Over the last five or six years, Pod Drive Propulsion Systems have evolved from novel engineering concepts to marine industry game changers. Though pod drives have long been used for cruise ships, ferries and tugboats, their evolution and recent impact has occurred in the pleasure boat industry. They’ve quickly replaced traditional shaft drive systems asContinue reading "Pods Are Driving Change In The Marine Industry!"

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will propose amendments to House Bill 1307 to substantially reduce the proposed cost of registering a boat in Maryland, the department announced. The department introduced the legislation to address the state’s boating infrastructure needs. The original proposal would have replaced the flat $24 boat registration fee paid every twoContinue reading "Plan calls for smaller hike in Maryland boater fees"

A spike to $5 a gallon for the national average by the summer would mean that the rise in gas prices over the next few months would have to exceed the 8 percent climb we've seen over the past four weeks. Is it possible? Perhaps. Inevitable? Not really. "There's nothing inevitable about it," says IHSContinue reading "Why Gas Prices Aren’t Likely to Hit $5 This Summer"

Here comes the Viking 55     Veteran rock star Sammy Hagar had a hit some years back "I Can't Drive 55" but in a few months you can. That is, aboard the latest Viking, our new 55 Convertible, launching in late spring.   Viking first launched a 55 Convertible in the fall of 1997.Continue reading "Here comes the NEW VIKING 55"

Garmin signed an agreement to acquire Interphase Technologies Inc., a privately held creator and manufacturer of phased array scanning sonar technology based in Soquel, Calif.   See Related Articles Garmin buys its distributor in Chile Garmin reports 3Q results   Financial terms of the agreement will not be released. This transaction is expected to beContinue reading "Garmin signs deal to buy Interphase Technologies"

Members of the Virginia Marine Trades Association gathered last week in Richmond as part of the association's inaugural Lobby Day event.   See Related Articles Virginia trade group names 2012 officers   Fourteen General Assembly members, or their legislative aides, met with constituents to discuss legislation of concern to the industry. “With more than 253,500Continue reading "Trade group urges Virginia to keep boat-tax cap"

Signs of an improving economy generate optimism for the big show among organizers and exhibitors   See Related Articles Groups announce Miami show events NMMA seeks Innovation Awards entries for Miami NMMA dealer program returns to Miami show Miami boat show signs diving exhibit producer   The thousands of boats, engines, electronics and accessories onContinue reading "Will tide turn in Miami?"

FLIR Systems, the parent company of Raymarine, today announced a drop in revenue for the fourth quarter, but an increase in revenue for the full fiscal year.   See Related Articles FLIR division moves to New Hampshire VIDEO: FLIR unveils handheld marine scope FLIR Systems reports 3Q results   Revenue for the quarter, which endedContinue reading "FLIR Systems reports 4Q, year-end results"

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A report from IBISWorld anticipates an annual rate of decline of 8.6 percent in luxury and megayacht revenue during the last five years, but a boost in dollars through 2017. See Related Articles Proposed yacht crew rules eased Report sees increase in marine insurers’ profits “The decline is largely attributable to a significant downturn inContinue reading "Report expects rebound in megayacht revenue"

Here are some pictures of the 76 before she heads down to the Florida Viking Service Center for a the tower install. The 76 will be on display at the Miami Boat Show. Link to Viking 76 Convertible: http://www.vikingyachts.com/models2/overview.asp?numIdVal=76C

A pensioner has escaped uninjured after he spent 11 hours pinned to his bed after his ceiling collapsed under the weight of 7,000 yachting magazines. Richard Phillips, 77, was discovered trapped yesterday under chunks of the ceiling and 150 boxes filled with the magazines at his home in Goldhanger, Essex. Firefighters spent 45 minutes removingContinue reading "Pensioner spends 11 HOURS pinned to his bed after ceiling collapsed under weight of 7,000 yachting magazines"

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index rose again in December and now stands at 64.5, up from 55.2 in November and the highest since April. Economists and other financial experts closely watch the index because consumer spending accounts for about 70 percent of U.S. economic activity. “After two months of considerable gains, the Consumer ConfidenceContinue reading "Consumer confidence reaches eight-month high"

Regulator Marine recently held its 2011 Regulator Marine University.     The event was held Dec. 5-6 at the Regulator plant in Edenton, N.C. It provides domestic and international sales staff with valuable tools and product knowledge. After being awarded a “Bachelor of Science in Regulator Product Knowledge,” “the newly minted graduate understands the intricaciesContinue reading "Regulator Marine holds annual meeting"

Two people were burned in a blaze that destroyed four yachts in a private Coconut Grove marina early Saturday morning, officials said. The fire, which erupted before dawn, caused more the $7 million in damages. About 40 firefighters worked on the blaze, which took more than two and half hours to bring under control. TwoContinue reading "Four multimillion-dollar yachts were destroyed and two people hurt during a fire at a Coconut Grove Marina"