Events, new products and new boats make the news - MarineBusinessWorld North America newsletter
by Peter Rendle 13 Sep 2023 20:00 BST
IBEX Show © IBEX
The International BoatBuilders' Exhibition and Conference (IBEX), North America's largest trade event for marine industry professionals, has announced the details of its expanded exhibit halls, Product and International Pavilions, and Trade Routes.
The Show will be held October 3-5 at the Tampa Convention Center. The expansion of the Center and added exhibit space will allow IBEX to welcome 711 exhibiting companies, 78 of which are new exhibitors and 77 of which are international companies representing 18 countries. It will occupy three levels of exhibit halls, outdoor display space, and host 40 boats on the IBEX docks.
New for this year is the Sustainable Technology Pavilion and Trade Route, which will include 32 exhibitors and highlight products designed to reduce carbon emissions, empower cleaner processes for propulsion, and promote a more sustainable future.
An exhibitor at the IBEX event is Ultrafabrics, the world's top producer of high-end performance textiles for the marine industry, who will showcase its luxurious and hard-wearing outdoor fabrics, plus at two other shows this autumn: The Genoa Boat Show, METSTRADE in Europe. Barry Silverman, Vice President of Marketing and Brand, says, "We are pleased to have strong connections with the global luxury marine industry and continue to use these events to strengthen our relationships, show our continued innovation and participate in the important conversations these events bring. There is an inspiring zeitgeist created when all of these industry voices come together, and we love being a part of it."
Also, Lithium Pros® will showcase its industry-leading trolling batteries, boat batteries, and lithium-ion power products at IBEX, as is the ideal venue for the premier manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries to showcase their top-of-the-line gear. IBEX attendees can visit Lithium Pros at booth #3-1734 on the 2nd Floor to examine the new M3275-36, N3250-48D, and TM24100 batteries.
Appearing at a US boat show for the first time is legendary Italian shipyard Fratelli Aprea Sorrento 1890, crafters of artisanal "gozzo" style boats. They recently announced their New England debut at the Newport International Boat Show (September 14-17) in Newport, Rhode Island. Founded in 1890 by Cataldo Aprea, Fratelli Aprea is now in its sixth generation of family craftsmen, and are renowned internationally for their bespoke luxury boats. Today, the Aprea brothers' work honors the family's history while looking to the future. Every boat is designed and built according to the techniques and traditions of their storied past.
Registration is now open for the next U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) free online Risk Mitigation Series. Taking place November 1 from 2-4p.m. EST, the fifth webinar will be Navigating Compliance in the Age of Evolving Technology. Join ABYC and USCG experts as they explore the future of USCG factory visits, sustainability practices including lithium-ion batteries and alternative fuels, and product compliance measures that are vital to thrive in a world of rapid advancement.
New products this week include Garmin (NYSE: GRMN) who unveiled its flagship GPSMAP® 9000 chartplotter series designed for captains who demand the best. Available with 19", 22", 24" or 27" touchscreen displays, these all-in-one chartplotters offer stunning 4K resolution with edge-to-edge clarity, powered by a processor that's seven-times faster than previous generations. Thanks to the new Garmin BlueNet™ gigabit network, these premium multi-function displays provide comprehensive connectivity throughout the vessel with faster networking speeds than ever before.
"For decades, mariners have been relying on Garmin's GPSMAPs to help them navigate waters all over the world. Building on that success, we're thrilled to unveil the 9000 series with bigger, best-in-class displays, lightning-fast processing speeds and the ultimate connected boating experience on the new Garmin BlueNet network," says Dan Bartel, Garmin Vice President of Global Consumer Sales.
Also, Navico Group will showcase the Fathom e-power system at the Cannes Yachting Festival, September 12-17. This is a fully vertically integrated solution compromised of energy storage, power conversion and digital monitoring and control for the marine and RV sectors. The system allows users to extend time away from the charge source by providing more battery capacity and efficiently managing the electrical system, while also eliminating the noise, vibration and fumes associated with traditional generator experiences. Additionally, an intuitive user interface allows end users to easily monitor and control their power on and off the vessel via multifunction displays or smart mobile devices.
New Boat launches this week: World Cat announced the launch of its newest model, the 260DC-X dual console. As the next generation replacement to World Cat's most popular model ever - the 255DC - the new 260DC-X began production July 2023 and is now available for pre-order at World Cat dealers. "We didn't just optimize," said Chad Armstrong, VP of Sales & Marketing, "we revolutionized use of space, storage, comfort, and experience for a truly innovative World Cat 26-foot dual console."
Innovations include a swivel cooler seat with cushion that stows in a locked position under the captain's helm seat, while also swinging out for a convenient and comfortable starboard side-seat.
People appointments: Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC) today named Dean Harris president, Rayglass Boats. Harris will officially begin his role on October 1. Harris joined Brunswick in 2002 and most recently served as the Regional Manager for Mercury Marine in New Zealand for the last 16 years. Harris has more than two decades of marine sales experience and previously served as a national sales manager for MAC boats prior to joining Brunswick. His experience leading various teams throughout his tenure will be an asset for continued multi-brand coordination among Rayglass, Mercury Marine, Boston Whaler, Navico Group and all Brunswick brands in the Asia Pacific region.
And Vision Marine Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ: VMAR), a global leader and innovator within the performance electric recreational boating industry, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Philippe Couillard as an Independent Director to the Board of Directors, effective immediately. Dr Couillard brings a wealth of knowledge and a diverse range of experiences to his new role, and he will be instrumental in guiding Vision Marine through its next phase of growth and innovation.
More marine industry news at www.marinebusinessworld.com/NorthAmerica
Stay safe,
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@marinebusinessworld.com