April 28, 2026 This week, in Boating Industry Canada News Week Digest, we have the latest news from the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC). That organization announced the recipients of the 2026 Outstanding Technician Awards during the International Marine Service Technician Week, April 20-24. Sponsored by CWR Wholesale Distribution, the awards were given to…
April 28, 2026 Mercury Marine, a division of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC) and a global leader in marine propulsion, today 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 approximately 18,000‑square‑foot, two-story, state-of-the-art facility is designed to support modern design and development and…
April 28, 2026 Freedom Boat Club, the world’s largest boat club and a Brunswick Corporation(NYSE: BC) business, today announced it has acquired the Freedom Boat Club of Greater Boston & Cape Cod franchise operations, the largest current franchise in the Freedom network. The acquisition includes 21 locations across Greater Boston, Cape Cod and surrounding areas, further expanding…
April 28, 2026 North Sails and Ontario Sailing enter a partnership focused on supporting the sailing community with educational resources for all levels of sailing, technical how-to on the latest advances in cruising and racing technology, and the latest events happening in Ontario for sailors. While a global company with multiple locations around the world, North Sails has a long history with…
April 28, 2026 On April 17, 2026 Patrick Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ: PATK) (“Patrick” or the “Company”), a leading component solutions provider for the Outdoor Enthusiast and Housing markets, confirmed that it is in discussions with LCI Industries (NYSE: LCII) regarding a potential merger of equals. There can be no assurance that any transaction will result from…
April 28, 2026 From their April 17th newsletter, we learned that NMMA’s latest Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary, reflecting data through January 2026, indicates continued softness across the recreational boating market as elevated interest rates and cautious consumer sentiment weigh on demand. On a rolling 12-month basis (February 2025–January 2026), new powerboat retail unit sales declined 9%…
April 28, 2026 Read more about the recipients of the ABYC 2026 Outstanding Technician Awards, sponsored by CWR Wholesale Distribution, as well as our Outstanding Technician: New Achievers, which recognizes newcomers to the industry who demonstrate outstanding potential and skills. Visit abycinc.org/2026outstandingtechs to learn about each winner!
April 21, 2026 Last week, in the April 14th edition of Boating Industry Canada News Week Digest, we lead with the headline, “Boating Ontario Association Announces CEO Transition as Rick Layzell Steps Down”. For many years, Rick Layzell has led the association with energy, dedication and determination. Perhaps most importantly, he has gathered and maintained a…
April 21, 2026 Ontario’s boating industry applauds Minister Mike Harris and his team on the completion of revised Water lot Lease Agreements for Ontario marinas. With dozens of Boating Ontario members relying on these agreements to manage fixed operations, moving forward with the extension is critical to ensuring marinas can operate reliably throughout the boating season. “Our government is taking action to…
April 21, 2026 Godfrey Marine, manufacturer of premium Godfrey pontoon boats and Hurricane deck boats, legendary innovator in versatile deck boat designs, just announced the launch of its Pontoon Dock Assist — a proprietary-engineered docking technology purpose engineered to solve one of the biggest challenges for pontoon owners: having the necessary precise control and maneuverability for pontoons at…
April 21, 2026 ICOMIA is delighted to welcome the China Boat Industry & Trade Association (CBITA) as a Sustaining Member. The China Boat Industry & Trade Association (CBITA), operating under the China Association of National Shipbuilding Industry (CANSI), encompasses entities engaged in vessel research and development, manufacturing, maintenance, sales, and related services. CBITA is dedicated to advancing sectoral planning,…
April 21, 2026 April 20–24, 2026 International Marine Service Technician Week started Monday, April 20 and we can’t wait to celebrate the backbone of the industry! This holiday is meant to bring awareness and recognition to the hard-working professionals who keep boating safe, reliable, and enjoyable. Thank your techs with us! Each day this week, ABYC will feature marine…
April 14, 2026 I have not seen any specific numerical value to express “wealth effect” but there is no doubt that as the value of people’s real estate has risen, there is a “wealth effect” that spurs on consumer spending. When a family has bought a summer property for “X” and then discovers that it…
April 14, 2026 Gary J. Brickell, founder and commodore, announces the launch of The Great Canadian Loop Association (GCLA), a grassroots boating group created to inspire owners of vessels from 20′ cuddy cabins to 50′ yachts to untie from their marinas and explore an epic 3,000 km freshwater cruising route around the Great Lakes and adjacent waterways. Born from conversations…
April 14, 2026 By Brian Goodwin, Director, Standards and Compliance When the ABYC Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Project Technical Committee met to review ABYC T‑32, Design and Construction in Consideration of Aquatic Invasive Species, one question from the resource management community rose quickly to the forefront: What specific steps have manufacturers taken to reduce the risk of transporting…
April 14, 2026 Sharrow Engineering just announced that it is scaling production of its patented Sharrow™ Propeller through a collaboration with Ford Motor Company’s Advanced Industrial Technology & Platforms (ATP) team, using advanced 3D sand-casting techniques thanks to connections made through the Michigan Central innovation ecosystem. The result is a significant reduction in production timelines, shortening what used to…
April 14, 2026 On Thursday, April 9th, 2026, The Boating Ontario Association announced that CEO Rick Layzell will be stepping down from his role at the end of 2026. Rick will transition out of the position and into semi-retirement as the calendar turns to 2027. During his tenure, Layzell played a key role in strengthening Boating Ontario’s position as…
April 7, 2026 On Thursday, March 26, I attended the Boating Ontario Regional meeting in Orillia. It was the last of the eight meetings the association held this spring. I took lots of notes because I was planning to write about this. But, I didn’t need to take any notes at all as it turned…
April 7, 2026 The Canada Strong Pass is back for summer 2026! The Government of Canada is offering free lockage and a 25% discount on fees for camping and overnight stays from June 19 to September 7, 2026 inclusive. Free lockage During the Canada Strong Pass period, free lockage will be available for boats, canoes and kayaks travelling…
April 7, 2026 Hutcheson to Lead Next Chapter of Growth and Culture-Driven ImpactOn April 1st, Zach Hutcheson stepped into the Chief Executive Officer role at Correct Craft. Hutcheson succeeds Bill Yeargin, who served as CEO for the past two decades. A long-time Correct Craft leader and previously the company’s Chief Financial Officer, Hutcheson steps into the role following…