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Confindustria Nautica: Global boat building market reached €33.3bn in 2025 despite slowdown
Italy continued to outperform the wider market, with growth in the superyacht sector helping the country strengthen its global leadership position
Vision Marine to unlock $5m in liquidity through Florida property sale
The electric propulsion specialist expects the transaction to generate non-dilutive cash while reducing annual operating costs by $1.2m
MarineMax sees hope on the horizon despite market conditions
The mega global dealer, marina and yacht services operator identifies encouraging signs for the remainder of 2026, though recovery may hinge on consumer confidence
Acquera Yachting expands Malta operations through joint venture
Italian superyacht service provider partners with local logistics firm, appointing Karl Naudi and Mario Micallef to lead expanded Mediterranean operations
7th TYBA Yacht Charter Show returns to Marmaris after 45 years
The first official show took place in 1981, with TYBA organising the event since 2018
ZeroUSV takes stake in UK shipyard to boost autonomous vessel production
The company has become a shareholder in Portland-based Manor Marine, securing dedicated production capacity for its Oceanus uncrewed surface vessels
South African draft dam regulations threaten inland boating sector
New draft regulations for government waterworks, introduced earlier this year, have sparked significant backlash from civil society groups
Volvo Penta unveils new D13 IPS Hybrid yacht propulsion system
The Swedish power solutions manufacturer set to take a significant step towards its goal of producing fully electric propulsion systems by releasing a 700hp-1000hp (515kW-735kW) parallel hybrid propulsion system later this year
Hutchwilco NZ Boat Show opens this week for 70th anniversary edition
The annual marine industry event returns to Auckland Showgrounds from 14-17 May
Myers Industries reports solid Q1
Gains in net revenues, gross profit, adjusted operating income underscore strong start to 2026 fiscal for US plastics manufacturer
Freedom Boat Club buys out largest franchise operation
The franchise includes 21 locations, a maintenance centre and a retail boat dealership
MasterCraft Q3 revenues up 3%
Revenues, profits increase for US boat builder leading to guidance upgrade
BoatClick delivers AI-powered ‘Intelligence Core’ to Outer Reef 990 MY
The move marks the first integration of AI and Digital Twin technology in the long-range cruising sector
Flexiteek joins African Boating Conference 2026 as official sponsor
The partnership reflects growing international interest in Africa’s marine sector as the continent strengthens its position in global boating and superyacht services
British Marine appoints non-executive directors to strengthen Board expertise
The two appoinments are made as the organisation continues to focus on membership growth and commercial development
Yamaha Motor named exclusive partner for new Nordic boat brand
STATT will be introduced to the Nordic region during 2026
Leading CEOs confirmed for IBI Summit 2026: Groupe Beneteau’s Bruno Thivoyon among growing executive lineup
Leading CEOs from across the global marine industry will gather at the upcoming IBI Summit to address the sector’s most pressing challenges and opportunities
XO Boats expands distribution with US and Italy partnerships
The Finnish builder is strengthening its international distribution network with new partners in the United States and Italy as it looks to broaden its presence in key recreational boating markets
boot Düsseldorf 2027 exhibitor registration opens
Messe Düsseldorf has opened exhibitor registration for the event, with water sports sectors able to sign up from May ahead of the show’s return from 23-31 January next year
Viking urges industry input on NOAA Right Whale speed rule review
US builder calls on marine stakeholders to submit public comments by June 2 deadline
Last chance to register for ABYC/USCG risk mitigation webinar
Free virtual event will address risk mitigation for eFoils, defect notification policy, ABYC standards updates, factory visits and advanced driver-assistance systems
Nimbus Group revives heritage naming structure
The Swedish builder is reintroducing classic product names as part of a wider strategy to simplify customer choice across its Nimbus model range
Bulgarian builder plans IPO, opens new production facility
The company aims to raise €3m through a stock market listing to support production expansion, product development and international growth
Vision Marine to trade on TSX Venture Exchange
New listing expected to support capital markets growth strategy for Canadian tech firm
New solar-electric catamaran builder forms in Germany
The company’s first 60ft solar-electric cat will debut at Cannes in September
Ancasta boosts UK brokerage team with Hamble appointment
Yacht specialist strengthens offshore sailing expertise as Harry Lightfoot joins Hamble office and takes on Contest Yachts brand role
Lyman-Morse composites facility approaches completion
US boat builder’s new 15,000ft² composites fabrication and assembly plant on track to open in late summer 2026
Benetti to open Livorno yard to design students for World Boating Day initiative
Italian superyacht builder launches “Connecting Excellences” project and future deck design contest in partnership with leading design academies
Malibu Boats beats FQ3 expectations and lifts fiscal 2026 outlook
Driven by the acquisition of Saxdor Yachts and a favourable product mix, Malibu Boats has raised its full-year guidance despite declines in profit and unit volume
Brabus Marine announces all-new Shadow 38 range
The next generation of 38ft performance boats from Brabus Marine will debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival in September
Hubbell to acquire NSI Industries for US$3.0bn
Acquisition of electrical fittings, connectors and wire management products manufacturer to drive vertical integration
Frigomar opens new Italian production facility
The 7,100m² site in Casarza Ligure will boost HVAC manufacturing capacity
Smartgyro grows North American reach through ComMar partnership
The Italian stabilisation specialist has restructured its US sales channels
SABBEX welcomes new state funding to help promote ‘brand SA’
The South African Boat Builders Export Council will expand its support for the local boat building industry following a new funding injection
RMG expands Southern Europe presence with Nauta Dock dealership
The partnership strengthens Revolution Marine Group’s regional footprint in Spain and Andorra with full Oceanwalker range representation
People on the Move this Week
New appointments at Lookout, Maritime Solent, MasterCraft and more
IBI Summit 2026: Navigating M&A opportunities in a transforming boating industry
As global economic headwinds reshape the leisure marine landscape, industry leaders gather to explore consolidation strategies, growth opportunities, and the future of M&A in boating
More Yachts completes restructuring under new ownership
Davor Paić acquires Croatian shipyard, with company citing improved financial stability following strategic changes
ExploMar opens first international electric boat experience centre in Bangkok
Chinese electric outboard manufacturer launches Thailand facility through dealer Thai Maritec, offering on-water trials and technical demonstrations
MasterCraft names new GM for Crest and Balise pontoon brands
Chip Gerlach takes on general manager role; Mike O’Connell transitions to senior VP of operational excellence
Teignbridge Propellers announces senior leadership transition
UK propulsion specialist appoints Mark Phare as group managing director in planned succession move
Marine Components International secures EMEA distribution deal for Seascour
Agreement brings environmentally certified marine descaler to markets across Europe, the Middle East and Africa
Nimbus Group receives first order for military workboats
The Swedish Armed Forces has ordered 60 MSMB 200 workboats valued at SEK 260m, with deliveries from January 2027
Brunswick veteran receives 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award
Dave Marlow honoured for 40-year career championing boating safety, regulatory alignment, and technical standards in the recreational marine sector
Norwegian hydrogen boat startup declares bankruptcy
Hyrex AS has collapsed after facing severe liquidity problems that left it unable to meet its financial obligations, according to court documents
Prestige names exclusive Australian dealer ahead of Sanctuary Cove debut
The move strengthens the French brand’s presence in the Asia-Pacific region
MSYF 2026 launches new think tank initiative to drive Mediterranean growth
The Mediterranean Superyacht Forum’s new approach generates multiple ideas, including the formation of a marine cluster spanning the entire Med region
Ocean Signal receives 2026 King’s Award for Enterprise
UK manufacturer recognised for breakthrough personal locator beacon combining global and local rescue technologies
Princess Yachts advances X90 towards Cannes debut
UK builder moves closer to the launch of its new X90 superyacht, with the first hull entering sea trials and strong early sales signalling market confidence
Metstrade urges industry-wide action for cleaner waterways and seas
The global leisure marine community is encouraged to take part in sustainability initiatives during this year’s World Boating Day campaign
Contender Boats founder wins Eddie Smith Manufacturer of the Year Award
Joe Neber was honoured for his leadership in boat building and marine conservation at the American Boating Congress in Washington, DC
Ferretti Group faces pivotal week as shareholders battle for board control
Competing nominations from Weichai and KKCG will be decided May 14, followed by a board meeting to review Q1 results
Bayesian probe points to crew error in sinking, not weather
Preliminary findings from Italian prosecutors indicate the yacht’s August 2024 capsizing off Sicily was caused by improper crew actions
Wider secures phased investment from OceanWorld Group
The funds will be used to support the Italian builder’s international expansion and product development
Highfield Boats Australia names exclusive NSW dealer
Partnership strengthens Australian network for aluminium-hull RIB specialist while expanding customer access to sales and aftersales support in a key state
NZ Marine appoints new executive director
Industry body names Callum Gillespie to guide next phase of growth
IBI Reader Survey 2026: Take part now to help shape the future of IBI
Your feedback in our five-minute reader survey will directly influence the content, insight and industry coverage we deliver
Lippert Q1 revenues grow 4%
US component manufacturer reports US$1.1bn in Q1 consolidated sales
Cummins posts revenue and profit gains in strong first quarter
Record Power Systems segment performance helps drive Q1 revenues to $8.4bn of US engine builder
South African upholstery supplier reports growth via digital scanning
A new digital scanning service is enabling Jo Fensham Yacht Upholstery to serve increasingly mobile yacht clients, combining on-site data capture with remote design, manufacturing and global delivery
Orca AI, Samsung sign MoU to develop autonomous platform
Initially targeting commercial shipping, autonomous navigation platform could have future impact in recreational marine sector
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