Recreational Boating Top Performing Sector WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) today released new annual economic data highlighting the continued strength and significant economic impact of outdoor recreation in 2024. According to the new BEA Outdoor Recreation Economic Statistics, nominal gross output for
MINNEAPOLIS, March 10, 2026 — The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) announced that 11 companies made a commitment to the association as Standard Partners through the end of January. The addition of these companies expands the network of organizations that support the marine industry and the retailers who
• Advisory Group commissions study to help manufacturers, dealers and Discover Boating target growth audiences and convert interest into ownership The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA), today released new consumer research conducted to inform the Market Expansion Advisory Group’s work to accelerate long-term boating growth. Leading global
By Chad Tokowicz, MRAA Government Relations Manager The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has taken an important first step toward reexamining federal vessel regulations intended to protect the endangered North Atlantic Right Whale, and this development has meaningful implications for the
By Courtney Chalmers, Chief Brand & Communications Officer at Boats Group, an MRAA Strategic Partner For many marine dealers, used boats have traditionally been treated as opportunistic inventory – boats that arrive through trade-ins or brokerage agreements and are sold alongside new inventory. But today’s market is changing that equation. Economic
The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) will convene top marine industry leaders for the inaugural MRAA Industry Summit, taking place April 6–8, 2026, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
By Rob Grant, Associate Director of OEM Business Development, Lightspeed, an MRAA Strategic Partner The marine industry has always required balance between optimism and discipline, growth and cash flow, new and used inventory. But in today’s environment of margin pressure, fluctuating demand, and rising carrying costs, inventory strategy has become
• MRAA Certified Dealer Wins 2 Neptune Awards MINNEAPOLIS (Feb. 24, 2026) — MRAA Certified Dealer Marine Connection is the inaugural recipient of the Dealership Experiential Marketing Award for its launch of Aiata Boats into the North American market at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. The dealership also earned
The marine industry must rethink its outdated pricing system as transparency becomes a consumer expectation.
• Expands Spectrum Gel Training Programs By James Mitchell, Managing Director Spectrum Color Spectrum Color’s journey began with a strong focus on direct marketing to boat manufacturers, which helped us build valuable industry relationships and gain access to exclusive dealer meetings and detailed color data. These early advantages laid the
