Author Archives: Hank Sibley Bluewater Yacht Sales

Mercury Marine introduced a new line of Bravo Three propellers designed especially for higher-horsepower diesel applications. See Related Articles Mercury Marine starts repaying Wisconsin loan Mercury Racing president will step down Mercury Marine names new regional president Mercury Marine names VP of global operations Mercury Marine adds jobs at Wisconsin plant Mercury said the BravoContinueContinue reading “Mercury Marine rolls out new propeller line”

On Monday, the National Marine Manufacturers Association will join a diverse group of stakeholders in holding a conference call to discuss the negative impacts of the Renewable Fuel Standard.   See Related Articles Appeals court rules against EPA on biofuel estimates Wall Street Journal criticizes EPA after biofuel ruling Federal court denies E15 appeal GasContinueContinue reading “NMMA plans conference call on fuel standards”

WASHINGTON — After fierce lobbying by political leaders in states across the Northeast, the House of Representatives on Tuesday night approved a long-awaited $50.7 billion emergency bill to provide help to victims of Hurricane Sandy. The aid package passed 241 to 180, with 49 Republicans joining 192 Democrats. The Senate is expected to pass theContinueContinue reading “House Approves $50.7 Billion in Emergency Aid for Storm Victims”

Watermen and boat builders turned out in force Monday to keep a spotlight on Oregon Inlet and urge Dare County commissioners to lead a unified effort to open the channel back up for commerce. Two of the six remaining local boat builders warned that the shallow channel is not just a problem for trawlers thatContinueContinue reading “Blocked Oregon Inlet leaves boat builders on edge”

  Continued shoaling and low water will probably mean suspensions of ferry service between Hatteras and Ocracoke for several more weeks until a contractor can clear out the channel. Problems have persisted in the ferry channel since Hurricane Irene in 2011, especially in a tight dogleg where depths can be as little 4 feet. HurricaneContinueContinue reading “Suspensions of Hatteras ferry runs to continue”

Yamaha Outboard debuted its Helm Master system to the media this week at its test facility on the Tennessee River in Alabama. Much more than just joystick steering, Yamaha’s Helm Master represents the next step in boat control systems, I believe. Yamaha calls it a “fully integrated boat control system.” Remarkably, there are no cablesContinueContinue reading “New Yamaha Helm Master”

Some boat dealers in states affected by drought and high temperatures say they’re seeing an increase in boats with ethanol damage. Kansas gas station is first to offer E15 “We’re seeing more boats affected by ethanol because the boats are sitting longer,” Jeff Seims, at Blue Springs Marine near Kansas City, Mo., told Soundings TradeContinueContinue reading “Dealers say ethanol damage increases with drought”

  Crews have started the dredging process for Bogue Inlet. They will be making their way down to New River Inlet, New Topsail, Carolina Beach and Lockwood’s Folly Inlet in the next few weeks. Army Corp met with town leaders Monday to go over finances. The dredging process costs each inlet $500,000 per year. ComeContinueContinue reading “Money for dredging local inlets drying up”

Contrary to numerous studies showing the detriment of fuel with more than 10 percent ethanol, the Environmental Protection Agency approved a plan submitted by the ethanol industry to address residual fuel that can be left in gas pumps that offer both E15 and other fuels, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association.   See RelatedContinueContinue reading “EPA approves plan for E15 use”

Marine industry lenders indicate that boat sales in May and early June are up at least 7 or 8 percent, according to Wells Fargo analyst Timothy Conder. See Related Articles Sales momentum continues into spring Sea Ray adds to dealer network Spring sales season off to solid start January sales hold hope for spring seasonContinueContinue reading “Marine industry lenders indicate that boat sales in May and early June are up at least 7 or 8 percent.”

It was only April, but marine consumers had summer fun on their minds as sales of personal watercraft, jet boats and ski boats roared upward by margins ranging from 22 to 44 percent.   See Related Articles Spring sales season off to solid start January sales hold hope for spring season Boat sales close outContinueContinue reading “Boat sales climb in April”

  The marine industry’s opposition to the distribution of gasoline containing 15 percent ethanol received a boost this week.   See Related Articles Federal appeals court hears E15 waiver challenge EPA approval moves E15 closer to marketplace Company says it’s close to producing biofuel alternative E15 study bill passes House committee EPA releases 2012 renewableContinueContinue reading “New tests raise questions about E15”

Engine durability tests by the Coordinating Research Council, which studies the interaction of engines and petroleum products, found leaks from uneven valve seat wear and pittage in two of eight 2001-09 vehicle engines run for 500 hr on a 15% ethanol-85% gasoline fuel blend, the organization supported by the American Petroleum Institute and automobile manufacturersContinueContinue reading “CRC tests reveal valve seat damage in some vehicles from E15”