Industry reps underscore national boating reach - MarineBusinessWorld North America newsletter
by Peter Rendle 24 Sep 2025 19:00 BST
Recreational marine industry takes center stage at Congressional Boating Caucus event © National Marine Manufacturers Association
On September 18, members of Congress, staff, and policy leaders gathered at the U.S. Capitol for an exclusive briefing hosted by the Congressional Boating Caucus, which offered a deep dive into the impact and priorities of the recreational marine industry.
The event drew staff and Members from more than 50 House and Senate offices, including key committees like Appropriations and House Transportation & Infrastructure, and representation from coastal, Great Lakes, and inland states, underscoring the nationwide reach of recreational boating. Attendees heard from Congressional Boating Caucus Co-Chairs U.S. Representatives Rudy Yakym (R-IN) and Don Davis (D-NC), along with NMMA President and CEO Frank Hugelmeyer and Peter Barrett, Senior Vice President of Smoker Craft, on the industry's vital role in the American economy.
The U.S. Department of Commerce last week opened the second round of its inclusion process for its Section 232 investigation into imports of aluminum and steel derivative products. The notice, which was set to be published in the Federal Register on September 17, allows for inclusion requests to be filed by September 29. NMMA will closely monitor the inclusion requests should any imported marine part, component, or product be impacted - which could result in a 50% tariff on the metal content.
The International BoatBuilders' Exhibition and Conference (IBEX), North America's premier technical trade event for the recreational marine industry, announced its full schedule of networking opportunities for the 2025 Show, taking place at the Tampa Convention Center, October 7-9. Each day at this year's Show will feature a variety of special events and networking opportunities, including the popular Opening Night Party, sponsored by Wet Sounds, Inc. and the Mid-Show Mixer, sponsored by Roswell Marine, both taking place outside at the Sail Pavilion.
Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC), the world's largest marine technology company, this week announced a consolidation of its global fiberglass boat manufacturing footprint designed to reduce fixed costs and unlock greater productivity and efficiency while maintaining the necessary capacity and flexibility for future growth. Brunswick will close its Reynosa, Mexico fiberglass boat manufacturing facility, transitioning production into two of its high-performing U.S.-based manufacturing centers in Vonore, Tennessee and Merritt Island, Florida. In addition, its Flagler Beach, Florida production facility will be closed and consolidated into the Edgewater, Florida operation.
With the release of the annual Total Industry Sales by Category and State Report, part of NMMA's 2024 U.S. Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract, data reveals recreational marine spending remained healthy in 2024 with total retail expenditures hitting $55.6 billion, down slightly (2.6%) from 2023. In addition to healthy spending, the report confirms that boating consumers continued using and outfitting their boats last year.
Nominations are open for the Manufacturing Institute's 2026 STEP Ahead Awards - a powerful opportunity to spotlight the leaders shaping the future of manufacturing. From the factory floor to the C-suite, the STEP (Science, Technology, Engineering, Production) Ahead Awards honor women who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in their careers across all levels of the manufacturing industry. These awardees inspire future generations and help secure the industry's long-term strength.
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@worldmarine.media