048.

Clean Marina Roundtable Added to IMBC Lineup  

Organizers of the International Marina & Boatyard Conference (IMBC) have announced that a roundtable discussion titled “Clean Marina Round Table:
Where are we . . .Where are we going,” has been added to the conference program. 

Moderated by Dave White, Great Lakes Program Coordinator and Recreation/Tourism Specialist of the Oswego branch of NY Sea Grant, it will take place 9-11 a.m., Jan. 30 in the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, Room 305. It is free to attend for IMBC full conference registrants.

For more information, call 401/682-7334 or email imbc@marinaassociation.org. IMBC is produced by the Association of Marina Industries (AMI). AMI is a nonprofit membership organization providing management training, education, and information about research, legislation, and environmental issues affecting the marina industry. 

Shrinkwrap Protects Boats During Hurricane Sandy 

Although Superstorm Sandy ravaged the Northeast, its effects were felt in the Midwest. Bob Abbott of Cleveland, Ohio, credits Dr. Shrink’s premium shrinkwrap for boat protection.

“Shrinkwrap is amazing, especially after seeing the aftermath of Sandy,” Abbott said. “We are on Lake Erie and even though we didn’t get hit directly, we experienced winds up to 78 mph and had two marinas nearly wiped out.”

Abbott wrapped both his boat and a friend’s in Dr. Shrink shrinkwrap and stored them in a parking lot.

“They were still pulling sunken boats out a week later at the marina next to us. Our shrinkwrap was not damaged at all,” said Abbott.

Dr. Shrink Inc. is a full-service, full-circle supplier of wrap. The material comes in widths from 12’ to 50’ wide. For more information, visit www.dr-shrink.com.

ADP Lightspeed Introduces Loyalty Program

ADP Lightspeed recently introduced a cardless, points based rewards program called Lightspeed Loyalty Rewards. Designed to help dealerships develop long-term relationships with their customers, the program allows a dealer to distribute points to customers for sales, service, accessory, and parts purchases. Dealers can also award points for participation in events and owner groups. Customers redeem the points by logging into their Rewards Account and either printing a gift certificate or sending the certificate to a mobile device.

“Lightspeed Loyalty rewards will bring back customers to the dealership and turn them into repeat customers,” said Greg Smith, general manager of ADP Lightspeed. “The program is completely integrated with Lightspeed and requires very little training to get started.”

The back-end reporting tool inside Lightspeed Loyalty Rewards give dealers the power to manage points, view balances, and create special events and promotions. Point balances are updated and customers are notified with every transaction, automatically.

“We are extremely excited to offer this to our dealers,” said Laurn Rice, vice president of Sales at ADP Lightspeed. “We saw a need in the market for a cardless, integrated loyalty product and we found the solution with Lightspeed Loyalty Rewards.”

Floating Solar Platform Captures Energy for Four Counties

Poralu Marine installed a floating solar platform at Canoe Brook, N.J., a town about 15 1/2 miles from New York. New Jersey American Water initiated the floating solar park. Eneractive Solutions, an engineering firm specializing in energy solutions, guided the pilot project, which created and implemented a viable 112-kilowatt (kW) photovoltaic system. It generates 136,000 kW annually for a water treatment plant, serving 78,000 homes in Essex, Union, Morris and Somerset counties with about 40.1 million gallons of water per day.

Poralu Marine did the engineering of the floating section, the interface with the photovoltaic panels, and the anchorage system.

The solar platform, composed of a floating pontoon structure with photovoltaic panels, is anchored with a Seaflex system, which uses a flexible form of anchoring that stabilizes floating structures under large fluctuations in water level.

The floating pontoons have an aluminum structure supported by polyethylene floats, which the company said can withstand punctures, and are covered with Ecostyle™ decking from Poralu Marine, which using 100 percent recyclable polypropylene.

Poralu Marine said the platform is also designed to allow a large amount of sunlight to pass through, protecting aquatic life. It also said the design solution met specific technical and financial constraints with the green electricity project. Project constraints included installing the solar panel with high platform stability, low maintenance and longevity, to meet predetermined budgets.