Together Outdoors offers education, recreation businesses invited to join

The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas is among the many leading recreation-focused businesses who have come together as inaugural members of the Together Outdoors Coalition. The Together Outdoors Coalition, administered through the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR), unites organizations from across industry sectors around a shared goal of making the outdoors more welcoming to people of all backgrounds, and it is currently developing tools and resources to help all interested organizations take action.

Among the resources being developed by Together Outdoors is a Zoom-based educational series focused on creating a more inclusive and welcoming user experience, as well as an informed and educated business interface with the consumer. Scheduled topics are:

     • October: How We Got Here – Barriers to entry + history of access to outdoor recreation spaces.
     • November: Building a Better Team – Recruitment of diverse employees and nurturing/retention of talent.
     • December: Alignment and Implementation – Translating internal culture to field locations.
     • January: Supporting the Work – Corporate giving + partnerships.
     • February: Building a Collective Brand – Enabling outdoor organizations to showcase their commitment to the work.
     • March: Marketing that Includes Everyone – Reimagine how your brand tells stories and who you highlight.
     • April: Accountability – How to evaluate your progress on DEI measures.

Manufacturers, retailers, service providers, stakeholders and individuals in the outdoor industry are invited to participate by joining the coalition. You can learn more about Together Outdoors and how to become a member here. 

If you have any questions, contact Gerry James at gjames@recreationroundtable.org

National Boating Industry Safety Awards Deadline Approaching

Best Safety Campaigns Among For-Profit Sector of Recreational Marine Industry Sought

SOUTHOLD, N.Y. – September 27, 2021 – The Sea Tow Foundation and its Boating Safety Advisory Council reminds for-profit companies within the recreational boating industry of its forthcoming deadline October 8, 2021 for the 2021 National Boating Industry Safety Awards, sponsored by KICKER Marine Audio.

“We appreciate all the tremendous work being done to promote boating safety throughout the marine industry and look forward to shining the national spotlight on outstanding boating safety campaigns and initiatives,” said Sea Tow Foundation Executive Director Gail R. Kulp. “We hope to field a record number of entries this year and encourage all organizations who have promoted boating safety within the for-profit segment to apply.”

Now in its third year, the awards recognize the best boating safety work in 10 separate categories of entry including: Powerboat Manufacturer; Sailboat Manufacturer; Engine Manufacturer; Gear/Equipment Manufacturer; Human Powered (Canoe, Kayak, SUP) Manufacturer; Marine Retailer with up to 3 Locations; Marine Retailer with more than 3 Locations; Marine Media Outlets; Marine Marketing and Outreach; and Marine Distributors.

Nominations are currently being accepted for boating safety campaigns completed from August 1, 2020 through August 1, 2021. Contest information and applications are available for download at www.boatingsafety.com/awards along with a list of 2020 winners, including samples of their winning entries. Winners will be announced during the MRAA’s Dealer Week in December.

Sea Tow Foundation
With a focus on safe boating practices that result in fun on the water, the Sea Tow Foundation – a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization – was established in 2007 by Sea Tow Founder Capt. Joe Frohnhoefer. After his passing in 2015, Captain Joe’s legacy continues as the Foundation brings attention to the number of preventable boating-related accidents, injuries, and deaths, and directly addresses prevention methods through education and awareness. More than 575 life jacket loaner stands are now available across the United States and the Foundation’s Sober Skipper program continues to grow. For more information on the Sea Tow Foundation, contact Gail R. Kulp at 631-876-5077; Mailto:gail@boatingsafety.com

MRAA Adds Pre-Owned Boat Educational Article Series

The MRAA knows that boat dealers are heroes to their customers. In order to maintain that level of trust and prestige with your customers, you have several challenges you’re facing due to current industry demands. Pivoting to dive even deeper into the pre-owned boat market is another task to add to your planning, but it’s essential for your short-term and long-term success, especially while inventory shortages persist. 

We believe, despite these challenges, all dealers can be organized and strategically ready so they can discover success in the pre-owned market. We understand you have a lot on your plate and that can add stress to the daily routines and create disappointment rather than feeling accomplished. That’s why MRAA has launched its new Pre-Owned Boat Educational Article Series designed to help energize your dealership for finding even more wins in the pre-owned segment.

This is an especially important and opportune topic — one with increased urgency — throughout next year and beyond, given that nobody truly knows exactly when the inventory level will normalize. We’ve gathered several subject matter experts, including Sam Dantzler, Tony Gonzales, Valerie Ziebron, David Parker, Carrie Stacey and more, to provide you with expert-driven strategies and tactics you can use in your short-term and long-term planning to help your store diversify its revenue streams, improve profitability and increase boat owner retention.

Article one of the series, “7 Tactics for Managing Your Pre-Owned Trade-In Process” written by Carrie Stacey, Stacey & Associates, discusses how having a good trade-in system in place can benefit your store, help you sell new inventory and be more profitable! Download article No. 1 here.

More articles will follow from our team and industry contributors over the coming weeks leading up to the in-person Dealer Week 2021MRAA Conference & Expo Dec. 6-9 in Austin, Texas. 

Tigé Boats, Inc. Commits to Education Champion with MRAA

MINNEAPOLIS — September 20 — The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas announces Tigé Boats has joined as an Education Champion.
 
“Tige Boats and ATX Surf Boats dealer networks are strong and competitive, and our commitment to helping them be successful only makes us grow stronger and prepare for even more growth in the future,” said Daniel Gutierrez, President, Tigé Boats Inc. “We’re looking forward to 2021 Dealer Week to develop and build an unstoppable dealer network and grow market share.”

Tigé Boats, Abilene, Texas, started 30 years ago when founder Charlie Pigeon decided recreational boaters required a more unique experience on the water. From Tigé’s very first boat, which was named Rookie of the Year by Waterski Magazine, to the introduction of its wake-shaping technology that has transformed the industry, Tigé has continued to innovate and refine the art and craft of boat building year after year. And Pigeon’s dream to set the bar higher has continued with the launch of sister brand ATX Surf Boats in 2019, the refinement of handling dynamics with its Convex V Hull and advancements to onboard technologies like TAPS3T, GO SYSTEM and ALPHA E3 Powered Tower.

Tigé Boats, one of the fastest-growing surf boat manufacturers and a member of the American Boat Builders Association, has recently expanded to accommodate the booming economy and rapid growth of wakesurfing. Tigé’s 210,000-square foot, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility is another achievement milestone that also proves it is dedicated to the industry and its family of dealers.

Marine manufacturers, suppliers and service providers, through Partner Membership, commit to aligning their brands with the programs and opportunities that MRAA works to provide the dealer body in order to help fuel the success of the industry. Partner support allows the Association to expand its offerings and create a positive, long-term impact in the business of MRAA members.

“We’re excited to add Tigé Boats as an Education Champion with the MRAA,” said Allison Gruhn, Director of Business Development. “Partnership support helps MRAA continue our pledge to supporting the marine industry and dealers in their pursuit of success by supplying beneficial resources and educational tools.”

 

src=

src=

About Tigé Boats, Inc.
Tigé Boats, Inc. is a world-renowned innovator, designer and manufacturer of high-performance inboard boats. Celebrating their 30th anniversary, Tigé has cultivated its iconic brand image through their industry-leading innovation, luxurious diamond-stitched interiors, and multisport versatility. From their world-class manufacturing facility and across the 2022 product line, Tigé’s consistent design-driven mentality has refined the marketplace while forever intensifying the love for wakesurfing, wakeboarding and waterskiing. Experience the 2022 Tigé and ATX lineups now at TIGE.COM / ATXBOATS.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.

 

2021-2022 Station Rules Expand Boating Opportunities on Hatcheries and Wildlife Refuges

The Fish and Wildlife Service recently finalized rules that would expand, fishing, hunting, and boating opportunities on National Wildlife Refuges (NWR) and National Fish Hatcheries (NFH) throughout the country. These additional opportunities are celebrated by the recreational boating, fishing, and conservation community as they will create more opportunities for Americans to engage in their favorite pastimes.

The 2021-2022 Station Specific Rules, which were put into effect on August 31st, 2021, open, for the first time seven NWRs and one NFH that were previously closed to hunting and sportfishing. Additionally, opportunities for hunting and sportfishing were expanded on 88 other NWRs further creating opportunities for Americans to recreate and enjoy the outdoors.

“We are excited to see the Fish and Wildlife Service continue to open and expand sport fishing and hunting opportunities on National Wildlife Refuges and National Fish Hatcheries throughout the country,” said Chad Tokowicz, Government Relations Manager for the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas. “Many National Wildlife Refuges facilitate fishing from both motorized and non-motorized watercraft, and it is our hope that these additional opportunities will get more Americans on the water and exploring opportunities close to their homes.”

As estimated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, these changes will result in an additional 25,885 fishing days and yield an additional $1.4 million in recreation-related expenditures that will likely benefit small businesses located near the NWRs and NFHs. The expansion of these opportunities was spurred by Department of Interior Secretarial Orders 3356 and 3366 which were signed respectively on September 15th, 2017 and April 18th, 2018. These two Secretarial Orders charge the Department of Interior to recruit and retain sportsmen and women, while also expanding available opportunities for recreation on Federal lands.

“The sportfishing community thanks the Fish and Wildlife Service for expanding fishing access on dozens of National Wildlife Refuges and National Fish Hatcheries,” said Connor Bevan, Inland Fisheries Policy Manager at the American Sportfishing Association. “After a year that witnessed millions of Americans try fishing for the first time, we believe opening these waters to recreation will enable new anglers of all backgrounds to continue enjoying the outdoors.”

If you are interested in learning more about the changes the 2021-2022 Station Specific Rules put into place click here.

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, contact us at 763-315-8043.

Dealers Who Adapt Find Success During Difficult Market Conditions

By Liz Keener, MRAA Certification Manager

Walk into any dealership right now, whether it’s yours or anyone else’s, and you’ll see the showroom floor covered with more clothing, tubes, paddles and camp stoves than boats. We all know the industry is having a severe boat inventory issue caused by a slew of unfortunate events.

But during a recent round of dealership visits, one of the things I admired most about the dealers we talked to was their adaptability. They’re finding ways to make their situation work.

A photo of boats, accessories and garments inside a marine dealership.

Every dealer we visited experienced strong rental demand this summer. How did they adapt to that? One put a bigger focus on rentals in lieu of having enough boats to sell and saw a huge increase in their rental revenue. They also bought boats at auction with cosmetic defects that would prevent them from being good pre-owned showroom boats, but became perfect for short-term rentals.

More than one dealer found visitors wanted to spend time on the water, but didn’t want to worry about the hassle of driving. So they added more captain services.

One of the dealers added more diverse retail merchandise that complements boats and the boating lifestyle.

And every single one of them reworked their showroom, creating more merchandise areas with boat clothing, flip flops, towels, fishing equipment and the like in the wide-open spaces where boats used to reside.

At many dealerships, service boats sit in front of the dealership, more prominent than before, in the hopes to demonstrate that the business is still open. And some store already-sold customer boats, inside or out.

There’s no doubt, all of us adapted to change over the past 18 months, both personally and professionally. But the dealers who find new ways to be innovative and pivot remain strong and will continue to be throughout the next 18 months and beyond.

If you’re struggling with how to adapt, need some pointers on what changes you can make now, or want to spend this unique time working on your business rather than in it (maybe get Certified even), let us know. We’d love to connect you with any resources you need and provide you with any best practices we can.

Sea Tow Foundation Issues Official Call for Entry for 2021“National Boating Industry Safety Awards

The Sea Tow Foundation in cooperation with its newly rebranded Boating Safety Advisory Council (formerly North American Sober Skipper Advisory Council) has issued the official call for entry for its 2021 “National Boating Industry Safety Awards.”

Now in its third year, the contest features 10 categories of entry, all of which recognize top boating safety programs and campaigns within the for-profit segment of the recreational marine industry. Winners will be announced live during the MRAA’s Dealer Week December 6 – 9, 2021 in Austin, TX.

“We are pleased to announce our 2021 contest and encourage all for-profit companies and organizations within the recreational boating industry who are involved in promoting boating safety to enter,” said Sea Tow Foundation’s Executive Director Gail R. Kulp. “In addition, we very much appreciate the return and generous support of KICKER Marine Audio as our title sponsor for this year’s competition.

“KICKER Marine Audio is very pleased to continue our support for this outstanding initiative that promotes boating safety,” said KICKER Marine Audio’s National Brand Manager Jeremy Bale. “Our team at KICKER was very impressed by the great work produced and showcased in 2020. We’re proud to be back and lend support in recognizing the best efforts among for-profit organizations which invest in educating and advancing boating safety.”

The 2021 National Boating Industry Safety Awards include the following categories for submission: Powerboat Manufacturer; Sailboat Manufacturer; Engine Manufacturer; Gear/Equipment Manufacturer; Human Powered (Canoe, Kayak, SUP) Manufacturer; Marine Retailer with up to 3 Locations; Marine Retailer with more than 3 Locations; Marine Media Outlets; Marine Marketing and Outreach; and Marine Distributors.

Entries may be submitted between August 24 through midnight, October 8, 2021 for boating safety campaigns conducted within the United States from August 1, 2020 through August 1, 2021. Initiatives covering a longer time span may still enter and should include the data for the time period specified.

Contest information and applications are available for download at www.boatingsafety.com/awards along with a list of 2020 winners, including samples of their winning entries.

Your Voice in MRAA Advocacy Makes A Difference

Most dealers become members of the MRAA because of the robust educational programming and resources our team offers in helping them run their businesses. But running a strong business also requires a strong selling environment free from restrictive policies and regulations that can hinder your success.

That’s where MRAA’s advocacy work rises to the challenge. Through regular engagement at the federal, state and local levels, our team fights against policies that impede your operations, and we promote policies that will lead to a healthy business economy and the conservation of a strong boating environment.

Although the MRAA advocacy team leads the way in this fight, our best outcomes often result from our ability to connect you and your voice to the people making legislative and regulatory decisions.

For MRAA members, getting involved in advocacy is easy, and our advocacy team constantly creates avenues to amplify your voice. With their expertise in running a small business, MRAA members add a unique voice to the table, providing those decision makers with real-world insights into how federal and state policies and programs affect your business and the economy at large.

Quite simply: When MRAA members talk, decision makers listen.

Recently, MRAA member Rick Chapman, General Manager at Sunnyside Marina, Inc., testified before the U.S. House of Representatives’ Small Business Committee, advocating for the passage of the PREPARE Act, a program that would give small businesses the opportunity to reinforce their own infrastructure in preparation of weather-related issues, such as hurricanes and floods and the like. Mr. Chapman highlighted the challenges his and other businesses in the marine industry face and how the PREPARE Act would provide them much needed resources. To learn more about the PREPARE Act and Mr. Chapman’s testimony click here.

MRAA members have also been instrumental at a state level, as well. Notably, in 2020, MRAA member Joe Adams of Windward Boats in Hawaii testified before the Hawaii State Legislature to highlight the marine industry’s opposition to SB 2496, which proposed so-called right-to-repair legislation. His testimony highlighted the negative impact this legislation would have on marine retailers and boaters alike, and it was a critical voice this legislation did not pass.

Aside from participating in hearings at the state and federal level, MRAA members can also make their voice heard by signing on to comment letters and meeting directly with legislators and their staff — both of which the MRAA team can facilitate for you.

In fact, there are numerous ways MRAA members can get involved with this important advocacy work. Here are five easy steps to help you involved today:

  1. Sign up to receive Boating United alerts to stay informed.
  2. Sign a prior-approval form and contribute to BoatPAC, the No. 1 way our industry gets its voice at the table (and attend a BoatPAC event next time you have the opportunity … like at Dealer Week 2021). (U.S. based members only)
  3. Learn more about the issues that matter most to your business here.
  4. Meet and share your advocacy concerns with MRAA Government Relations Manager Chad Tokowicz and other industry stakeholders by attending Dealer Week.
  5. Join the MRAA Dealer Ambassador’s team – a formal group that is ready to mobilize if an issue comes home to your state.
  6. Get involved with MRAA’s government relations manager by emailing Chad at chad@mraa.com.

All MRAA members should make their voice heard by participating in our advocacy work. Your efforts will make a difference.

Boat Finance Joins MRAA as Partner Member

MINNEAPOLIS — September 1 — The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas announces Boat Finance has joined as a Partner Member.  

“Boat Finance strives to do more than just close individual deals, but build long-lasting relationships and forge meaningful connections with dealers, to increase financing accessibility and enhance the marine lending experience,” said Will Schrama, VP Finance & Operations. “Due to its outstanding networking and educational platform, the MRAA plays a vital role in bringing us together with others who share our same goals and values in building a stronger marine industry.”

Boat Finance

In 2015, Don and Bill Schrama recognized a void in the marine lending industry: bankers and lenders overlooking financing for older, pre-owned boats. As seasoned industry professionals with more than 60 years of experience in marine lending, the Schrama brothers were inspired to fill this void and founded Boat Finance LLC, to provide financing for these second-hand boats and increase accessibility for lending.

Since inception, the company has financed thousands of boats, and has even cast a wider net to financing motors and RVs. Operating out of Florida, California, New Jersey, Texas and Virginia, Boat Finance is currently licensed in 35 states, but on course to branch out to all 48 contiguous U.S. states. With the help of its dealer base, industry organizations and dedication to the Recreational Finance Industry, Boat Finance aims to become one of the largest names in Indirect Recreational Lending.

“We believe the MRAA is essential to our continued growth and development, and will pave the way for us to establish ourselves as an anchor in the community,” added Will Schrama. “We thank the MRAA for letting us be a part of this growing organization. We’re excited to see everyone at Dealer Week in Austin.”

Marine manufacturers, suppliers and service providers, through Partner Membership, commit to aligning their brands with the programs and opportunities that MRAA provides to the dealer body to help fuel the success of the industry. Support from Partners allows the Association to expand its offerings and create a positive, long-term impact in MRAA members’ business.

“It’s great to add Boat Finance as a Partner Member to the MRAA,” said Allison Gruhn, Director of Business Development. “We value the support of all of our partners, because it helps us supply valuable resources and educational tools to help dealers find more success and earn their customers’ trust.”

About Boat Finance
Boat Finance LLC was founded in 2015 by two brothers, Don and Bill Schrama, who identified a segment of the lending industry that current lenders had left unserviced: the sub-prime and used boat market. Since then, our mission has been to provide boat owners with quick and painless financing, especially to those who struggle to find financing elsewhere, by emphasizing superior customer service, unparalleled dependability, and optimized execution. For more info visit: www.boatfinance.com; call 855-234-1304.

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.

Washington State Marine Excise Tax Reflects Input from Boating Industry

Last week, the Washington State Department of Revenue held a hearing to finalize the watercraft excise tax depreciation schedule. The Department of Revenue proposed a final rule which reflected input from stakeholders in the marine industry and placed less of a financial burden on boat owners than the originally proposed excise tax schedule.

In June, MRAA joined regional and national groups, such as BoatUS, Recreational Boating Association of Washington, Northwest Marine Trade Association, Washington Retail Association, and Washington Maritime Federation, to challenge this proposal. Originally, the proposed depreciation schedule would have put an unfair burden on boat owners and did not reflect national averages. Furthermore, boats are the only recreational vehicle subject to a depreciation excise tax in Washington State, already placing an additional financial burden on boat owners.

The final rule, which will go into effect on October 1st, 2021, reflects significant changes from the initially proposed watercraft excise tax depreciation schedule. MRAA supported the aforementioned coalition and others advocated that the initially proposed depreciation schedule did not accurately portray depreciation rates of boats. The initial rule showed a Year 1 depreciation rate of either 2 or 3%, which does not match with nationally averaged boat depreciation rates that are closer to 10% after the first year. This higher-than-average estimate would have resulted in higher excise tax on boat owners.

“I would like to thank the Department of Revenue for working with stakeholders in the marine industry to create a final rule that reflects the concerns we raised,” said Chad Tokowicz Government Relations Manager for the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas. “With more people on the water than ever and many more considering buying boats, it is imperative we do whatever we can to lower the financial burden on consumers.”

Under the newly proposed excise tax depreciation schedule rates have been adjusted with Year 1 depreciation rate for sailboats at 10%, 16% for powerboats under 30 feet, and 17% for powerboats over 30 feet. Despite the updated depreciation schedule reflecting concerns raised by the marine industry, MRAA and its partners will continue to work with the Department of Revenue as the Final rule still needs improvement concerning the depreciation rates for sailboats vs. powerboats and for older vessels (older than 14 years).

“This issue demonstrated, once again, the importance of trade and member associations,” said Peter Schrappen V.P. and Director of Government Affairs for the Northwest Marine Trades Association. “The all-star team in place to advocate for boaters put together our case, the decision makers at the Department of Revenue listened and boaters and boating businesses won.”

The Department of Revenue has opened a public comment period on the final rule until September 10th, 2021. MRAA will continue to support the aforementioned organizations to provide additional comments and continue advocating for the Marine industry and its consumers.

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, contact us at 763-315-8043.