Positive Boat Show news - MarineBusinessWorld North America newsletter
by Peter Rendle 24 Jan 2024 22:00 GMT
Boats old Shows © National Marine Manufacturers Association
While market conditions coupled with winter storms tempered event crowds last weekend, the Discover Boating Atlanta, Chicago and New England boat shows, in partnership with Progressive Insurance®, drew in more than 60,000 determined buyers and boating enthusiasts to shop the thousands of new boats and the latest marine gear, taking advantage of winter show deals.
Despite higher interest rates after years of record growth in recreational boat unit sales, several exhibitors across each show reported encouraging sales and a kick-start to new leads in the New Year, with some exceeding expectations.
Yamaha is pleased to announce that it has signed an agreement to acquire all shares of marine electric propulsion manufacturer Torqeedo, with the aim of strengthening its development capabilities in the field of electric propulsion, as well as supporting Yamaha's efforts to help achieve carbon neutrality in the marine industry. Renowned as a pioneer in the field of electric propulsion, Torqeedo offers a wide-ranging line of products; from electric outboards to batteries and various other accessories, and would prove a huge asset to the Yamaha Marine family.
Yamaha also announced the highly anticipated launch of its latest outboard engine model 350hp V6, as well as enhancements to its Helm Master® EX boat control system, at the boot Dusseldorf Boat Show this week.
"The past few years have seen Yamaha make great strides from a leading provider of outboard engines to a true boating systems provider. We have launched many industry-leading innovations during this period, but we haven't stopped there," says Fabrice Lacoume, Marine Director at Yamaha Motor Europe. "This year's line-up sees us deliver an exciting and powerful new engine that really reflects the diversity demanded by today's boat owner, plus a range of more nuanced technical enhancements that meet and hopefully exceed our customers' advancing expectations."
ePropulsion, a global leader in marine electric propulsion systems and services, has announced the global launch of its latest innovation, the eLite electric outboard motor. This groundbreaking new product was showcased at boot Düsseldorf, the world's largest indoor boat and watersports show (January 20-28). The eLite, which has been created for the tender and smaller boating market, represents a new era in clean, quiet, and eco-friendly marine propulsion.
The direct-drive motor and advanced design propeller deliver high efficiency with near-silent operation. With a focus on minimal maintenance and cutting-edge technology, this addition to the ePropulsion range raises the bar in electric boating standards.
And engines are not alone in the development stakes. Flexofold, a leading innovator in folding propellers, has announced the launch of the latest addition to its product line-up, the Flexofold 3-Blade Composite Saildrive Propeller. Building on the success of Flexofold's 2-Blade Composite Propeller, this new addition is set to revolutionize the sailing experience for yacht enthusiasts worldwide. The new propeller is engineered with a focus on reducing weight without compromising performance.
The hub is crafted from lightweight composite material, while the blades are manufactured using Flexofold's renowned copper alloy. It is the propeller's lightweight construction that enhances sailing efficiency and manoeuvrability, making it a perfect match for electric motors. Its reduced weight enables electric motors to start and power the propeller more easily, enhancing its overall efficiency.
The International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA), a global organisation representing the recreational marine industry with more than 100 members around the world, this week shared further insights from its first-of-its-kind research outlining a portfolio of existing technologies best positioned to continue to propel the industry toward decarbonisation and outlined what this means for consumers.
The research, which specifically looked at marine propulsion in boats under 24m in length, revealed that due to the unique on-water environment for recreational boating, and the varied interests of boaters and the experiences they seek, a variety of solutions must be considered to continue reducing carbon emissions from recreational boats.
Last week, the House Natural Resources Committee unanimously passed the EXPLORE Act, propelling this priority American Sportfishing Association legislation one step closer to becoming law. "Well managed and accessible federal lands are vital to recreational fishing and boating, which is the largest contributor to the outdoor recreation economy," said Glenn Hughes, President of the American Sportfishing Association.
According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the U.S. outdoor recreation industry is valued at $1.1 trillion. If passed, the EXPLORE Act would improve access to, and facilities in, national parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, and more.
More industry news at www.marinebusinessworld.com/NorthAmerica
Keep looking forward!,
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@worldmarine.media