By Kim Whitaker, Marine Division Account Manager, Searchshop, an MRAA Platinum Partner Lead generation has gotten more complex and so have today’s buyers. They’re not just looking for a boat, they’re looking for confidence, clarity and a smooth experience from start to finish. In a market that saw a 9% dip in new boat sales […]
Author: MRAA Partner Contributions
Modernizing Marine F&I: How Digital Marketing and Technology Are Driving Profit and Customer Loyalty
By Brenda Cline-Kereakes, CEO of Line\5, an MRAA Platinum Partner The marine retail industry is evolving. Buyers are more informed, more connected and expect seamless experiences at every stage of their journey — from researching a boat online to finalizing their purchase and financing options. As marine dealers work to keep up with these expectations, […]
Digital Marketing’s Impact on Marine Dealerships – A 10-Year Analysis
By Chris Kulaga, Product Manager, Lightspeed, an MRAA Strategic Partner Over the past decade, digital marketing’s impact on marine dealerships has been substantial, as many have undergone a significant digital transformation. What was once a retail segment reliant on boat shows, print ads and word-of-mouth has increasingly embraced email campaigns, text messaging and online engagement […]
Radian IoT, Northpoint Commercial Finance Launch New Pilot Program to Support Marine Supply Chain Management
March 27, 2025, Alpharetta, GA. – Radian IoT and Northpoint Commercial Finance announce a new groundbreaking pilot program leveraging Radian IoT’s state-of-the-art GPS tracking technology for direct testing among select Northpoint OEM and dealer customers. This pilot program featuring a sampling of Northpoint customers is designed to test the delivery of real-time insights into OEM […]
6 Benefits of an F&I Department
• The Critical Role of F&I Departments in Marine Dealerships: Enhancing Profitability and Customer Satisfaction By Brenda Cline-Kereakes, COO, Line\5 In the marine industry, delivering an exceptional customer experience is just as crucial as selling boats. Yet, many dealerships overlook one of the most powerful tools for ensuring customer satisfaction, financial stability and long-term profitability […]
Successful F&I Operations, Whether In-House or Outsourced
By Robert Grant, Associate Director of OEM Business Development, Lightspeed In the marine industry, dealerships are like the old Transformers cartoons — “there’s more than meets the eye” when it comes to running them. While selling boats is a foundational piece of the puzzle, having successful F&I operations is a key piece to the overall […]
Fueling Profit & Trust: The Power of a Strong Marine F&I Department
The Challenge: Navigating the Marine F&I Landscape Marine dealers today face increasing challenges in Finance & Insurance (F&I), from stricter lending laws and regulations to customers hesitant about financing options. According to a recent survey by the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA), 39% of dealers reported lacking a dedicated F&I Manager or Department, […]
5 Fraud Prevention Tools for Your Dealership
By Julie Douglas, President, Dealer Pay Your dealership is a prime target for fraud because you process high-ticket transactions and maintain sensitive customer data. Fortunately, advancements in technology have provided a wealth of tools to combat fraudulent activities. Here are 5 fraud prevention tools that can help protect your dealership and your customers. Enhance Your […]
Lender Mix is Key to Your F&I Success
By Jared Zimlin, Director of Business Development, Elite Recreational Finance, an MRAA Education Champion You’ve likely faced some tough challenges in F&I that directly dampen your sales potential. These hurdles, from limited lender options and higher interest rates to tightening guidelines and aged inventory being devalued, are difficult to navigate alone. Let’s take a closer […]
Critical Menhaden Science Funding Falls Short Again in Virginia
• Recreational angling, boating and conservation community disappointed that state legislative efforts to fund menhaden science in the Chesapeake Bay failed in session (RICHMOND, Va.)— During the 2025 legislative session, Virginia lawmakers again failed to approve multiple efforts from both sides of the aisle to provide funding for the Virginia Institute of Marine Science to […]
