Boating under the influence (BUI)…it’s serious. (Read More…)

I opened my mail this morning and actually read some good news. See today’s story about a study released by The Freedonia Group, a Cleveland-based industry research firm on Sounding Trade Only’s e-mail newsletter.   (Read More…)

Grassroots campaigning, as you know, can have a huge effect in Congress. But it only works when legislators hear from lots of people on a particular subject.

Here’s your chance to speak volumes on a recently proposed bill, The Recreational Boating Act, which is designed to protect recreational boaters from new commercial ballast water permitting regulations. (Read More…)

It’s time to kick things up a notch.

Economists are talking about the “R” word. The Federal Reserve’s move to cut the rate by a half point may not derail the nation’s tumble towards recession as a result of the housing crisis. Even former Federal Reserve chairman Alan Greenspan says the central bank’s move may not be enough to move the glut of unsold newly constructed homes.

What do we, as an industry, do? We look at our businesses and do it better. (Read More…)

With the discount rate cut yesterday it shows how concerned the Fed is about the softening economy tied to the perception of shaky credit markets. The other “huge” factor I think is going to hurt boating is the falling home values in many parts of the country where people have tied purchases to what had been growing home equity. (Read More…)

I congratulate three leading manufacturers, Perko, Volvo Penta and Boston Whaler, for achieving significant milestones. Perko and Volvo Penta turned 100, and Boston Whaler celebrates its 50th birthday. (See upcoming story in the October issue of Soundings Trade Only.)

While each company proudly touted its accomplishments — and rightfully so — Volvo Penta said something that really stood out.  (Read More…)

This past weekend I was out and about, shopping for my fall wardrobe and as I passed by a large marina along the Connecticut shoreline I marveled at all the boats in the water.

Then I did a double take. (Read More…)

I’m curious about something. What are dealers and manufacturers doing to lure women, minorities, unmarried and anyone under the age of 45 into boating? (Read More…)

A long-standing patent dispute over trim tab designs will likely head to court next year as Bennett Marine and its competitor, Lenco Marine, continue to argue their cases.

But let’s go beyond individual lawsuits, for a minute, and look at the big picture. (Read More…)

There’s been a lot of buzz in the news lately about the worldwide credit crunch, with reports coming in from the United States, Canada and Europe. Many blame lenders that offered teaser rates designed to entice those with spotty credit or no money for a downpayment. (Read More…)