Please select your home edition
Edition




 

Congress update and corporate announcements this week - MarineBusinessWorld North America newsletter

by Peter Rendle 29 Apr 08:00 PDT
American Boating Congress (ABC) © National Marine Manufacturers Association

For those attending the recreational boating industry's premier advocacy event, the American Boating Congress (ABC), the latest agenda offers a detailed look at the policy discussions that will drive this year's advocacy in Washington, D.C.

Taking place May 4-6, ABC will convene industry leaders and policymakers to focus on the most pressing issues facing recreational boating. This year's program includes a fireside chat between NMMA President and CEO Frank Hugelmeyer and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Chief Conservation Officer Holly Bamford, highlighting how conservation and access can work together. Attendees will also hear updates on NOAA's review of the 2008 vessel speed rule.

Meanwhile the American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) announced the recipients of its 2026 Outstanding Technician Awards during International Marine Service Technician Week, held April 20-24. Sponsored by CWR Wholesale Distribution, the ABYC awards recognize ten technicians for exceptional customer service, technical skill, training and mentorship. In addition, the New Achiever Awards recognize emerging professionals in the marine service industry who demonstrate strong potential and technical skill.

Mercury Marine, a division of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC) and a global leader in marine propulsion, held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new Industrial Design Studio, marking a significant investment in the future of product design, innovation, and collaboration. The new 18,000-square-foot, two-story, state-of-the-art facility is designed to support modern design and development and reflects Mercury Marine's long-term commitment to investing in its people, processes, and innovation pipeline.

Marine Products Corporation (NYSE: MPX) announced that its Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.14 per share payable May 14 to common stockholders of record at the close of business on May 8. Marine Products Corporation is a leading manufacturer of high-quality fiberglass boats under the brand names Chaparral and Robalo.

BRP Inc. (TSX/NASDAQ: DOO) announced that its annual meeting of shareholders will be held on May 28 and will be conducted by live webcast. Registered shareholders and duly appointed proxy holders are strongly encouraged to vote their shares in advance of the Meeting as described in the Company's Management Information Circular, or to vote virtually at the Meeting online.

Southern Marinas, a premier owner and operator of marinas in the United States, announced a successful recapitalization, effectuated as a sale by affiliates of KSL Capital Partners, LLC to Stonepeak, a leading alternative investment firm specializing in infrastructure and real assets. Founded in 2018, Southern Marinas owns and operates a diversified portfolio of 16 marinas strategically located across Florida, Idaho, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Washington.

Everglades Boats has announced the addition of Bay Marine Yacht Sales to its expanding network of authorized dealers. This partnership strengthens Everglades' presence in the Northeast and brings the brand's premium offshore fishing boats to one of the region's most respected family-owned marine dealerships. A second-generation dealership, Bay Marine has built its reputation on exceptional customer service and a deep commitment to the boating lifestyle.

More marine industry news at www.marinebusinessworld.com/NorthAmerica

Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@worldmarine.media

Related Articles

Brunswick introduces TotalCare initiative
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America TotalCare was launched this week, an exclusionary protection program designed to deliver maximum coverage, simplified pricing, and added coverage benefits for new boat owners across the marine industry, from Brunswick. Posted today at 3:00 pm
Hong Kong / Shenzhen BIA GBA Tour
Symposium on the development of boating and visa free access to the Greater Bay Area "Head south or head north - heading in both directions" Symposium on high-quality Development of the Yacht Industry and Exchange Visits for Free Travel in GBA Posted on 6 Jun
Sydney Boat Show preparation in full swing
A summary of news relevant to businesses across Oceania The Sydney Boat Show preparation and delivery plan is in full swing as we head towards the event on 30 July to 2 August. In addition to an exhibitor briefing this week, the event delivery team have the marketing program under way. Posted on 4 Jun
Importers assisted to enter US boating market
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America IBEX and Metstrade have partnered with the National Marine Representatives Association (NMRA) and the Marine Marketers of America (MMA) to launch a new export-focused program designed to help international companies enter the U.S. leisure marine market. Posted on 3 Jun
AUS and NZ boat shows report positive feedback
A summary of news relevant to businesses across Oceania The Southern Hemisphere's largest four-day marine event, Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) has officially wrapped, welcoming over 41,000 visitors to the Gold Coast's Sanctuary Cove from 21-24 May. Posted on 28 May
Global exposure of boating across 28 countries
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America World Boating Day 2026 concluded last weekend in spectacular style, bringing together 28 countries across 143 events in a global celebration of life on the water. Posted on 27 May
Marine industry labour shortage a critical issue
A summary of news relevant to businesses across Oceania More than 90 per cent of Australia's marine industry is deeply concerned about a critical lack of skilled labour, according to the latest data released by the Boating Industry Association (BIA). Posted on 21 May
Corporate reports covering 2025 feature this week
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC), one of the world's largest marine technology companies, has released its 2025 Sustainability Report, detailing meaningful progress in initiatives that benefit its people, its products and the environment. Posted on 20 May
Global yachting market projections from Deloitte
A summary of news relevant to businesses across Oceania The global market for new boat builds in the 2023-2025 period has stabilised (-2.1%, standing at €33.3 billion), however the Italian boatbuilding industry has managed to buck the global market trend (at around +5% in the 2023-2025 period). Posted on 14 May
Industry segments continue to expand
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America Lyman-Morse has begun construction of a new 15,000-square-foot facility to support large-scale composite fabrication and assembly, marking a significant expansion of the company's manufacturing facilities in Thomaston, Maine. Posted on 13 May