2022 Florida Boating Safety Act Means Changes for Your Business

Beginning on January 1, 2023, Boat Rental Operators, or Liveries, in Florida have been required to obtain annual permits as well as have valid insurance for both the business operations and for their customer, the renter. This new requirement was included in the Florida Boating Safety Act of 2022, Sponsored by Senator Ileana Garcia (Miami) and Representative Adam Botana (Bonita Springs), and passed during the Florida Legislature’s previous session in 2022. Although the bill mandates that the new regulations go into effect on January 1, 2023, the changes are not being enforced by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission for six months, or until June 1, 2023.

Besides creating the requirement for the no-cost permit, the legislation also makes changes to boater education requirements and insurance requirements for liveries, as well. The insurance aspect stands to be the most contested requirement because, during the final few days of session, additional language was added to the legislation, causing a “glitch” to be created, and requiring insurance for the renter as well as the operation.

Background:

This new legislation was put in place partially to stop illegal rental operations that are commonplace throughout Florida. These illegal rental operations put all boaters on the water at risk and this legislation was meant to create a safer overall boating environment by making changes to Temporary Certificates and by requiring the rental operations to be permitted.

The new regulations now explicitly state that the rental operator, or their employee, must also have a boating safety license and also outline what must be covered with renters during the pre-rental and pre-ride check list. These new pre-rental and pre-ride instructions are designed to minimize the number of on-water accidents. The no-cost permits for livery operators are also designed to increase safety and ensure proper business practices. In order to receive a permit, the applicant must list all of the vessels available for rent, proof of insurance, local business license and tax receipts, and more.

While the aforementioned changes will ultimately create a safer and more enjoyable boating experience for rental operators and boat owners alike in Florida, three words make the proposed legislation untenable for rental operators. In the final days of the 2022 Legislative Session, the words “…and the renter” were added to the legislation – ultimately requiring that the livery offer insurance for the renter, up to $500,000 per individual and $1,000,000 per incident. Currently, this creates an impediment for livery operators as there are limited providers of such insurance and that currently makes it too expensive for rental operators.

The addition of “and the renter” is considered by many as a “glitch,” as it was only added in the last few days of session and fundamentally changed the nature of the new regulation, changing it from something liveries were happy to implement immediately to a formidable challenge that may risk the health of their business.

Moving Ahead

Currently, Senator Garcia and Representative Botana are working on a fix and have pre-filed HB 261 which attempts to remove the “glitch” language. We are now waiting for Florida’s legislative session to begin and provide input and support for this bill as it makes it through the legislative process. If you would like to learn how to support our efforts to pass HB 261, reach out to Chad Tokowicz, MRAA’s Government Relations Manager here.

Additional Resources

If you would like to learn more about the Florida Boating Safety Act, please see the below pages.

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‘BoatUS Magazine’ Wins 5 Awards for Writing Excellence

SPRINGFIELD, Va., Feb. 22, 2023 – Boating Writers International, the professional association for writers, editors, publishers, bloggers, photographers and videographers in the recreational boating and fishing industries, bestowed five awards on BoatUS Magazine staff and contributors during a presentation recently held at the group’s annual meeting at the 2023 Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show.

The awards, which attracted 267 entries, recognized the best marine writing and content to winners across 15 categories. Recipients were awarded a plaque noting their “excellence in creating compelling stories about boating through entertaining, educational and inspiring journalism” as well as cash prizes.

BoatUS Magazine articles earned a first-, two second-, and two third-place awards across three categories.

BoatUS Magazine contributing editor Frank Lanier earned a first-place prize in the 2022 BWI Awards for his feature, “7 Ways to Murder Your Diesel.”

Category: Seamanship, Rescue & Safety (sponsored by Sea Tow Services International)

First place: “7 Ways to Murder Your Diesel” by BoatUS Magazine contributing editor Frank Lanier (April/May 2022 issue). BWI Judge Jim Rhodes said, “This subject could have been just another boring technical piece on diesel maintenance, but the author cleverly introduces famous fictional detectives to pose the question: Who killed this diesel, and how did the murderer do it?”

Second place: “When the Tail Wags the Dog” by BoatUS Magazine contributing editor Dan Armitage (April/May 2022 issue). A scary firsthand experience creates the perfect entry to explain how to reduce the chances of fishtailing or jackknifing while trailering a boat.

Category: Boating Issues, News and Analysis (sponsored by Mercury Marine)

Second place: “How Often are Your Electronic Charts Updated?” by BoatUS Magazine contributing editor Tim Murphy (November/December 2022 issue). Electronic navigation charts aren’t updated as often as boaters think they are. Tim gets to the bottom of the issue and offers a few workarounds for when having the latest info is critical.

Third place: “From Barges to Pleasure Boats” by BoatUS Magazine senior editor Rich Armstrong (February/March 2022 issue). BoatUS is helping to shape the future of recreational boating on New York’s historic Erie Canal.

Category: Environmental Awareness & Education (sponsored by Torqeedo)

Third place: “Can we Rise with the Tide?” by BoatUS Magazine contributing editor Fiona McGlynn (September/October 2022 issue). Sea levels have been creeping up for decades, and the speed is accelerating. Recreational boaters need to be proactive.

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U.S. Representative Jake Auchincloss Visits Discover Boating New England Boat Show

U.S. Representative Jake Auchincloss (D-MA-04) visited the New England Boat Show Thursday, Feb. 16, touring the show with NMMA Vice President of Northeast Boat Shows Jon Pritko and MMTA Executive Director Randall Lyons.

(From left) NMMA Vice President of Northeast Boat Shows Jon Pritko, U.S. Representative Jake Auchincloss (D-MA-04) and MMTA Executive Director Randall Lyons at the 2023 Discover Boating New England Boat Show.

During the visit the importance the recreational boating industry plays in New England was discussed. The economic impact in New England is over $15 Billion dollars with close to 80,000 jobs within the industry and over 3,000 businesses represented (See infographic below right). Additional topics discussed, included the NOAA proposed speed restrictions effecting the industry, the blue economy and workforce challenges. There are several new and existing training programs in New England focused on training the future leaders within our industry. 

Representative Auchincloss noted: “Marine science & tech is the most important growth edge for southeastern Massachusetts. I’m committed to promoting jobs and businesses in this sector.”

Business visits with elected officials are critically important opportunities for highlighting the recreational boating industry and both NMMA and MMTA encourage their members to work with both state and national elected officials on scheduling business visits. Representative Auchincloss recently became the newest member of the Congressional Boating Caucus joining close to 100 other national Senators and Representatives.

“Representative Auchincloss has been a strong advocate on behalf of the recreational boating and fishing industry in Massachusetts and has long supported industry efforts on Capitol Hill and beyond,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, CEO and President of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). “As a boating champion and valued member of the Congressional Boating Caucus, the NMMA and MMTA teams valued the congressman’s visit and look forward to working with Representative Auchincloss’ office to advance and protect the $170 billion recreational boating and fishing industry.”  (See infographic, right)

700Credit Partners with IDS to Improve Dealer Sales Process

700Credit is pleased to announce an integration alliance with IDS, a complete DMS and CRM for RV, Marine & Trailer dealerships. Our partnership with IDS aligns nicely with our growth in these markets.

Sample Vendor Spotlight

Through this new integration, dealers will be able to pull credit reports, manage compliance efforts and run prescreens directly from the IDS platform, simplifying dealer workflow and giving dealers access to a consumer’s credit score earlier in the sales process so they can close more deals, faster.  In particular, the integration of the 700Credit prescreen platform (Quickscreen) in the CRM provides insight at the top of the sales funnel enabling the dealer to provide accurate payment quotes earlier in the process.

To learn more about this new integration, click the button below.

Sign Up for Integration Here

Both 700Credit (Education Champions) and IDS (Partner Member) are partners with the MRAA.

About 700Credit, LLC

700 Credit is the largest provider of credit reports, compliance and soft pull products to automotive, marine, powersports and RV dealers. Our offerings include credit reports, prescreen and pre-qualification platforms, OFAC compliance, Red Flag solutions, MLA, Synthetic Fraud Detection, Identity Verification, score disclosure notices, adverse action notices and more.

About Integrated Dealer Systems

Integrated Dealer Systems is the leading provider of complete software solutions for RV, marine, and trailer dealerships. Trusted by 1,100+ dealers, IDS has set the standard for quality and technological innovation since 1987.

Sustainable Marine Fuels in the Spotlight at Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show

• Latest drop-in fuel technology minimizes CO2 emissions, maintains boats’ range and performance

The advancement, innovation, and availability of sustainable marine fuels was the focus of an industry event during the Discover Boating® Miami International Boat Show®. Sustainable marine fuels minimize CO2 emissions from recreational boating while maintaining boats’ range and performance. They are compatible with existing recreational boats, requiring no changes to fuel systems or engines.

An event to highlight the latest drop-in fuel technologies that minimize CO2 emissions, maintains boats’ range and performance was held at the 2023 Discover Miami International Boat Show in front of members of the media that included the Miami Herald, Trade Only Today and IBI News.

The recreational boating industry has taken significant strides to reduce CO2 emissions and continues to pursue innovative solutions, including supporting research and introduction of sustainable marine fuels into the marketplace. Since 2000, emissions from marine engines have decreased more than 90% and fuel efficiency has increased more than 40%. Recreational boating emissions account for just 0.7% of U.S. transportation greenhouse gas emissions, compared to cars (58%), commercial trucks and buses (25%) and air (10%).

“With a focus on sustainability, marine fuel advancements in reducing emissions are one of several ways the marine industry is working to lower CO2 emissions,” said Jeff Wasil, Director of Environment, Health & Safety Compliance at the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). “There is no one-size-fits-all approach, so we are focused on providing boaters with access to a variety of technologies and products that make it easy and affordable for them to do their part to minimize CO2 emissions, including fueling your boat with sustainable marine fuel.”

The three drop-in fuels demonstrated during the Miami event were:

• PurFuels® Ethanol-Free Reformulated Gasoline using Isobutanol (GEVO) and TXCeed corrosion inhibitor: A gasoline/isobutanol blend that reduces CO2 emissions by up to 30% relative to conventional fossil-based gasoline.

• Neste MY Renewable Diesel™: Reduces CO2 emissions by up to 75% relative to conventional fossil-based diesel fuel.

• EcoGen™ Ethanol-free Gasoline with Renewable Content by VP Racing: A partially renewable gasoline that reduces CO2 emissions by up to 30% more than E10 gasoline and does not contain ethanol.

All are expected to remain compatible with existing recreational boats equipped with internal combustion engines. They do not require any changes to the boat fuel system or engine, potentially making widespread consumer adoption possible. Renewable diesel, such as Neste MY Renewable Diesel™, is available on the West Coast of the U.S., meeting requirements of the California Low Carbon Fuel Standard. Purfuels® gasoline is available in Texas and will soon also be available for bulk purchase in Missouri, Illinois, Wisconsin and the East Coast from Maryland to Maine. EcoGen™ fuel will have limited availability in Texas beginning this summer, with expanded availability from Texas to Florida in 2024.
“VP Racing is excited to showcase our new EcoGen™ fuel, which is a drop-in fuel for gasoline-powered boats,” said Mark Walls, Director of R&D, Fuel Technology & Quality at VP Racing. “EcoGen delivers the same performance and range as current fuels but adds 10% renewable content to reduce the carbon footprint of the recreational marine Industry.”
“This sustainable fuel is now available to the petroleum industry and can be available to consumers at a local gas station,” said Jess Hewitt, President of HYPERFUELS. “We can show any petroleum distributor, with access to gasoline blendstocks or E0, how to create an ethanol-free gasoline and at the same time improve octane. Our program allows any dealer to start selling premium ethanol-free gasoline.”
“We are excited by the continued adoption of renewable fuels in the performance and recreation markets,” said Tim Cesarek, Chief Commercial Officer at Gevo. Partnership with suppliers like Hyperfuels allow us to advance the adoption of this technology into the market at a faster pace, and we are appreciative that the NMMA is making great strides to introduce these sustainable fuels to the marine industry.”
Added Wasil, “Further reductions in carbon emissions through use of sustainable marine fuels and e-fuels have the potential for the recreational boating industry to reach carbon neutrality. Support of the fuels demonstrated today will help facilitate further emissions reduction in the future.”
Event coverage included the Miami Herald, Soundings Trade Only Today and IBI News.

Indmar Earns 21st Consecutive Customer Satisfaction Award

Based On the Customer’s Ownership Experience

• Indmar contributes back-to-back wins to the fact that they personally train and certify each of their authorized service centers and applauds their network of dealers and OEMs

MILLINGTON, Tenn., Feb.16, 2023 –  Indmar Marine Engines’ hard-earned reputation for delivering world-class quality and reliability across its highly acclaimed Raptor Series and EcoBoost platforms was reinforced again today during the Industry Breakfast held at the Miami International Boat Show when the company was awarded its 21st consecutive Marine Industry CSI Award for excellence in customer satisfaction.

Indmar Marine Engines logo

Indmar Marine Engines earned its twenty-first customer satisfaction award based on a comprehensive survey completed by its customers who purchased a new boat with an Indmar Marine Engine during the period of January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022.
“Our customers are our greatest ambassadors and to receive this award every year since the inception of the program, based on our customer’s experience with our products is one of the greatest honors we could ever receive and a testament to our network of finely tuned dealers and OEM’s,” explained Tim Maher, Chief Operating Officer of Indmar Marine Engines.

Maher further explained, “At Indmar, our customer service department extends all the way to our network of over 1,600 dealer showrooms and service centers across the country. We personally train and certify each of our authorized service centers and it’s because of their dedication that Indmar can provide a first-class ownership experience from the quality and performance of the engine to the buying and ownership experience.”

The Marine Industry Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) study, now in its twenty-first year. The program honors manufacturers that actively measure customer satisfaction and pursue continuous improvement to better serve the customer. Award recipients achieved and maintained an independently measured standard of excellence of 90 percent or higher in customer satisfaction based on information provided by customers who purchase a new boat or engine.

About Indmar Marine Engines
Indmar has a pedigree going back 51 years in the inboard marine industry and a proud tradition of pointing the way forward. Indmar was the first inboard manufacturer to deliver fuel injection, and custom calibrated engines and the first to produce an inboard engine with a catalyzed exhaust, which is now the industry standard. Today, this legendary brand delivers an inimitable mix of unrivaled performance, meticulous craftsmanship, and ground-breaking innovation. Indmar operates advanced manufacturing facilities in the U.S. with distribution centers in Millington, TN, Merced, CA and Clarkston, WA. Indmar is operated by Correct Craft subsidiary Liberty Technologies which also manages PCM Engines, Crusader Engines, Levitator Engines, and Velvet Drive Transmissions. For more information, please visit www.indmar.com.

About Correct Craft
Celebrating 98 years of excellence in the marine industry, Correct Craft is a Florida-based company with global operations. Focused on “Making Life Better,” the Correct Craft family includes Nautique, Centurion, Supreme, Bass Cat, Yar-Craft, SeaArk, Parker, and Ingenity boat companies, Pleasurecraft Engine Group, Indmar Marine Engines, Velvet Drive Transmissions, Mach Connections, Merritt Precision, Osmosis, Watershed Innovation, and Aktion Parks. For more information, please visit www.correctcraft.com.

MRAA Introduces 2023 Continuous Certification

MINNEAPOLIS, February 13 – The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) announced today their lineup for the 2023 Continuous Certification program.

Continuous Certification is the curriculum that Certified Dealers participate in to maintain their Certification status. The program consists of four courses and five additional requirements annually, ensuring the dealers maintain their Certification requirements and continue to learn and improve.

2023 Continuous Certification

Continuous Certification program courses at a glance:

  • Course 1: Available now, “Managing Multiple Priorities: How to Apply Better Thinking vs. More Effort” by Eric Papp, an expert in leadership effectiveness.
  • Course 2: Coming in April, is “How to Plan and Optimize Your Digital Marketing Strategy” by marketing consultant Danny Decker.
  • Courses 3 & 4: For these course credits, Certified Dealers get to choose courses within two customized course packages, one focusing on Customer Experience and the other on Employee Development. (Some dealers already earned these credits in December at Dealer Week in Austin, Texas, or through Dealer Week Online.)

These courses are built for the adult learner with videos, activities, discussion boards, skill checks and implementation tools.

In addition to the course credits, Certified Dealers participate annually in an Assessment & Affidavit, the Employee Satisfaction Survey, Facility Checks, CSI Tracking & Trending and Performance Planning to continue to improve upon the key elements of the Certification program.

Liz Keener MRAA and the Dealership Certification Program
Liz Keener, MRAA Certification Manager

“The Continuous Certification program is designed for Certified Dealers to build upon the already strong foundation they formed through their initial Certification process,” said Liz Keener, MRAA Certification Manager. “Each year, the dealers and our Certification Committee challenge us to bring them new, relevant education to help propel them further. This year’s lineup is fantastic, and we know the dealers will find great value in the program.”

Continuous Certification is a program developed exclusively for MRAA Certified Dealers. It’s an annual program, kicking off each January and running through November.

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.

About MRAA Dealer Certification A premier marine industry initiative, the MRAA’s Certified Dealership program offers dealers the blueprint to success in dealership operations, employee engagement and customer experience. The program pairs dealers with Certification consultants, who guide and equip them with tools, resources, templates and best practices to develop more efficient and successful businesses. For more information, visit MRAA.com/get-Certified or contact us at 763-333-2417.

Bonnier Establishes Marine Division to Fully Integrate Around Enthusiast Communities

February 10, 2023 — WINTER PARK, FL — As part of a company-wide restructure announced this week, Bonnier has established a new Marine Division to fully integrate the media and events properties within its fishing, boating and sailing portfolio. The Marine division will include print, digital and broadcast assets as well as the company’s fishing tournaments, expeditions and sailing regattas. 

Led by Executive Vice President Glenn Sandridge, the Division will be structured with five groups, each of which is designed to pursue growth within distinct enthusiast communities: the Sport Fishing Group, Marlin Group, Boating Group, Yachting & Sailing Group, and Travel Group. 

“The key to our future growth lies in advancing the way we serve and market our passionate and affluent communities,” CEO David Ritchie said. “To become the leading outdoor adventure company, we have to fuel the passion of our enthusiasts across various channels, whether that’s through content, tournaments, expeditions, regattas or educational seminars. Today we are putting the structure in place to fully realize that vision and accelerate our growth.”

As part of the restructure, several team members will be taking on additional responsibilities.

Scott Salyers, group publisher for Bonnier’s fishing titles, will continue to contribute to strategic direction while also taking on a new Managing Director role for the Sport Fishing Group, which includes revenue responsibility for Salt Water Sportsman, Sport Fishing, and the award-winning television show, SFTV. In this role, Salyers will pursue growth through expansion in education, television, video, seminars and other activities. 

Natasha Lloyd, publisher of Marlin magazine for the past 16 years, will step into the Managing Director role for the Marlin Group, which includes the magazine and its associated digital/social properties, as well as Bonnier’s four international billfish tournaments and Marlin Expeditions, a global lineup of big-game fishing adventures. 

Supporting Lloyd in this new role is Jennifer Dudas, recently appointed as Tournament and Expeditions Director. For the past four years, Dudas has supported Bonnier’s fishing tournament and expeditions activities in an associate role, and before joining Bonnier, she served as tournament director for the Bahamas Billfish Championship for 24 years. 

David Carr, publisher of Yachting since 2016, will serve as Managing Director for the Yachting & Sailing Group, ensuring the smooth integration of the Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta Series alongside its Yachting, Cruising World and Sailing World brands. Led by Sarah Renz, the Sailing World Regatta Series is the nation’s most popular weekend racing series. 

Franki Giordano, marketing manager since 2018 with experience across the company’s entire portfolio and currently Marketing Director for Fish, Boating and Watersports, will expand her role and oversee the entire Marine Division’s marketing strategy and staff.

Sandridge will serve as Managing Director for the Boating and Travel groups.

“We are tremendously excited about empowering this team of proven professionals,” Sandridge said. “Their collective industry experience and passion for what we do is unparalleled in the market today.”

About Bonnier:

Bonnier LLC is an outdoor adventure company that fuels passion for fishing, boating, sailing, motorsports, hunting and travel. Bonnier has the nation’s leading portfolio of outdoor events and iconic media brands in the marine category, as well as an extensive series of nationwide motorsports and hunting events. Bonnier publishes Salt Water Sportsman, Marlin, Sport Fishing, Boating, Yachting, Cruising World and Sailing World; produces the award-winning SFTV television series; and hosts world-class fishing tournaments, sailing regattas and experiential events across the US and in Mexico, Bermuda, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Australia, and the Virgin Islands. Bonnier LLC is owned by Sweden-based Bonnier AB, a globally operating conglomerate with more than 200 years in publishing.

Vanderbilt Luxury Pontoons Supports the MRAA as a Platinum Partner Member

MINNEAPOLIS — The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) announced today that Vanderbilt Luxury Pontoons joined the Association as a Platinum Partner Member.

Through Platinum Partner Membership, Vanderbilt supports the MRAA, its programs and the opportunities the association provides the dealer body in an effort to fuel the success of the industry. Commitments from Platinum Partners like Vanderbilt allows for the expansion of MRAA’s offerings and creates a positive, long-term impact for its members.

Vanderbilt Luxury Pontoons logo

Vanderbilt Luxury Pontoons was started by people with a passion and commitment to building the highest quality, most innovative boats on the water. Vanderbilt Luxury Pontoons is privately owned and operated out of a 50,000 square-foot manufacturing facility located in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The company’s brand image is defined by its reputation for innovation and quality. Vanderbilt Luxury Pontoons currently sells boats in the Upper Midwest, Southwestern, Eastern and Southern regions of the United States.

Vanderbilt was a first-time exhibitor at the 2022 Dealer Week Conference & Expo last December in Texas, where they showcased the Vanderbilt 700T Twin Outboard Luxury Pontoon with extended stern deck.

“Vanderbilt Luxury Pontoons is elated with the response and dealer interaction at the MRAA show in Austin, Texas,” says David Hegel, VP of Commercial. “The event exceeded our expectations for launching our exciting new Vanderbilt 700T. The MRAA staff couldn’t have been more supportive and the dealers we met were exactly the high-level marine dealers we are seeking to join the Vanderbilt dealer network.”

“We welcome Vanderbilt Luxury Pontoons, and its innovative approach, aboard as a valuable Platinum Partner Member,” says Allison Gruhn, Vice President of Business Development. “Adding partners like this, and one with a deep passion for boating and a boating heritage that dates back to 1945, helps the MRAA continue its mission to guide dealers, and the marine industry, to more success.”

About Vanderbilt Luxury Pontoons

Vanderbilt Luxury Pontoons LLC builds luxury, innovative pontoons with style, performance and excellence in mind. It holds the industry’s only patented aft extended cockpit, keeping cutting-edge features at its forefront. Vanderbilt carries on the 75-year history shared with sister company Marathon Boat Group by selling boats in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia and Australia through an established network of dealer locations.

For more information on Vanderbilt Luxury Pontoons, visit vanderbiltpontoons.com; or contact; dhegel@vanderbiltpontoons.com; phone: 919-345-2884.

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.

36 Dealership Locations Become MRAA Certified

• Certified Dealers Represent 20 States and 1 Canadian Province

MINNEAPOLIS, February 14 – The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) announced today that 36 dealership locations across North America became Certified Dealers in 2022.

MRAA Certification logo

Each dealership earned their Certified Dealer status by meeting 70 requirements that ensure they’re strong in operations, employee engagement and customer experience. Many participated in MRAA’s new seven-week Certification program, which connects a group of dealers with an MRAA Certification Consultant, completing, expediting Certification in just seven weeks through a series of interactive webinars.

“These dealers worked hard to earn their Certified status,” said Liz Keener, MRAA Certification Manager. “Though each dealer was already running a successful business, they all dug deep and continued to improve their processes, practices and engagement. I’m impressed with the work they put into the Certification program, and we’re happy to welcome all of them into the Certification family.”

In 2022, the following dealers earned Certification:

  • AMC Marine Sales & Service – Hamilton, Indiana
  • Big Thunder Marine – Lake Ozark, Missouri
  • Charles Mill Marina – Mansfield, Ohio
  • Crate’s Lake Country Boats – Orillia, Ontario
  • Gage Marine – Delevan, Wisconsin
  • Hoffmaster’s Marina – Woodbridge, Virginia
  • J&K Marine – Detroit Lakes, Minnesota
  • Manteo Marine – Manteo, North Carolina
  • Marine Center of Indiana – Indianapolis, Indiana
  • Master Marine Boat Center – Mount Vernon, Washington
  • Park Boat Company – Washington, North Carolina
  • Petzold’s Marine Center – Portland, Connecticut
  • Pocket Yacht Co. – Grasonville, Maryland
  • Port Harbor Marine – Holden, Maine
  • Port Harbor Marine – Kittery, Maine
  • Port Harbor Marine – Raymond, Maine
  • Port Harbor Marine – Rockport, Maine
  • Riva Motorsports & Marine – Miami, Florida
  • Riva Motorsports & Marine of the Keys – Key Largo, Florida
  • Rockingham Marine – Johnson City, Tennessee
  • Russell Marine Boating & Outdoors – Alexander City, Alabama
  • Shady Creek Sales & Marina – El Dorado, Kansas
  • Sportsmans Marina – Hewitt, New Jersey
  • Strickland Marine and RV – Seneca, South Carolina
  • The Boat Shop Lake Lanier – Gainesville, Georgia
  • The Boathouse Hilton Head – Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
  • The Boathouse Palmetto Bay – Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
  • The Boathouse Okatie – Ridgeland, South Carolina
  • Tom-n-Jerry’s Boat Center – Mount Vernon, Washington
  • Tommy’s Castiac – Castaic, California
  • Tommy’s Chattanooga – Harrison, Tennessee
  • Tommy’s Fort Worth – Fort Worth, Texas
  • Tommy’s Knoxville – Knoxville, Tennessee
  • Tommy’s Lewisville – Lewisville, Texas
  • Tommy’s Ventura – Ventura, California
  • Union Marine – Issaquah, Washington

These dealers now join their Certified Dealer peers in the Continuous Certification program. There are currently about 300 Certified Dealers throughout North America.

“Certified Dealers are the best of the best. They put in a ton of effort through their initial Certification program and through Continuous Certification to best serve the industry, their employees and their customers,” Keener said. “We’re happy to have them in the Certification program and to continue to guide them to consistent improvement.”

Certified Dealers earn access to a Certification consultant, exclusive education, a special listing on the Discover Boating Dealer Finder, extra discounts on programs, exclusive marketing opportunities and more. Certification is open to all marine retailers across North America. 

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.

About MRAA Dealer Certification A premier marine industry initiative, the MRAA’s Certified Dealership program offers dealers the blueprint to success in dealership operations, employee engagement and customer experience. The program pairs dealers with Certification consultants, who guide and equip them with tools, resources, templates and best practices to develop more efficient and successful businesses. For more information, visit MRAA.com/get-Certified or contact us at 763-333-2417.