MRAA News

Seattle Boat Company Receives Recognition

Seattle Boat Company, with locations in  Seattle and Bellevue, Wash., was recently recognized as a 2014 Supporter of the Year by AtWork!, an organization whose mission it is to help people with disabilities be more productive, integrated and contributing members of their community. CLICK HERE to watch an inspiring video featuring Jon Vossler and Michael […]

Industry Mourns Loss of Austin Boats Founder

Jeff Parker, the founder of Austin Boats and Motors in Austin, Texas, recently passed away unexpectedly. Moving forward, the business will be run by Parker’s son, Martin Boyer, and other family members. Parker was a strong dealer advocate, valued MRAA board member and friend to the industry. In lieu of flowers, the Parker family requests […]

Allen Harbor Marine Service Mourns Loss of President

Rupert L. “Ren” Nichols Jr., president of Allen Harbor Marine Service in Harwich Port, Mass., died March 28 after battling a long illness. He was 66. An active and engaged member of the Cape Cod boating and marine community, Nichols was a 48-year “lifetime member” of the U.S. Power Squadrons, where he rose to the […]

Registration opens for expanded MDCE

The 2014 dealer event will feature four educational tracks, two keynote addresses, and more dedicated expo hall time then ever before. ORLANDO – Today, organizers kick off the grand opening of registration for a Marine Dealer Conference & Expo that features more educational offerings and more expo hall time than ever before. MDCE 2014 is […]

MRAA Members Earn Big With AquaPac Insurance Program

Members of the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas participating in the AquaPac Boat & Yacht Insurance Program earned more than $215,000 in combined revenue in 2013 — with the average dealership bringing in more than $3,700 — demonstrating that the program is a bonafide revenue generator for marine dealers. Program participation also rose significantly […]

MRAA, Wisconsin Marine Association Host Successful Educational Session for WMA Members

Last week, the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, in conjunction with the Wisconsin Marine Association, hosted a successful one-day educational session for WMA members. A total of 34 people representing 24 companies attended the eight-hour, information-packed day to learn about the latest industry trends and gain insight into a variety of hot-button topics currently […]

ABC Set for May 5-7 in Washington, D.C.

The American Boating Congress (ABC) is the industry’s annual legislative conference that brings recreational boating leaders to our nation’s capital to formulate public policy and present a unified front on issues that impact the health and profitability of marine businesses. This year, 38 organizations are endorsing ABC as co-hosts – including the Marine Retailers Association […]

MRAA Opposes E-15

Increasing ethanol content in gasoline is bad for boats and the boating business. The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) opposes attempts to increase the Renewable Fuel Standard, which would enable the level of ethanol in gasoline to reach 15 percent (E-15) or higher, and asks Congress to support legislation reducing the ethanol content […]