Marine OEM Supply, What's new at Sanctuary Cove (lots), Miami buoyant

by Jeni Bone, editor on 21 Feb 2012 Another week of launches and awards, with the 71st Miami International Boat Show 2012 choosing the best of every category to elevate in its list of most innovative for 2012.

As Zuzana Prochazka, Innovation Awards’ judge chair and president of BWI Board of Directors says of the winners: 'They are testament to the ongoing commitment to boating ingenuity necessary to the future of our industry'. Make a point of checking out the winners and what the judges said of each for information AND inspiration.

Good news too from the big daddy of boat shows, with optimism among dealers and consumer sentiment high, despite the US economy. Fuelling the positive mood, an increase in entry level boaters and newcomers to boating, as well as a proactive and unified front from the US marine media, which according to Thom Dammrich President of the NMMA 'is utterly vital to sustaining the boating industry'.

As Thom wisely pointed out to journalists: 'There is a need for our industry to adjust to the changing population'. In fact, at the same time, Boating Writers International hosted a discussion on current issues entitled 'Expanding The Boating Universe Beyond Middle-aged White Males'.

Thom will be appearing at this year's ASMEX conference on the Gold Coast 22-23 May, prior to Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show. He is bound to have the freshest insight in to industry trends and issues, so register now if your business revolves around yachting.

Also this week, plenty from Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, just 90 days away - including over 60 world and Australian launches and the megayacth, 'Norseman' on show and looking for a new owner. There will be many more brands and exhibitors confirming in the next few weeks, so watch this space for more.

Our feature this week is a profile on Marine OEM Supply, an Australian company that has diversified to design, build and also supply high-end products to not just the marine industry, but mining, architectural, construction and automotive industries as well with their custom items.

With stainless steel their specialty, the company is looking to expand overseas with their sights set on the US, Europe and Asia.

Plenty of material for thought and hopefully, action this week.

Send me your own thoughts and news leads.