Archive for the ‘Industry News’ Category

U.S. Outboard Engine Shipments Up 6.7% through July

8/9/2016 12:00:00 AM | Statistics

U.S. outboard engine wholesale shipments were up 6.7% YOY through July for NMMA’s control group of manufacturers, representing 95% of the market. Gains were led by four-strokes and higher-powered engines. Total retail sales based on warranty card registrations for the same period were up 8%.

To learn more about NMMA’s Industry Statistics and Research department, click here or contact Vicky Yu at[email protected].

July Cube: Canadian Outboard Engine Shipments Up 16.3 Percent

8/15/2016 12:00:00 AM | Statistics

Through July 2016, wholesale shipments of outboard engines in Canada for NMMA’s control group of manufacturers were up 16.3% R12M YOY. Corresponding dollars were up 28.6%. Warranty card registrations were up 1.4%.

The complete report is available only to participating NMMA member manufacturers. To learn more about NMMA’s Industry Statistics and Research program, click here or contact Vicky Yu at [email protected].

Introducing Triple Deuce, set to be the world’s biggest superyacht at a whopping 222 meters (728 feet) long.

At $1 billion, it will also be the most expensive private yacht ever built.

“Our client was concerned that if we built the yacht to 200 meters (656 feet), then someone would come along like Roman Abramovich when he built Eclipse at 163.5 meters (536 feet), and outdid Sheikh Maktoum’s yacht, the 162-meter (531-foot) Dubai, by only 1.5 meters (5 feet),” explained Timm. Read More……

“If it’s been a while since you’ve been on a pontoon, then taking a spin on a Manitou 23 X-Plode will let you know you’re not in Kansas anymore. – See more at: Boating World Magazine

Preparations are already well underway for the next Summer Olympic Games in 2016 in Rio. The athletes are training, the facilities are being built. Even the opening and closing ceremonies are being planned and rehearsed.

However, the 2020 Olympic games, which will be held in Tokyo are still being negotiated, and the International Olympic Committee has agreed to consider the addition of new events, and in general terms to consider shifting to a more event-based focus than a sports-based focus.

A wakeboard event is on the docket to be discussed for the 2020 Olympics. The recent success of the addition of snowboarding events to the Winter Olympics make the idea of adding wakeboard events to the Olympics an appealing prospect.

The International Waterski and Wakeboard Foundation made a full presentation to the International Olympic Committee, and according to the Wake Wind and Surf article, “IWWF Welcomes Olympic Agenda 2020,” the proposal was very well received,

Attending the IOC Monaco Session, IWWF President Kuno Ritschard stated – “IOC President Thomas Bach deserves our congratulations and has certainly opened the door for sports which can attract substantial new youth focused audiences to the Olympic Games. We know that the inclusion of Wakeboard would show the world exactly how the IOC is capable of quickly adapting to global trends.”

Wakeboard professionals, hobbyists and fans will all wait expectantly to see what the future holds for competitive wakeboarding, and its potential Olympic inclusion.

When you are looking for quality parts and technical advice for your boat or trailer, please contact us.

When you take your boat out, you never know what the day has in store for you. Whether you’re relaxing on the water, having a boat part at the lake with friends, competing in water sports, or fishing for sport or leisure, adventure awaits when you are on a boat.

Australian fisherman David Guillot learned this first hand when he went out fishing last week and landed not a fish, but a creature that looked like it belonged in a museum. Guillot caught a Frilled Shark, a species that dates back to prehistoric times and has existed for 80 million years.

Guillot had never seen anything like it, and reeling it in probably felt a little bit like stepping back in time. Scientists are pretty familiar with this species of shark but it is not something that the general public normally encounters.

According to the Fox31 article, “Terrifying ‘Prehistoric’ Shark Found In Australia by the web staff,

“The shark has an eel-like body and a shark-like tail. It has six sets of gill slits and 300 teeth. Frilled sharks are usually found as deep as 5,100 feet below the ocean’s surface. According to the South East Trawl Fishing Industry Association, this “living fossil” is one of only two remaining species of its ancient family.”

You never know what kind of surprise might await you the next time you put your boat in the water. If you want to make sure your boat is in top shape before the weather turns warm, so you don’t miss a single weekend on the water,  please contact us.

Anticipating its engine supplier, GM Powertrain, dropping many of its affordable engines, Mercruiser designed its own 4.5 L engine. GM’S decision is due to federal fuel mileage standards that require automobiles to deliver an MPG of at least 54.5 by the year 2015. The auto industry has responded to this by adding technology that doesn’t add any value to a Marine Engine since they typically run at higher engine speeds and load than an auto engine.

Mercruiser decided to start from scratch and came up with an engine design intended specifically for marine use. A supplier makes the cast iron block, but the rest of the engine comes in-house. The Mercury foundry casts the aluminum intake manifold and cylinder heads. You can choose from raw or Fresh Water Cooling, compatible with other MerCruiser Engines, and you can have either SmartCraft DTS controls or joystick piloting.

At just 940 pounds, the 4.5L V6 Engine is 134 pounds lighter than the 5.0L. For a mid-size runabout, that makes a big difference in performance. The lighter design also shows advantages for twin-engine set ups. Another plus is the fact the 4.5 is 4 inches shorter than the 5.0, offering boat builders another 4 inches of cockpit space.

One more marine specific aspect of the 4.5L engine is placement of consumer touch points. The dipstick, oil fill, and power steering fill are all right in the upper front portion of the engine for easy access. They also give you a detailed service label with a QR code that allows you to view how-to maintenance videos right on your smart phone. MerCruiser kept their air pressure drain system found on the 350 MAG. This comes in handy, because it lets you drain most of the water from the engine when expecting freezing temps.

All in all, the MerCruiser 4.5 L V6 Marine Engine promises to be the next big thing in Marine Engines. For more information on this or any of the other fine products we offer, contact us today.

Do you get seasick when you go out in the boat? I’m not exactly sure what this is but it looks like a smooth ride across the water.

Finding the right part, addition or solution for marine applications can be challenging for seasoned captains and new skippers alike. Let the experienced consultants at Performance Product Technologies help you find exactly what you need through a combination of selection and technical know-how.

The staff at PPT are knowledgeable mariners who keep a prime focus on engineering and technical-based solutions. Along with a huge selection of quality and name-brand marine products, PPT provides specifications, technical articles and videos that cover everything from basic marine safety and boat maintenance to advanced troubleshooting and repair techniques.

PPT has all of the parts and accessories at one location, preventing the need for mechanics to shop several outlets and ultimately piece together an order. A combination of OEM and direct replacement parts through Sierra Marine allows PPT to offer one of the largest online catalogs of marine engine parts available. In addition, PPT provides complete OEM catalogs for both Suzuki outboard parts and Yamaha marine parts.

Rare and hard to find marine engine parts are no problem, and if a certain part or product is not listed, contact PPT or use the Live Chat on the website to speak with an expert consultant. PPT consultants specialize in assisting do-it-yourself marine mechanics and finding the correct solution for your particular needs and your budget.

Performance Product Technologies is a one-stop shop for all of your inboard and outboard engine needs. Shopping PPT first saves time and money, allowing you to spend more time on the water and less time searching for parts and waiting for orders.

For those who have a passion for marine boating and fishing, having the latest fishing gear and technology is a necessary requirement. Every year new fishing gear is released and every reel, rod, and tackle only gets better. Listed below are some of the best fishing gear of 2014 according to a Field and Stream article which are bound to make your fishing experience top of the line.

The Nautilus CCF-X2 6/8 Reel

This reel is an excellently engineered piece suitable for heavy freshwater and light saltwater use. A cork and carbon fiber disc break is protected with a seal from any water, sand or salt. With an extremely low start up inertia at any setting and an oversize drag knob, this reel is extremely effective. Every revolution picks up an impressive 12 inches of line. Weighing at only 7.6 ounces, this reel is great for lightweight rods but still is capable of handling heavier fish without flexing or racking.

Quantum Tour MG Reel

This reel is an exceptional magnesium baitcaster that provides quality without being over the top in pricing. The six level brake weight adjustment knob is located inside the side plate and is released by pressing a button. This makes the reel concise but still easy to use. The outer spool tension knob also lets you accurately adjust it to any lure weight or style.

Cabela’s Tournament ZX Rod

This series of bass fishing rods lets you find a high quality rod suitable for your own personal style and bait preference. Fitted with Winn Grip handles, these rods are easy to grip rain or shine. Competitively priced, these rods are impressively light and sensitive compared to more expensive rods.

Rapala Scatter Rap Crank

This scatter lip naturally performs many different actions on its retrieve. It skitters, changes direction and switches vibration on its own. It acts almost exactly like a distressed bait fish and is excellent for catching bass. The lures are made of balsa wood and come in 14 different colors.

Simms Headwaters Large Sling Pack

This new fishing backpack is unique because its both practical and useful. It organizes your tackle in addition to simply just storing it. The outer pocket unzips to reveal a mobile rigging station which is helpful for any fisherman. The sling style also makes for easy access and a comfortable weight disbursement.

Having the right fishing gear is incredibly important for any avid fisher. Whether you’re interested in lightweight fishing or heavy saltwater adventures, you want to make sure you are using the best fishing equipment available. If you are interested in learning more about fishing accessories, feel free to contact us. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

The renowned and famous Rock Aqua Jays Water Ski Show Team is an amateur Janesville, Wisconsin, water ski club with about 130 members. They hold their spectacular shows twice a week between Memorial Day and Labor Day on the Rock River in Janesville. Their spectacular show skiing involves amazingly themed musically choreographed acts on water skis.