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National Marine Manufacturers Association News

23 May 2018

Interview: Volvo Penta's Ron Huibers

Ron Huibers, President, Volvo Penta of the Americas. Photo: Ron Huibers

As Volvo Penta continues its strategic penetration of the commercial maritime sector, Maritime Reporter & Engineering News checks in with Ron Huibers, President, Volvo Penta of the Americas. When we first met with you a few years ago, Volvo Penta was in the early stages of a strategic move into the commercial maritime sector in North America. Please update your progress. Historically, we have been strong in the marine commercial markets outside of North America. Five years ago…

20 Feb 2018

NMMA Honors MasterCraft’s XStar with 2018 Innovation Award

MasterCraft Boat Company continues its leadership accolades in the towboat category with a prestigious innovation award for its most advanced towboat to date, the 2018 XStar, said a press release from the company. Just announced at the Miami International Boat Show, the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and Boating Writers International honored MasterCraft with this award as one of 17 winners out of 62 total evaluated products. “With the new XStar, validation came when ranks of pro wakeboarders outside of the MasterCraft team were raving about its versatility and what it will allow them to do off the wake. It’s truly the first wakeboard boat in the world that is so versatile that it enables progression for anyone from family riders to the world’s best…

19 Feb 2017

FUSION Wins NMMA Innovation Award

FUSION announced today that its STEREOACTIVE purpose-builtportable marine stereo has won the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) Innovation Award in the Watersport Equipmentcategory at the 2017 Miami International Boat Show. “We are very proud of the passion and dedication our design and engineering team has put into STEREOACTIVE and are deeply honored to be recognized by the NMMA,” said Chris Baird, managing director of FUSION Entertainment. “After 10 years in the industry, we really wanted to push the boundaries and enable smaller boats to easily and cost effectively add quality, purpose-built entertainment to their vessel.

19 Feb 2017

Volvo Penta Wins Innovation Award for Inboard Joystick

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and Boating Writers International (BWI) today presented Volvo Penta with a 2017 Innovation Award for the Volvo Penta Joystick for Inboard. It is the first and only joystick for twin inboard shaft installations that includes both docking and driving modes and integrates all five steering components: thruster, rudders, gear shift, slip and throttle. “The Joystick for Inboard propulsion delivers substantial benefits to boat builders, dealers and customers, allowing us to offer a complete helm-to-prop solution for inboard applications that makes docking and driving a shaft boat effortless and intuitive,” said Ron Huibers, president of Volvo Penta of the Americas.

18 Feb 2017

NMMA CSI award for Volvo Penta

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) has presented the 14th consecutive annual Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) award to Volvo Penta for its gasoline sterndrive engines. The CSI awards, presented at the Miami International Boat Show Feb. 17, recognize boat and engine manufacturers for excellence in customer satisfaction. Volvo Penta was the only company to win a CSI award in the sterndrive category this year. The marine industry CSI award signifies that Volvo Penta achieved and maintained a standard of 90 percent or higher in customer satisfaction, based on surveys of customers who purchased a new boat or engine during the period from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2016.

23 Feb 2016

Industry Award for Simrad Structurescan 3D Sonar

Simrad StructureScan 3D sonar imaging has won the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) Innovation Award in the Consumer Electronics category at the 2016 Miami International Boat Show. Following the success of the Simrad NSO evo2 multifunction display in 2014, and Simrad ForwardScan sonar in 2015, this is the third consecutive NMMA innovation win at the Miami show for the brand. Simrad HALO Pulse Compression Radar also won the NMMA Innovation Award in September at the 2015 International Boat Builders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX). The Innovation Awards program, organized by the NMMA and judged by Boating Writers International (BWI)…

14 Feb 2016

BRP Wins Industry Award for Rotax Innovation

BRP’s Rotax Intelligent Shift and Throttle (iST) system was recognized by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) with an Innovation Award in the Jet Boat category at the 2016 Miami International Boat Show. The game-changing iST option for Rotax jet propulsion systems brings electronic control to formerly mechanical functions. Now available on nearly all Scarab jet boat models and Chaparral Vortex models, iST allows boaters to optimize low-speed maneuverability in a variety of environmental conditions. Whether cruising, pulling, fishing or docking, the iST system gives boaters the confidence of being in full control so they can enjoy their time on the water.

19 Nov 2015

Simrad HALO Radar Wins 2015 Design Award

Simrad HALO Pulse Compression Radar, the world’s first high-performance recreational solid-state, open-array radar system with pulse compression technology, has won the prestigious 2015 Design Award METS (DAME) in the Marine Electronics category at the Marine Equipment Trade Show in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Simrad’s HALO Radar combines the advantages of Broadband Radar and traditional pulse radar systems–providing navigational visibility and awareness as close as 20 feet (6 meters) within the pulse radar’s short-range “blind spot,” where once only Broadband Radar could operate–all while offering exceptional long-range performance up to 72 nautical miles. With Beam Sharpening for enhanced target separation control, HALO Radar provides unmatched target resolution.

07 Oct 2015

NMEA Award for Simrad HALO Pulse Compression Radar

Simrad HALO Pulse Compression Radar has been awarded the Technology Award at the 2015 National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) Conference and Expo in Baltimore, Md. The NMEA 2015 Technology Award is judged by an independent panel of experts recognizing exceptionally innovative consumer marine products. Simrad HALO Pulse Compression Radar is the world’s first high-performance, solid-state, open-array radar system with pulse-compression technology, suitable for recreational and light marine markets. Combining the advantages of Broadband Radar and traditional pulse radar systems, HALO Pulse Compression Radar provides navigational visibility and awareness…

25 Sep 2015

Volvo Penta Wins NMMA's CSI Award

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) this week presented the 12th consecutive Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) award to Volvo Penta recognizing excellence in customer satisfaction in marine sterndrive engines. The CSI award is based on an independent survey of over 50,000 consumers purchasing a new boat or engine during the period from April 2014 through March 2015. The CSI award signifies that Volvo Penta achieved and maintained an independently measured standard of excellence of 90 percent or higher. The CSI program was implemented by the NMMA to support industry efforts to improve the consumer boating experience and recognize those companies that achieve the highest standards of quality and customer satisfaction.

18 Sep 2015

Industry Award for Simrad Halo Pulse Compresssion Radar

Simrad Yachting announced today that Simrad HALO Pulse Compression Radar has been awarded the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) Innovation Award in the OEM Electronics category at the 2015 International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition & Conference (IBEX). Simrad HALO Pulse Compression Radar range is the world’s first high-performance solid-state, open-array radar system with pulse compression technology, suitable for recreational and light marine markets. Combining the advantages of Broadband Radar™ and traditional pulse radar systems, HALO provides navigational visibility and awareness, as close as 20-feet, within the pulse radar’s short-range “blind spot,” where once only Broadband Radar could operate — all while offering exceptional long-range performance.

13 Feb 2015

Volvo Penta Wins NMMA Innovation Award

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) presented an Innovation Award to Volvo Penta for its new Forward Drive (FWD) propulsion system in the Alternate Drive Technology category at the 2015 Miami International Boat Show today. The winners were selected by an independent panel of boating journalists, and the awards were presented at this morning’s Industry Breakfast at the Miami Beach Convention Center. “Winning this prestigious NMMA Innovation Award is a great testimony to the passion for innovation that drives our Volvo Penta team,” said Ron Huibers, president of Volvo Penta of the Americas. Volvo Penta’s patented FWD system introduces a revolutionary new concept in marine propulsion…

23 Jan 2015

US Boating On High Speed Recovery

Nearly 89 million Americans went boating last year, one of the largest boating participation figures on record. And the boat sales last year increased to $37 billion, a 3 percent increase from the year before. These figures are released by the National Marine Manufacturers Association, according to a report from Kansas City Star. After several down years in the midst of a struggling economy, boaters are taking to the water like seldom before. This augurs well for the boating industry. Becca Doyle, show director of Kansas City Boat and Sportshow says that there was some pent-up demand when the economy was down. Now that things are getting better, boat sales are improving and more people are getting on the water. There are more than 12 million registered boats in the United States.

22 Oct 2014

Court Dismisses Boating Industry’s Challenge to EPA Misfueling Rule

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) said it is disappointed with the U.S. Court of Appeals decision released on Tuesday, October 21, 2014 for the D.C. Circuit to dismiss the recreational boating industry’s challenge of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) rule regarding misfueling mitigation plans surrounding the sale of E15. The case specifically challenged the EPA’s plans to prevent misfueling including the use of what NMMA believes is a highly inadequate pump warning label amongst other insufficient means. The court held that those bringing the case, including the American Petroleum Institute (API) and the Engine Products Group (EPG) which includes NMMA…

30 Sep 2013

EU and US Associations Partner for Transatlantic Trade

On 18 September 2013, Thom Dammrich, president of the National Marine Manufacturers Association and Robert Marx, President of European Boating Industry, signed a joint declaration stating the intention of both organizations to work together in order to reduce and looking ahead, eliminate, unnecessary regulatory costs and unjustified regulatory differences between the EU and the US in the boating industry. This common declaration is occurring during the wider EU-US trade negotiations which were launched in July 2013 under the name of Transatlantic Trade & Investment Partnership (TTIP). President Robert Marx from European Boating Industry explained that “the US and the EU are natural trade partners and have a long tradition of exchanges in the boating industry…

23 Sep 2013

Boston Whaler Receives Tenth Consecutive NMMA Award

Boston Whaler 350 Outrage

For a tenth consecutive year, Boston Whaler was recognized for excellence in customer satisfaction by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) as a recipient of the 2013 Customer Satisfaction (CSI) Award. As announced by the NMMA at the 2013 International BoatBuilders Exhibition and Conference (IBEX), Boston Whaler earned its award in the Fiberglass Outboard Boats category. The CSI Awards measure customer satisfaction, only recognizing boat and engine manufacturers that receive the highest marks.

23 Jul 2013

NMMA to Brief House on Impact of Boating on the US Economy

On July 24, 2013, Thomas J. Dammrich, President of the National Marine Manufacturers Association, (NMMA) will discuss the state of the U.S. recreational boating industry from 2 to 3 p.m. in Room 1310 of the Longworth House Office Building. This informative session will prepare Representatives to discuss the economy and jobs outlook with constituents, armed with the latest data on the demographics and economic impact of recreational boating as they return to their districts for the height of the summer boating season. Despite fundamental challenges to the U.S. economy over the past several years, recreational boat building remains a largely American enterprise, providing high-paying jobs to highly-skilled employees throughout the nation.

16 Jun 2013

Boatbuilding Booms as More Americans Take to the Water:

New data from The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) show 88 million Americans expected to take to U.S. waterways this summer. NMMA add that recreational boating in the U.S. has an annual economic value of $121-billion. The industry’s rising tide supports 964,000 American jobs and 34,833 businesses, generates $40 billion in annual labor income and drives $83 billion in annual spending. The NMMA, on behalf of the U.S. boating industry, released these findings as part of its annual U.S. Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract, a collection of data and analysis on the state of the U.S. recreational boating industry. Retail sales of new power and sailboats increased 10.7 percent in 2012 to 163,245, demonstrating a post-recession recovery for the industry.

11 Jun 2013

Recreational Boating: a $121-billion Economic Driver for U.S.

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), announced that recreational boating in the U.S. has an annual economic value of $121 billion. The industry’s rising tide supports 964,000 American jobs and 34,833 businesses, generates $40 billion in annual labor income and drives $83 billion in annual spending. The NMMA, on behalf of the U.S. boating industry, released these findings today as part of its annual U.S. Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract, a collection of data and analysis on the state of the U.S. recreational boating industry. -Retail sales of new power and sailboats increased 10.7% in 2012 to 163,245, demonstrating a post-recession recovery for the industry. -New powerboat sales increased 10% to 157,300 in 2012. -New sailboat sales increased 29.2% to 5,945 in 2012.

05 Jun 2013

DOE Funds Research on Alternative Biofuels

Tomorrow, the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) kicks off a third summer season of alternative biofuel testing in an effort to further advance marine engine technology and find an alternative to fuel containing more than 10% ethanol as a result of its damaging effects on marine engines. The tests are funded by the Department of Energy which released a 2011 report on engines using E15 revealing performance issues like stalling, corrosion leading to oil or fuel leaks, increased emissions and damaged valves, rubber fuel lines and gaskets. These results reinforced the recreational boating industry’s concern that E15 is not a suitable fuel for boat engines.

10 Jan 2013

NMMA, MRAA Make Joint $10,000 'Sandy' Contribution

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) today announced a joint donation of $10,000 to the Marine Trades Association of New Jersey (MTA/NJ)’s Recovery & Relief Fund to provide aid to recreational marine businesses impacted by Hurricane Sandy. NMMA estimates that the recreational boating industry creates $1.6 billion in annual economic impact in New Jersey. Making up part of the robust marine industry economic impact in New Jersey are approximately 1,140 marine businesses throughout the state that generate an estimated $224 million in labor income for employees. What’s more, these businesses serve an estimated 160,000 registered boats in New Jersey.

06 Jan 2013

Tide Turns for US Boating Industry

Recreational boating industry reports ten percent increase in new power boat sales in 2012: first sign of healthy growth since recession. According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) early projections indicate the industry will see additional increases in 2013 by as much as 5-10 percent, with the caveat that this level of growth in 2013 will depend on a number of factors including continued improvement in economic conditions that impact recreational boating—namely consumer confidence and the housing market—and sustained increases in Americans’ participation in outdoor recreation. “Improving economic conditions and what seems to be a resurgence in Americans’ love for the outdoors…

27 Sep 2012

Plantation Boat Mart Acquires Hydra-Sports Boat Co.

Hydra-Sports Boat 2300: Photo courtesy of Plantation Boat & Marina

Florida boat dealers Plantation Boat Mart & Marina acquire Hydra-Sports Boat Company from M C B C Hydra Sports LLC (Master Craft Boat Company). The new company is know as Hydra-Sports Custom Boats, LLC. Poised to represent an entirely new concept within the boating industry, customers will be able to order their new vessels directly from the company's Islamorada and Palm Beach factory test centers and take delivery. Every model will be available on-site at the company's Florida Keys location and ready for sea trial.