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MMTA ENews Brief: August 23, 2005
  • Tickets Still Available!
  • SEP 8 Nominating Meeting
  • SEP 29 Annual Meeting
  • NOV 15 Conference Planning: Volunteers Needed!
  • NOV 8-10 MRAA Convention
  • Abandoned Vessel Legislation Update
  • Massachusetts Marina Week Celebrations
  • '06 Dealer-MFG Agreements
  • National Dealer Certification Update
  • Developing Your Current Employees through Education
  • Look No Further: Marine Trades Program Graduates
  • Fuel Prices Going Up Got You Down?
  • C02 and Smart, Safe Boating
  • Staples Business Advantage Program
  • Boat Show News
  • Ben Franklin Enrolling Now
  • AMI Dues Reminder
  • Have an Item for ENews?
  • E-Mail Changes?
  • Advertise on BoatMA.com
  • Share The Wealth!
  • Refer a Member for 15 Month Membership
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SEPTEMBER 8 - MMTA Nominating Meeting
Cohasset Light Keeper's House 6 - 9 PM

TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE! RESERVE TODAY!

Please join us at this very special location to meet new and old colleagues, take in the sunset, socialize waterside, sway to the steel drum music and wind down after a busy summer season. $35 per person donation includes Buffet Reception, Libations, Complimentary parking and a magnificent view. Can't Find Your Reservation Form? Contact Leona at 781.826.1570 or via email at Leona.Roach@boatMA.com.


SEPTEMBER 29 - MMTA Annual Meeting

MMTA will host the 2005 Annual Meeting in conjunction with the Exhibitor Reception at the Boston International In Water Boat Show. Be sure to join us for the MMTA Annual Meeting reception at Anthony's. Each exhibitor receives 2 complimentary tickets: if you need more, consult your exhibitor package or contact Vernon Promotions at www.bostoninwaterboatshow.com.


REQUEST FOR VOLUNTEERS - Massachusetts Marine Trades Conference

This day long event will feature educational seminars, guest speakers, social and networking opportunities. Interested in recommending a conference topic, a speaker or becoming a sponsor of this event? Would you like to participate in the planning of this conference? We welcome your expertise and help. We need your help to make this the best MMTA Annual Conference. If you would like to get involved, drop an email to Leona.Roach@boatMA.com


NOVEMBER 8-10, 2005 - MARINE RETAILERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
Annual Convention, Stardust Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada

Did you know that retailer members of the Massachusetts Marine Trades Association are automatically members of the Marine Retailer's Association of America (MRAA)?

Make this the year YOU attend YOUR MRAA Annual Convention November 8-10, 2005 in Las Vegas. A complete agenda and list of speakers may be found at: http://www.mraa.com/2005convention/schedule.html

MMTA strongly encourages your attendance at this major industry conference.


From the Desk of...Jamy Buchanan Madeja, Esq.
MMTA Government Affairs and Legal Counsel

An Update on Abandoned Vessel Legislation HB 1399:

HB1399, the Abandoned Vessel legislation drafted by MMTA and graciously sponsored by Rep. Anthony Verga (D. Gloucester), has been well-received on its maiden voyage to Beacon Hill. Once passed, the bill would allow disposition without court process of vessels abandoned at marinas and boatyards, fees unpaid, but would not alter existing lien laws.

After hearing MMTA's testimony and that of other supporters (no opponents testified), the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture has asked MMTA for a few non-controversial modifications, such as a little more time between notice to any last known owner of a vessel believed to be abandoned and the time the vessel may be auctioned or disposed of.

Committee staff indicates the bill may be "reported out favorably" as early as mid-September, when the Committee next meets to handle such matters. If so, the next step may be consideration by the Ways and Means Committee or by Judiciary.

Questions or comments? Contact Jamy Buchanan Madeja, Esq., at 617-227-8410, ext. 234 or jmadeja@buchananassociates.com.

The Port O'Call Crew at National Marina Day L to R: Steve Wyman, Chet Curtis and Tina Marie Giambro
National Marina Day Celebrated throughout the Commonwealth

August 13th was the first day of Massachusetts Marina Week as proclaimed by the Commonwealth's Governor, Mitt Romney.

MMTA members statewide celebrated with a variety of events that included open houses, free boat rides and illustrations of the marina's central role in local waterfront communities. More detailed reports will appear in the next ENews. Until then, MMTA thanks all of those who participated in showcasing the valuable and important roles marinas and boatyards play as providing friendly and safe gateways to the public waters.

Mark your calendar: 2006 National Marina Day is August 12


Memorial Bay View Seating Unveiled at Marina Bay

On August 13th, Friends of the late Mark Bikash, President of North Quincy's Bay View Yacht Sales, gathered on a beautiful, warm summer afternoon to dedicate a memorial bench in Mark's honor along the Boardwalk at Marina Bay.

Together with Mark's lovely and gracious wife Lillian, their families, friends, children and grandchildren were among dozens of friends, celebrities, industry colleagues, MMTA members and staff. Special thanks for fundraising and coordinating the memorial dedication are due to Tina Marie Giambro of Port O' Call Productions and Michael Myers of Boston Yacht Sales.

Friends and Family of Mark Bikash Gathered for the Unveiling of the Bay View Memorial Bench at Marina Bay
Lillian Bikash and Extended Family Enjoy the Inaugural Bay View

So that others may share your "Bay View"

In Memory of
Mark N. Bikash
A neighbor, friend, boater, and marine industry insider whose friendship, dedication and passion enhanced the lives of many who miss him.

Your friends, pier mates
and colleagues.


From the Desk Of...Phil Keeter, President, Marine Retailers Association of America

Good Afternoon MA Marine Trades Members:

MRAA needs your help on a couple of items.

When the NMMA Task Force Dealer/Mfg suggested language was introduced in May, 2005 to the industry it was announced that both the Boat Manufacturers Board of NMMA and its full Board had voted to support it. It was also announced at that time that approximately sixty (60) boat builders had indicated they would adopt the language in some form.

Now summer is on us and the dealer meetings have commenced. Dealers are being offered their 2006 agreements. MRAA would like to review as many 2006 agreements as possible to monitor the progress of the usage of the proposed language. While many of the agreements will be available in the Fall of 2005, MRAA would like to get a read on it much sooner so we can report on it at the MRAA convention in early November.

My request of you is that you supply us with copies of the new dealer agreements and their attachments so we can compare what was proposed and what is actually happening. MRAA will guard the confidentiality of each agreement as to where it came from and any personal data included. We just want to see what is really happening in the field.

The agreements you receive can be faxed to me in Oklahoma at 918-496-3175 or to the MRAA Office in Chicago at 708-763-9236. Electronic copies are preferable and should be sent to: mraa@mraa.com Alternately, feel free to mail a copy to MRAA at 5834 E 62nd Street, Tulsa, OK 74136-2113.

Thanks in advance for your cooperation.


More News from the Marine Retailers Association of America

Twenty-One (21) Dealers Commence Certification Process: Changing Course" becomes the new credo!

On July 20, 2005, twenty-one (21) marine dealerships agreed to become the first wave of retailers to become certified at the Dealer Certification kick off meeting.

Thirty-three (33) representatives of marine retailer dealerships from coast to coast made up the group that agreed to "change course." These dealerships who range in size from less that $5 million dollars to over $100 million dollars in annual sales volume and who have employees numbering from ten (10) to over one hundred fifty (150) enthusiastically embraced the tenants of the new industry dealer certification program.

"Dealers fully understand the need to create a better experience for our consumers and want to become certified in order to do that," commented Phil Keeter, MRAA President. "The Grow Boating Initiative will identify those dealers who are committed to presenting a better environment for our customers and the dealers fully realize and have accepted that fact," he concluded.

Larry Russo, Russo Marine, Chairman of the Dealers Standards and Quality Task Force of the Grow Boating Initiative said, "The acceptance of the program by the twenty-one (21) dealers to become certified is very gratifying for those of us on the Task Force. What we helped to create has been accepted and now we look forward to presenting it to the entire industry."

The initial participants in the dealer certification process are taking steps to become certified by this October. The program will be introduced to all industry retailers at the MRAA Convention, November 8-10, 2005 in Las Vegas. For more information on dealer certification and the MRAA convention contact MRAA at 708-763-9210 or go to www.mraa.com.

From the Desk of...Ed Lofgren, Chairman, MMTA Education Committee


MASSASOIT MARINE TECHNICIAN'S PROGRAM IDEAL FOR WORKING MEMBERS OF THE RECREATIONAL MARINE TRADES

The Marine Technician Certificate Program at Massasoit (Canton Campus) is now enrolling for its 350 hour marine mechanic's course. Designed as an entry level program to train future marine mechanics, the course is two evenings a week and every third Saturday and runs September through May. It is therefore ideal for the working member of the marine trades who aspires to a future as a technician. Instructors are members of the recreational marine industry and are also experienced educators.

Criteria for enrollment:
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Basic familiarity with tools
  • Ability to lift 50 - 70 lbs.
  • Commitment to complete all three courses in the program
  • Commitment to working full time in the recreational marine industry upon completion of the program and award of the Certificate.
The three course increments in order of presentation are:
  • Marine Technician Fundamentals
  • Outboard Engines
  • Inboard Engines
FOR MORE INFORMATION, email Ed Lofgren erl@3amarine.com or Massasoit CC Dean Elaine Stewart at estewart@massasoit.mass.edu

MARINE TRADES PROGRAMS GRADUATING DOZENS OF MARINE SERVICE PERSONNEL

Are you looking for marine trades personnel that are ready, willing, eager and able to join your firm? If so, you should know that several marine trades programs endorsed by the MMTA are soon to be graduating dozens if qualified men and women. If you are looking to interview new service staff-technicians, service writers, warranty administrators, technicians assistants, please consider hiring from this talented group of graduates. Each has made a personal commitment and financial investment in learning the marine industry: please contact Ed Lofgren at erl@3Amarine.com or 781.749.3250 if you would like to review the credentials of or interview any of these fine candidates.


MA MARINE TRADE EDUCATORS NEED YOUR HELP!

Education Committee Chairman, Ed Lofgren has received several urgent pleas for equipment necessary to teach the students enrolled in marine trades programs in Quincy and at Massasoit Community College. Please review the wish lists below and, if you have something you can spare or loan or would like to make a cash contribution, please contact Ed Lofgren at 781.749.3250 or via e-mail at erl@3AMarine.com

Feel free to pass along and share these urgent requests with your OEM's and distributors encouraging them to scour their inventory for contributions. You'll be surprised what they have "laying around" that they might be willing to donate to a good cause-all you have to do is ask!

Quincy's New Marine Technology Course Needs:
  • Large test tank for bigger outboards
  • Stern Drive repair stands
  • Propeller puller
  • Stern Drive test tank
  • Jack Stands
Massasoit's Marine Technology Program Needs:
  • Stern drive engines (year 2000 & up in running condition)
  • Engine test stands for stern drive engines
  • Fuel gauge panels with control box and harness
  • Boats (1995 or newer): outboard, stern drive, inboard to troubleshoot, diagnose and demonstrate repairs.
  • Transmissions: (Hurth & Borg Warner and any vee drive)
  • Stern Drives (1995 & up), Complete to troubleshoot and reseal
  • Stern drive repair stands (bench mount and floor mount)
  • Assorted Special tools to teardown & reseal outdrives.

Notes & News from NMMA

Fuel Prices Going Up Got You Down?

1. Boaters will be boaters no matter what happens at the pump.

Boaters are out on the water to relax and spend time with friends and family. They cherish their time on the water and are reluctant to give it up. Research shows that the primary motivators for boating include: building relationships, going fishing, reducing stress and enjoying the outdoors (Left Brain Marketing, 2004).

Boating is convenient. 90% of Americans live within an hour's drive from a great boating destination. Media may be interested in speaking directly to consumers in local markets about this issue. You may want to query your dealers to see if there are consumers in key markets who can speak to the media about their boating habits.

2. Recent research shows fuel prices don't change boating habits.

A study conducted by the Recreational Marine Research Center (RMRC) in August, 2004 showed that the majority of boaters (56 percent) didn't change their boating habits based on higher fuel prices last summer. Eighty percent of respondents surveyed (4,000) took boat trips between May and August when fuel prices were at their peak for the year. [For a copy of the RMRC study referenced above, email NMMA Assistant Director of Communications, Dan Green at dgreen@nmma.org]

Most of the boats in use on the water today are under 21' in length. These crafts do not require exorbitant amounts of gas, so any impact would be negligible. In fact, 64 percent of boaters say they purchase less than fifty gallons of gas per season-roughly two trips to the gas station to fill up your SUV or Minivan.

Boating isn't an activity like driving where you are using gas all the time. In fact, when a person is boating, they may be fishing or swimming and not using the motor at all. If you own a sailboat the motor is used even less.

Higher fuel prices present a marginal increase in the operating cost of your boat. For owners of $500,000 boats that use 100 gallons in a weekend, a 50 cent increase in gasoline means that a weekend of fun on the water will cost $50 more, while owners of smaller boats that use 20 gallons of gas will end up spending $10 more on gas. The small increase in operating cost isn't expected to limit boaters' time on the water.

3. Gas prices have not impacted boat sales.

Wholesale dollar boat sales were up 15.6 percent in 2004, compared to 2003, while wholesale unit shipments rose 5.7 percent. At retail, sales of powerboats were up 4.2 percent last year, compared to 2003.

Quick Tips for Reducing Fuel Usage:
  • Slower speeds on the water will reduce use
  • The proper use of trim tabs reduces drag, especially while accelerating up to planning speeds.
  • Minimize the amount of time that you idle at the dock
  • Minimize the use of onboard generators.
  • Use dock-side electrical power in lieu of generators.
  • Have a float plan so you know exactly where you're going.
  • Make sure the hull is clean.
  • Don't under-power your boat. It's important you have enough motor to handle the load.
  • Check your propeller. If your boat is slow "out of the hole" or lacks top-end speed, you might have the wrong propeller.
  • A well-tuned engine uses less fuel.
  • Use the grade of gasoline specified by the engine manufacturer.
Carbon Monoxide, Boating and Safety
A Message from NMMA

The recreational marine industry has been working diligently through advances in engineering and boating education to ensure that the boating public is participating in an affordable, safe and family oriented form of recreation.

As the recreational boating community became aware of the carbon monoxide (CO) issue, it began working with government agencies and other groups such as the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) and the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) to educate the public on the safe use of their boats; enforce the laws banning unsafe activities and to assign the best engineering minds in the boating industry to study how we might lower CO emissions. For more information on NMMA's efforts in the area of carbon monoxide safety education and other initiatives, visit: www.nmma.org/government/

Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips for Consumers:

NMMA has put together the following safety tips for consumers on how to minimize CO risks. These can be found on our web site at www.discoverboating.com/safety
  • DON'T swim or sit near the swim platform when any engine is running.
  • DON'T hold on to the swim platform while the boat is underway (no "Teak Surfing").
  • DON'T moor next to another boat whose engine is running.
  • DON'T confuse carbon monoxide poisoning with seasickness or intoxication.
  • DO immediately move the person to fresh air, investigate the cause and take corrective action if someone on board complains of irritated eyes, headache, nausea, weakness or dizziness. Seek medical attention if necessary.
  • DO make sure generators are properly ventilated, and keep engine and generator exhausts clear.
  • DO always shut off engine and generator when moored, anchored or standing still.
  • DO be aware that the station wagon effect, or backdrafting, can cause carbon monoxide to accumulate inside the cabin, cockpit and bridge when the boat is underway, moving at a slow speed, or idling.
  • DO keep your boat's engine well maintained, and regularly check to make sure carbon monoxide detectors in the cabin are working properly.
  • DO always wear a properly fitted life jacket while in or around water.

NEW MEMBER BENEFIT: MMTA-STAPLES BUSINESS ADVANTAGE PROGRAM

Deep discounts and dedicated customer service typically reserved for much larger corporations are now available to MMTA members.

How Do I Enroll?
It's easy. Visit the MMTA Members Only Section at www.BoatMA.com and click on the STAPLES LOGO. Forgot YOUR MMTA Members Only Password? Remember they are case sensitive:

Username: MMTA
Password: hightide
After you complete the online enrollment, an MMTA-Staples Account Manager will contact you to complete the registration process and assist with any questions you have about getting started. It's That Easy!
2005 Boston International In Water Boat Show


The Boston International In Water Boat Show is Boston's only Boat Show with over 200 In-Water Boat Displays and 300 Indoor Boat Displays. This show attract boaters from all over New England, and one of New England's largest, most attractive boat shows. Children under 12 are admitted free with an adult companion and complimentary youth life jackets are available dockside.

  • Boston's Only In Water Boat Show
  • Over 200 In-Water Boat Displays: Over 300 Indoor Displays
  • Children Under 12 Admitted Free with Adult Companion
  • Complimentary Youth Life Jackets Available Dockside
  • Endorsed by the Massachusetts Marine Trades Association
  • Power boats, sailboats, engines, accessories & seminars
  • Boat Buyer's Bonanza: Bottom Line Reason to Buy at the Show
  • Opening Night Exhibitor Reception: The Place to Connect with the National Marine Industry
  • Special Pre Show Advertising Opportunities: Call 978-777-4439 for details

Ongoing Events


E-Mail Changes?

Unlike the US Post Office, the cyberspace postmaster does not forward your e-mail. Has your e-mail address changed? If so, be sure to let us know so you won't miss an issue of MMTA ENews: Send a notice of any email address changes or requests to opt out of future mailings to: webmaster@boatMA.com


Advertise on BoatMA.com
THE BEST PROMOTIONAL VALUE FOR YOUR MARINE BUSINESS!

If you do ANY advertising, this is THE place to be! Only for MMTA members, the BOATMA.com web site draws thousands of boaters every single day. There is no better place to get exposure for your marine trades business!

MMTA also invites you to sponsor an ENews Brief. We will feature an image and some text about your company right at the top of a ENews Brief like this one, which is sent to all MMTA members. What a great business-to-business opportunity!

Email webmaster@boatma.com or call David, the BoatMA.com webmaster, at 508-240-2533 to sign up today!


SHARE THE WEALTH!

Like what you have read? PLEASE share these ENews briefs with colleagues and staff of MMTA member firms. While emails are sent to one contact at a Member Firm, all employees of member firms can benefit from this information.

HAVE AN ITEM FOR ENEWS? Drop us a line at: Leona.Roach@BoatMA.co


MEMBERSHIPS SUPPORT MMTA

Do you know a firm that should be a Full or Associate member of MMTA? We want your referrals for membership: just drop a note to Membership Committee Chairman Niven Damon at Niven@nivendamon.com or complete a Membership Application On-line.

New Member applications submitted and approved at the October Board meeting will be eligible for a 15 month membership!
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