IDS Launches Marine Division to Provide Specialized Expertise and Strategic Partnerships

For over 40 years, IDS has been a trusted DMS partner across the recreational industry, delivering unmatched transparency, integrity, and innovation. Drawing on that deep well of industry expertise, IDS Marine will focus entirely on the unique needs of marine dealerships, providing a unique consultative approach to client management and acting as a trusted partner to boat dealers.

IDS Marine is charting a course to provide:

  • Purpose-Built Solutions – Developing products and integrations specifically designed for the Marine industry.
  • Customer-First Service – Delivering industry-leading support and personalized attention.
  • A Dealer-Driven Approach – Ensuring your voice shapes our roadmap to help you streamline operations and maximize profitability.

“The launch of IDS Marine comes at a critical time when dealers are seeking more from their DMS partner,” says Marc Hertert, General Manager of IDS Marine. “They need a partner solely focused on the unique needs of marine dealerships—one that offers exceptional customer service along with unrivaled accounting and reporting capabilities.”

As IDS Marine begins this journey, the company is calling on marine dealers, OEMs, and technology partners to share their ideas, feedback, and integration requests to help shape the future of marine dealership management technology.

“Dealer feedback will play a vital role in guiding our path forward,” says Hertert. “Our success hinges on your success, and we’re committed to delivering solutions to streamline operations, strengthen customer relationships, and drive profitability.”

To learn more about how IDS Marine can be your dealership’s trusted partner, contact the IDS Marine sales team at ask@ids-marine.com or visit ids-astra.com/ids-marine.

About IDS Marine

Integrated Dealer Systems (IDS) is the leading provider of DMS solutions throughout the recreation industry. Trusted by thousands of dealers, IDS has set the standard for quality service and continuous innovation for more than 40 years. Backed by a team of dedicated professionals with strong marine industry partnerships, IDS Marine’s mission is to understand the unique challenges dealers face and deliver the tools and expertise needed to power their success.

IDS Marine is a proud Partner and Education Champion of the MRAA. Education Champions fuel the educational programming that the MRAA delivers through Dealer Week, MRAATraining.com, and other programs through which MRAA delivers content. Learn more about how your organization can Partner with the MRAA.

MJM Yachts Commits to Platinum Partner Membership

MINNEAPOLIS, May 29 – The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) is excited to announce MJM Yachts, a premier builder of luxury performance yachts, as its newest Platinum Partner. This partnership highlights MJM’s commitment to supporting marine retailers and advancing the boating lifestyle through innovation, dealer collaboration and premium customer experiences.

Platinum Partner

As a Platinum Partner, MJM Yachts joins a select group of industry leaders committed to supporting MRAA’s dealer development initiatives, educational programs and efforts to grow boating participation nationwide. Their partnership strengthens the association’s ability to equip marine retailers with the tools and insights needed to thrive in a competitive marketplace.

“At MJM, we believe that great boating experiences start with strong dealer relationships,” said Natascia Hatch, CEO of MJM Yachts. “Our partnership with MRAA is a natural extension of our values — to support those who support our customers and elevate the standards of the marine industry through innovation, performance and collaboration.”

Headquartered in Washington, N.C., MJM Yachts is a recognized leader in all-weather, all-conditions day and cruising yachts, utilizing advanced vacuum-infused, post-cured epoxy composite construction for unmatched strength, efficiency and speed. Combined with cutting-edge hull geometry, MJM delivers industry-leading stability, ride comfort and performance — providing boaters with an elevated experience and dealers with a product of lasting value and distinction.

“MJM Yachts is known for its commitment to quality, innovation and strong dealer relationships — all values that align perfectly with the MRAA’s mission,” says Freya Olsen, MRAA Senior Director of Engagement. “As a Platinum Partner Member, they bring a premium brand perspective and a collaborative spirit that will enrich our efforts to support and elevate the marine retail community.”

About MJM Yachts
MJM Yachts is a premier builder of luxury performance yachts located Washington, North Carolina, Known for its modern Carolina Downeast style and C5 Composite Construction Process, the company’s current model lineup includes the MJM 3, MJM 4, MJM 35 and MJM 42, designed by boaters for boaters. The company’s market-leading post-cured, epoxy-infusion composites process delivers all-conditions capability. Designed for all-weather comfort and effortless handling, MJM Yachts offer an uncompromised boating experience for owners who demand the best. For more information on the company and each model please visit MJMYachts.com.

About the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas
At the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, we believe that for the marine industry to thrive, the retail organizations that interact with the boaters in their community must thrive. With that in mind, MRAA works to create a strong and healthy boating industry by uniting those retailers, providing them with opportunities for improvement and growth, and representing them with a powerful voice. For more information, visit MRAA.com or contact us at 763-315-8043.

South Carolina’s Boat Tax Reform: A Victory for Boaters, Dealers and the Marine Industry

There is big news coming from South Carolina, as the state is one step closer to cutting the nation’s highest boat property tax. With an overwhelming 89-7 vote in the South Carolina House of Representatives, this reform effort has picked up serious momentum — and it’s a major victory for boaters, dealers and the entire marine industry. The proposed change brings more than just tax relief; it represents a push for clarity, fairness and economic growth that could ripple well beyond state lines.

A recently passed bill in the South Carolina House, H. 3858, proposes removing titling requirement for outboards while simultaneously lowering the personal property tax on recreational boats, effectively bundling boats and their motors as a single unit. This legislation addresses longstanding concerns about double taxation that has inflated the cost of boat ownership for South Carolina residents. This initiative, led by the South Carolina Boating and Fishing Alliance and supported by the MRAA and other national recreational boating trade associations, has garnered strong support from both lawmakers and Palmetto State Governor Henry McMaster, who has publicly endorsed efforts to reduce boat property taxes.

“Boating shouldn’t be out of reach for working families because of outdated and unfair tax structures,” said Gettys Brannon, President and CEO of the South Carolina Boating & Fishing Alliance. “H. 3858 takes direct aim at the nation’s highest boat tax, finally ending a system that punished everyday South Carolinians with double taxation. High taxes don’t just hurt wallets — they limit access to the water for working families. We look forward to working with the South Carolina Senate in January to deliver long-overdue tax relief and protect our state’s boating way of life.”

For years, South Carolina boat owners have faced the burden of being taxed separately for their boats and motors, leading to confusion and financial strain. The proposed legislation simplifies this process by consolidating the tax assessment, eliminating the issue of double taxation and ultimately lowering the tax rate. While the change won’t be retroactive, it lays the foundation for a fairer tax system moving forward and stands to benefit the entirety of South Carolina’s recreational boating industry.

“The MRAA is glad to see the positive reception of H.3858 among South Carolina Legislators and Governor McMaster,” said Chad Tokowicz, MRAA Government Relations Manager. “This support underscores the state’s commitment to their recreational boaters and anglers as well as the recreational marine businesses who call South Carolina home. This progress could not have been made without the leadership and partnership of the South Carolina Boating and Fishing Alliance (SCBFA), who shepherded this effort and led grassroots efforts to highlight the broad support for this provision among South Carolina recreational boating businesses.”

Governor McMaster’s endorsement of the bill, which has 60 co-sponsors, underscores the importance of this reform. By supporting the reduction of property taxes on recreational vessels, the state acknowledges the vital role that the recreational boating industry plays throughout the Palmetto State, fueling the outdoor recreation economy and boating and fishing culture. The recreational boating industry in South Carolina generates $6.5 billion in annual economic impact and supports more than 27,000 jobs at more than 600 businesses. This move is expected to boost boat sales, encourage tourism and support local businesses connected to the marine sector.

The Case for Change
South Carolina’s Boat Tax Reform letter

High personal property tax rates in South Carolina have long made boat ownership more expensive for everyday Americans. These costs add up — fuel, service, safety equipment, registration, and on top of it all, some of the highest personal property taxes in the region.

In testimony submitted to the South Carolina House Committee on Ways and Means, MRAA illustrated the scale of this burden using the example of a $70,000 South Carolina-built Sportsman Tournament 21 with a Yamaha F200XB outboard and trailer. In Bamberg County, S.C., the personal property tax would total $6,690.61 — $5,443 for the vessel and $1,247.61 for the outboard motor. By contrast, the same vessel would be taxed at:

  • $693 in Scotland County, North Carolina
  • $1,890 in Pittsylvania County, Virginia
  • $602.04 in Randolph County, Georgia
  • And not taxed at all in Florida, Alabama or Tennessee

This disparity puts South Carolina’s marine dealers at a competitive disadvantage and discourages boat purchases and ownership in the state, especially during uncertain economic conditions and softening consumer sentiment.

Our Role in Advocating for Change

The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) has been proud to stand at the forefront of this legislative effort, advocating on behalf of boaters, marine retailers and small businesses across the state. In collaboration with the South Carolina Boating and Fishing Alliance and other stakeholders, we have:

Our efforts ultimately culminated in the bill being favorably passed out of the South Carolina House and laid the groundwork to be favorable moved out of the Senate upon the reconvening of the legislative session January of 2026.

Looking Ahead — The Palmetto State & Beyond

As H. 3858 moves to the Senate for further consideration, the MRAA remains committed to seeing this critical reform enacted. This legislation represents a significant opportunity to improve tax fairness, grow the state’s marine economy and create better access to boating for Americans who call the Palmetto State home.

We thank the South Carolina House for recognizing the need for change and urge the Senate to move quickly in support of H. 3858. The MRAA stands ready to continue advocating for fair, effective policies that strengthen recreational boating in the Palmetto State and beyond. Should you have any questions about our efforts to bolster the recreational marine industry South Carolina, or across the nation, please do not hesitate to reach out to Chad Tokowicz, MRAA Government Relations Manager, at Chad@mraa.com.

MRAA Speaks Out Against Key Ban in Minnesota

In 2023, Minnesota legislators passed a ban on consumer products with certain levels of lead and cadmium, including jewelry, toys, cosmetics, kitchenware and art supplies. The law also included keys. With the ban set to take effect, many businesses are in a difficult position since workable alternatives are not available or commercially viable at this time. They must use keys that manufacturers traditionally make from brass with small amounts of lead for strength.

Transitioning to new materials, particularly ones that must meet the performance, durability and corrosion resistance standards needed on boats, takes time.  Additionally, boat dealers need replacement keys to remain compatible with the existing fleet of hundreds of thousands of boats in Minnesota. To avoid premature wear, the materials used in keys and the pins inside of locks must be made of similar materials. If not, it could prove disastrous if it leads to a failure while on the water.

MRAA Joins Coalition, Advocates for Boat Dealers

Last week, a coalition of stakeholders representing the security industry, auto dealers, marine retailers, hardware stores and more gathered at the Minnesota State Capitol. They advocated for an exemption for keys, a change to mirror the standards in California (which are less stringent), or at least an extension to allow more time to comply with the law. The coalition acknowledged the laudable public health intent of the law but urged lawmakers to address the unintended consequences of the ban before it caused harm to Minnesota businesses and consumers.

Realistically, it was noted, national lock makers were more likely to stop distributing their products in Minnesota rather than completely retool their production process — assuming that was even possible — based on a single state law. If enforced, boat dealers would have no legal way of providing replacement keys to customers, rendering their boats useless. Dealers would be subject to fines for simply providing a replacement key similar to the ones that exist in every home in the United States.

Mike Davin - MRAA Speaks Out Against Key Ban in Minnesota
Mike Davin, MRAA Vice President of Industry Relations

Fortunately, lawmakers from both parties in the Minnesota State Legislature attended to show their support. Mike Davin, MRAA Vice President of Industry Relations, spoke to the assembled press to share boat dealers’ concerns.

“We strongly support bipartisan efforts to exempt keys and key fobs from the current ban,” said Davin. “An exemption would allow manufacturers to maintain high-quality, safe products while avoiding unnecessary financial strain.”

Furthermore, Dave Briggs, an MRAA Member and Owner and General Manager of Wayzata Marine, authored an op-ed article which was ran in the Minnesota Reformer. In his piece Briggs highlighted the implications for his business while urging the Minnesota Legislature to prioritize passing language that will fix this issue this session.

MRAA Advocacy & You

MRAA’s Advocacy Team is actively monitoring legislative activities in all 50 states. When issues arise that have the potential to affect boat dealers, we speak up on behalf of our members. If you have regulatory issues affecting your dealership, reach out to MRAA Government Relations Manager Chad Tokowicz at chad@mraa.com.

Why Boat Sales Follow-Up Wins More Buyers

Let’s say you’re in the market for a new SUV – a big investment these days. You’re torn between two models from two different dealerships. They seem similar from the looks, performance, price and test drive.

The salesperson at one dealership has called to check on you since your visit – “What questions do you have?” He texted and asked how your weekend was, taking the kids to the cabin. He continued to ask, “Where are you driving to next?” The other salesperson? Crickets. You haven’t heard a thing.

Which person are you likely to buy from?

The one who cares enough to know about you and your situation and why you need the bigger vehicle (that ride to the cabin was cramped), or the one who seems to care less if you return to buy?

Touchpoints & Rapport

Our boat buyers are thinking the same. And boat sales follow-up is especially delicate due to how many prospects don’t buy on the first visit.

During the pandemic, dealers shifted quickly from nurturing prospects to closing fast and keeping customers engaged while waiting on inventory. But now, the buying cycle has stretched again – and follow-up needs to return to the forefront of the sales strategy.

Rebuilding the Follow-Up Mindset After COVID

It’s time to flip the follow-up process back to support the 187-day buying cycle we were managing pre-pandemic. If you want to outperform the competition and become the top salesperson at your dealership – or even in your market – you must “Get Real about Follow-Up or Get Gone”, says Jordon Schoolmeester, a top-rated Dealer Week educator.

How to Structure an Effective Follow-Up Strategy

Boat sales follow-up is not a linear process. It involves multiple touchpoints through multiple channels: return visits, phone calls, emails, and texts (with permission).

Your goal is to stay top-of-mind and build trust. Most boats don’t sell themselves – and if your dealership isn’t visible or persistent, buyers will move on.

Tactics for Modern Pre-Sale Follow-Up

One simple message or call can make all the difference. Thank your prospect for visiting. Send a link back to their dream boat. Call the next day to continue the conversation and answer new questions.

Your follow-up should always:

  • Be timely and personalized
  • Mix communication methods
  • Move the sale forward without being pushy

And yes, even a classic letter can help you stand out.

Your CRM is Only as Good as What You Put In

Update your CRM immediately after each interaction. Note what you learned, what the next step is, and when to follow up again.

Without this, your follow-up process becomes guesswork – and great prospects fall through the cracks.

Don’t Ghost Your Buyers – Follow Up Every Time

Boat sales follow-up is a foundational part of the sales process. It’s how you build relationships, nurture trust, and stay in a customer’s line of sight until they’re ready to buy.

Make it part of your culture, and your team will reap the benefits in both sales volume and customer loyalty.

And make sure you’re following up with every prospect, every time. The Fortune is in the Follow-up!

MRAA Resources to Support Your Sales Strategy

Editor’s note: this article was originally published in 2023 and has been updated as of May 2025.

Improve Service Department Communication at Your Dealership

After a kiss goodbye, my husband said: “Good luck at the dealership” as I walked out the door. Those words rang in my head. How often do people feel the need for “luck” when they visit your dealership – and why? His comment stuck with me – not just because of what was said, but because of what it revealed about service department communication and the customer experience in dealerships.

What Makes Customers Feel Like They Need Luck?

The dealership in question on this particular day is an impressive organization overall. They have a beautiful building in a convenient location with better than average customer amenities. On every visit, I see many of the same smiling faces, and they seem to care about their work and their customers. They have state-of-the-art technology to support a quality customer experience, and yet, things slip through the cracks.

On my last visit, they had to send a part off to a sublet for work. “It should be ready in a week or so,” they said. That was six weeks ago. But that’s not what bothered me most.

I called the dealership every week to check on the status. No one ever called to update me. Why not?

The No. 1 customer complaint in service has long been lack of communication. And service certainly isn’t the only department that could improve their communication – both internally and externally with customers.

The Real Reason Communication Breaks Down

The reasons for lack of communication usually fall into two categories: people and process.
The people don’t have the skill or will to do proper follow-up. Either they don’t care or don’t know how. Or the business does not have a system to ensure that customers, jobs, parts and deals are properly followed through to completion. Both people and process issues are costing many dealerships in both customer loyalty and profitability.

Those of us in the industry likely take a stronger interest than the average customer on how dealerships do things. My mind was certainly wondering:

  • Do they generate a work order to attach parts and sublet work to?
  • Does the service advisor have a way to track and schedule units waiting on parts?
  • How does the parts department know if an order has been delayed, canceled, or denied warranty or service contract coverage?
  • How can they tell when/if the customer has been communicated with?

And even worse, I wondered:

  • If the customer didn’t follow up, would they lose the parts sent to the sub forever?
  • Could they be giving away their parts and losing customers in the process?

But if I could ask dealerships just one question, it would be this: How are you proactively using the information from your failures to improve your processes and to better educate your people? If we don’t learn from these failures, chances are very good the same situation will happen repeatedly.

Looking around the dealership as I wait for my part to (finally!) get installed, I think about all the areas where a customer might feel that luck was (or wasn’t) on their side . . .

How “Luck” Shows Up in Every Department

  • The F&I experience: The ‘luck’ of getting someone who makes you comfortable discussing a topic that makes many people extremely uncomfortable. Someone who doesn’t appear to judge you based on your credit score. Someone who doesn’t use pressure to sell service contracts or financing. Someone who instead educates you, helps you compare apples to apples, and gives you the space to come to your own conclusion on what is best for your situation.
  • The sales experience: The ‘luck’ of getting a sales professional who listens, who really knows their product and the competition’s product, who seems genuinely interested in giving you the best options for your specific wants and needs. Someone who helps you think through not just the buying process, but also the ownership of the products you’re considering. Someone who wants your lifelong business, not just your next sale.
  • The parts experience: The ‘luck’ of getting someone who knows exactly what your parts options are, how much they’ll cost, how available they are, how long it will take to get, and the pros and cons of one option over the other. Someone who understands how you use your boat and gives you suggestions on how to enjoy it even more.
  • The service experience: The ‘luck’ of getting someone who loves and understands your product so well they take the guesswork out of ownership. Someone who explains in language you can understand how to best enjoy and care for your boat. Someone who lets you know ahead of time what work you’ve got coming up next, who reminds you and has your back every step of the way – even when it’s time to start thinking about trading in.

Building Trust Starts With Better Communication

Every one of our departments rely on proactive, honest communication for building trust. It’s called ‘building’ trust because it takes work, and it takes time.
Most customers begin their relationship with a dealership with a deficit of trust.
They think “dealer” – they think “Vegas” – they think “I’m gonna lose!”

It’s up to our team to build trust with each customer in each interaction.

It’s up to leadership to notice when things are happening with our people or with our process that is making trust-building difficult or even impossible – and to remove those barriers.

What does luck have to do with it? Thankfully, not much. It really comes down to that famous Samuel Goldwyn quote: “The harder I work, the luckier I get.”

The more we work at engaging the team in creating, improving and relying on processes, the more we encourage and facilitate strong service department communication, the luckier we will be … and the more trusting our customers.


About the Author

Valerie Ziebron, president of VRZ Consulting, has spent more than two decades helping businesses “fire on all 8” through education and motivation. She makes it a point to uncover best practice “golden nuggets” that help people flip the switch from reactive to proactive for greater profitability and customer loyalty.

Through studying and comparing hundreds of dealerships across North America, VRZ Consulting specializes in what stores can do to maximize their resources, specifically their people, processes, space and location. Visit their website here.

MRAA’s Recommended Resources

Editor’s note: this article was originally published in 2021 and has been updated in May 2025.

MRAA Advocates for Marine Retailers in Minnesota Boat Wrap Stewardship Program

The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) has provided feedback on the proposed Minnesota Boat Wrap Stewardship Plan, aiming to ensure that the program minimizes the financial and operational impact on marine retailers across the state.

MRAA Advocates for marine retailers in Minnesota Boat Wrap Stewardship Program

In a comment letter submitted to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and the Commercial and Industrial Flexible Film Recycling Organization (CIFFRO) on Thursday, May 15, 2025, the MRAA emphasized the need for practical implementation strategies that consider the unique challenges faced by Minnesota’s small, family-owned marine businesses.

Need for Financial Support Mechanisms

While MRAA supports the program’s objective to divert boat wrap from the waste stream, it expressed concerns about the burden the proposed collection processes may place on marine retailers. Specifically, MRAA highlighted the potential increase in labor costs for businesses required to clean and sort boat wrap for collection. MRAA recommended that CIFFRO and MPCA establish financial support mechanisms to offset these costs, thereby preventing the additional expenses from being passed on to consumers.

MRAA Advocates for Grace Period

Furthermore, MRAA advocated for a “grace period” until January 1, 2026, for non-compliant producers to join the Stewardship Organization, providing time for further outreach and education to ensure more brands participate in the program.

An Offer to Collaborate

MRAA also proposed that marine retailers, boat storage facilities and marinas be exempted from stringent cleaning requirements if no financial assistance is provided to support these efforts. Additionally, the association offered to collaborate with CIFFRO and MPCA to identify new collection locations, leveraging its network of Minnesota members to expand the program’s reach effectively.

MRAA remains committed to working closely with regulatory bodies to develop an equitable Minnesota Boat Wrap Stewardship Program that achieves environmental goals without placing undue pressure on Minnesota’s recreational marine businesses. For further inquiries about the MRAA advocating for marine retailers or to get involved, please contact Chad Tokowicz, MRAA Government Relations Manager, at Chad@mraa.com.

Read MRAA Comment LEtter

Dealer Week 2025 Surpasses 100 Exhibitors Milestone, Signaling Strong Industry Momentum 

MINNEAPOLIS, MAY 13, 2025 – The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) proudly announces that more than 100 exhibitors have already secured their booth spaces for Dealer Week 2025, the premier annual conference and expo dedicated to marine dealer growth. This milestone underscores the event’s significance as a central hub for innovation, networking and strategic development within the marine industry.

Dealer Week 2025 is scheduled for December 7–10 at the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, Florida. The event promises an immersive experience, featuring world-class education sessions, unparalleled networking opportunities, and an expansive expo hall showcasing the latest products and services from leading marine industry suppliers.

Among the confirmed exhibitors are 18 boat manufacturers representing 42 boat brands, highlighting the event’s comprehensive representation of the boating sector. There are also several companies representing finance & insurance, marketing, digital products and other service provider categories. This diverse exhibitor lineup ensures attendees will gain insights into the latest trends, technologies, and solutions driving the marine industry forward.

“Reaching this milestone so quickly shows how many organizations have prioritized attending Dealer Week annually and now mark their calendars to reserve a spot,” said Mike Davin, VP of Industry Relations at MRAA. “The strong early exhibitor turnout, including top boat manufacturers and leading brands, speaks volumes about Dealer Week’s role as a critical venue for industry innovation and collaboration – and of course a key business platform for our exhibitors.”

For a complete list of the current exhibiting companies and to view when more are added, visit www.dealerweek.com/2025exhibitors.

The last time Dealer Week was held in Tampa, in 2023, exhibit space sold out in advance of the event. Currently, a diverse selection of booth sizes remains available.

If you are boat manufacturer or solutions provider serving the marine industry and are interested in securing your booth at Dealer Week 2025, please contact Allison Gruhn, Vice President of Business Development at (763) 333-2419 or allison@mraa.com, or Nichole Wishart, Business Development Specialist at (763) 402-7238 or nichole@mraa.com.

Dealer Registration Opens July 15

Marine dealers interested in attending Dealer Week 2025 can mark their calendars for July 15, when registration officially opens. Attendees can look forward to a curated selection of educational sessions, interactive workshops, and opportunities to connect with industry peers and thought leaders.

New in 2025, the event will kick off with an optional “Boat Show Boot Camp” on Dec. 7 to ensure that sales teams are primed and ready for a successful 2026 boat show season.

For more information on Dealer Week 2025, including registration details, hotel accommodations, and event schedules, please visit www.dealerweek.com.

About Dealer Week

Dealer Week, hosted by the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA), is the premier annual conference and expo designed exclusively for marine dealership professionals. Bringing together industry leaders, top manufacturers, and innovative service providers, Dealer Week offers an immersive experience focused on dealer growth, education, and strategic networking. Through comprehensive educational sessions, interactive workshops, and an expansive exhibition hall showcasing the latest marine products and services, Dealer Week empowers marine dealers to elevate their businesses and drive industry excellence. For more information, visit www.dealerweek.com.

About the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas

At the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, we believe that for the marine industry to thrive, the retail organizations that interact with the boaters in their community must thrive. With that in mind, MRAA works to create a strong and healthy boating industry by uniting those retailers, providing them with opportunities for improvement and growth, and representing them with a powerful voice. For more information, visit MRAA.com or contact us at 763-315-8043.

Introducing MRAA’s Online Boat Marketplace Comparison Tool: More Listings. Less Guesswork.

More Listings. Less Guesswork.

Dealers told us they wanted more support navigating the digital boat marketplace landscape – and we listened.

Today, we’re proud to launch the MRAA Online Boat Marketplace Comparison Tool, a new resource designed to help marine retailers quickly compare third-party platforms where boats can be listed, marketed, and sold online.

From national players to niche platforms, this dealer-first directory compiles vital information like:

  • Listing types and market reach
  • Data and analytics features
  • Ownership models (dealer-only vs. public access)
  • Feed/API capabilities
  • And more!

This tool exists for one reason: to help dealers make informed, strategic decisions about where they invest their marketing dollars.

Screenshot of the Online Boat Marketplace Directory, including the filters on the left side and the first three listings on the right now.

Why Now? Why This?

Over the last year, boat dealers across North America have raised real, passionate concerns about digital listing platform pricing and perceived value. Many reached out to us, wondering whether they had options, and whether MRAA was doing enough to support them.

In response, our Board of Directors issued a public letter reaffirming our commitment to standing with dealers and offering clear, constructive solutions. Read that letter here.

The Online Boat Marketplace Comparison Tool is a tangible, no-nonsense step forward. It empowers dealers with transparency – without targeting any single provider. And while long-time Strategic Partners like Boats Group continue to play a role in the ecosystem, this tool ensures that all platforms can be reviewed side-by-side.

Empowering Dealers Through Digital Confidence

This launch is just one part of a broader dealer support initiative. As part of our May Spotlight on Digital Marketing, we’re also offering:

  • Free digital marketing webinars on SEO, lead gen, and ad strategies
  • Spotlight blog content on owning your online presence
  • Guidance on evaluating ROI from your online listings

Together, these tools are meant to provide dealers with what they’ve asked for: more clarity, more options, and more control over their digital strategy.

Explore the New Comparison Tool Now

Ready to see what’s out there? Visit the Online Boat Marketplace Comparison Tool now and explore your options.

Have a platform to suggest or feedback to offer? Submit it through the form at the bottom of the page – we’re listening, and we’re evolving this resource with the industry.

Led by Northwest Marine Trades Association, Coalition Sinks Washington State Luxury Tax on Recreational Vessels

WASHINGTON, May 8, 2025 – The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA), alongside its industry partners, is celebrating a monumental advocacy victory as the Washington State Legislature has officially tabled a proposed “luxury” tax on vessels (SB5801), protecting marine industry jobs and saving an estimated $70 million over the next six years — a coalition effort that ultimately sinks Washington State luxury tax.

This decision comes after sustained and strategic advocacy efforts led by the Northwest Marine Trade Association (NMTA) and supported by MRAA and a strong coalition of local stakeholders. The proposed tax would have unfairly targeted recreational boats throughout the Evergreen State, ultimately extracting $13 million annually from the marine sector — an industry vital to Washington’s economy and workforce.

“I am deeply grateful for MRAA’s swift response, strategic support, and the national credibility it brought to our advocacy efforts,” said Jay Jennings, Vice President and Director of Government Affairs at the NMTA. “In a campaign where demonstrating nationwide industry alignment was essential, MRAA’s involvement elevated our message and significantly strengthened the size and influence of our coalition. Their engagement was instrumental in achieving this outcome, and we look forward to future collaboration.”

Due to the leadership of the NMTA, more than 1,300 individual actions were taken in response to the coalition’s Call to Action, helping amplify the concerns of industry and the Washington boating public directly to lawmakers. The groundswell of support underscored the critical role the marine industry plays in the state’s economy and the importance of fair, balanced taxation. To see an example of how the MRAA engaged, click here to see a coalition letter.

“This is a powerful example of what can be accomplished when our industry speaks with one voice,” said Chad Tokowicz, MRAA Government Relations Manager. “Our collective efforts not only protected thousands of jobs and small businesses in the recreational marine industry, but also preserved the vibrancy of recreational boating in Washington State.”

While the coalition sinking the Washington State luxury tax marks a significant victory for the Washington State recreational marine industry, it is worth noting that luxury taxes on airplanes, cars and motorhomes remain under consideration. In addition, due to the outreach and input from the coalition, the legislature introduced a new, more modest tax measure: beginning in July 2026, an additional half-cent sales tax will apply to recreational vessels sold and registered in the state. With this adjustment, the projected tax burden for the industry has been reduced from $78 million to just $7 million over six years. The fact that luxury taxes remain on airplanes, cars and motorhomes further underscores the effectiveness of coalition advocacy efforts.

This victory highlights the importance of the relationships and collaboration between National and State Marine Trade Associations (MTA), as without the leadership and on-the-ground expertise of the NMTA, this would have been a more strenuous uphill battle for national groups to face alone. The MRAA seeks to build relationships with MTAs as these partnerships are oftentimes the key to success in shared advocacy battles. The MRAA-led Advisory Council of Marine Associations (ACMA) provides an opportunity for state and national MTAs to discuss policy issues in their respective states and regions, share engagement strategies and keep up to date with legislative and regulatory activity impacting the recreational marine industry at a state level. Stay tuned for additional stories about how the MRAA and SMTAs are working together on overlapping policy and regulatory issues.

This win — when a coalition sinks Washington State luxury tax — stands as a model for future advocacy efforts. MRAA extends its deepest gratitude to all members, partners and advocates who lent their voices in this fight. Together we’ve preserved not only our economic impact but the ability of consumers to enjoy life on the water. Should you have any questions or are interested in getting more involved in MRAA advocacy efforts, reach out to Chad Tokowicz, MRAA Government Relations Manager, at Chad@mraa.com.

About the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas
At the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, we believe that for the marine industry to thrive, the retail organizations that interact with the boaters in their community must thrive. With that in mind, MRAA works to create a strong and healthy boating industry by uniting those retailers, providing them with opportunities for improvement and growth, and representing them with a powerful voice. For more information, visit MRAA.com or contact us at 763-315-8043.