America’ s Boating Channel recently released a new educational video that aims to help recreational boaters confidently make critical go / no-go decisions before hitting the water.

Produced by the boating safety video service of America’ s Boating Club | United States Power Squadrons, the video explores the numerous factors that influence a safe departure decision, according to the organization, ranging from trip duration to rapidly changing weather forecasts.

Additionally, it encourages boaters to implement a pre-departure checklist to ensure consistent, smart decision-making.

“ Having a reliable system to make go / no-go decisions provides immense peace of mind when you’ re out on the water,” said John O’ Reilly, Executive Director of America’ s Boating Channel, in a news release.“ This video simplifies that process for boaters. Ultimately, sometimes the best decision you can make for yourself and your crew is to stay at the dock.”

The video is available for free viewing at America’ s Boating Channel YouTube Channel( youtube. com /@ AmericasBoatingChannel / videos) or on the free on-demand app on Roku or FireTV.

The ABYC Foundation just announced the Marine Trades Accreditation Program( MTAP) accreditation of three marine service technology programs: Carteret Community College in Morehead City, North Carolina; Fort Myers Technical College in Fort Myers, Florida; and Suncoast Technical College in Sarasota, Florida.

Launched in 2022, MTAP helps schools align training with industry needs and gives employers confidence in the skills graduates bring to the workforce, according to the organization. Accreditation is available to high school and postsecondary marine service technology programs and includes application review, approval by the ABYC Foundation Accreditation Commission and an onsite evaluation with school administrators, faculty and students.

“ Accreditation is an important step in strengthening marine service education,” said Lisa Van Gruisen, ABYC’ s MTAP Coordinator, in a news release.“ These programs are helping prepare the next generation of marine service professionals through instruction that reflects the evolving technology and workforce needs.”

In addition to the credibility gained through MTAP accreditation, schools receive benefits designed to support marine technical education, according to the organization, including instructor resources, school and student membership opportunities, ABYC certification courses for instructors, curriculum review and consultation, and access to a national network of marine industry educators.

All three schools were previously part of ABYC’ s Marine League of Schools and were grandfathered into MTAP when the program launched. This marks their first MTAP accreditation after completing the program’ s formal review process, according to the organization.

AI-powered marine technology company NextBoat Inc. has just partnered with MarineMax, Inc. for a massive technology debut. Under the agreement, MarineMax will become the first enterprise dealer group to adopt the NextBoat AI platform as its preferred wholesale partner, routing a share of the trade-in and pre-owned inventory it liquidates through the platform where that inventory is evaluated, marketed and sold into NextBoat’ s nationwide network of wholesale buyers.

MarineMax is expected to drive increased volume across the NextBoat AI platform, which NextBoat believes will accelerate the growth of its marketplace, data and financing businesses.

NextBoat Modernizes Wholesale and Trade-In Processes For decades, the wholesale and trade-in process has relied on fragmented buyer networks, manual pricing, phone calls and individual relationships. NextBoat AI was built to modernize that process through artificial intelligence, real-time transaction data and a unified digital marketplace that enables dealers to move inventory faster, improve pricing transparency and increase operational efficiency.

Inclusive of the partnership, NextBoat will leverage Newcoast, MarineMax’ s finance and insurance arm, to provide financing and insurance solutions across transactions originating on the platform, according to the news release.

TowBoatUS recently opened TowBoatUS Sam Rayburn, bringing on-water towing, recovery and assistance services to recreational boaters and anglers on Sam Rayburn Reservoir.

Operated by Mike Hogg, TowBoatUS Sam Rayburn is Hogg’ s first TowBoatUS port location, according to the company. The new port provides towing and recovery services for a 114,500-acre lake expanse in East Texas. Located in the Piney Woods region, it hosts more than 300 fishing tournaments annually and has earned national recognition in the competitive fishing community, including repeated appearances in Bassmaster rankings of America’ s best bass fishing lakes.

“ If you spend enough time around bass fishing, Sam Rayburn is a lake you hear about your whole life,” said Hogg in a news release.“ People come here because of what this lake has built over decades. When you have that many boaters on the water, from tournament competitors to families spending the weekend, having dependable help available is everything. That’ s what drew me to TowBoatUS and why I’ m proud to invest my time serving this community.”

Hogg’ s connection to the water began at nearby Lake Fork Reservoir, where his father worked as a professional bass fisherman and guide, according to the company. Growing up around fishing boats and spending much of his life on the water, Hogg later built several businesses within the marine industry before adding TowBoatUS Sam Rayburn to his portfolio after a recommendation from friend Bo Clayton, owner and operator of TowBoatUS Sabine Lake, recognized TowBoatUS would complement his existing businesses.

TowBoatUS Assisting East Texan Boaters TowBoatUS Sam Rayburn operates two trailered response vessels docked at a private dock on the reservoir, according to the company. Staffed by one captain, the port will provide towing, fuel delivery, battery jump-starts and assistance for boats that run aground.

Separate from routine on-water towing services covered under a BoatUS membership, the port also offers diving, salvage and recovery services.

Much like an auto club for recreational boat owners, Boat Owners Association of The United States( BoatUS) offers on-water towing memberships for $ 130 / year for freshwater. In addition to a BoatUS Towing Membership, members also receive more than 25 valuable BoatUS benefits including a subscription to award-winning BoatUS Magazine, free DSC-VHF radio registration and more.

To request on-water assistance, boaters can call the BoatUS toll-free 24 / 7 Dispatch Center at 800-391-4869, download the free BoatUS App, which connects boaters to the closest local towing captain, call TowBoatUS Sam Rayburn directly at( 409) 332-5844, or hail on VHF radio Ch. 16.

The inaugural Windy City Boat & Yacht Show concluded its three-day event in downtown Chicago’ s Burnham Harbor, delivering strong first-year attendance that exceeded expectations, generated strong marine sales activity and an overall engaged audience from attendees.

Visitors to the Great Lakes in-water boat show explored nearly 100 boats and more than 70 exhibitors, according to the organization, showcasing the best of the boating and waterfront lifestyle. Attendees also enjoyed a variety of experiences, including the Yacht Club Lounge, educational Classroom Seminars, In- Water Sail training and other activities.

“ Thank you to all of the exhibitors, dealers, sponsors, partners and Informa team members who joined us in launching this historic first edition of what we believe will become a Chicago summer tradition for years to come,” said Larry Berryman, Show Director, in a news release.“ You helped us bring to life our vision for a showcase of the top boating brands and products for the Great Lakes regions and a celebration of the boating lifestyle blending the lake, the city and the community.”

“ Given Chicago’ s miles of lakeshore and many active harbors, Choose Chicago was thrilled to support the Windy City Boat & Yacht Show’ s inaugural event in Burnham Harbor,” added Kristen Reynolds, President & CEO of Choose Chicago.“ The new annual event underscores our city’ s great lake attractions and amenities and generates business for the entire hospitality industry, including the hotels, restaurants, and taxis and rideshares.”

Special Features at Windy City Boat & Yacht Show Boat dealers, exhibitors and manufacturers showcased an array of watercraft alongside a comprehensive selection of marine equipment, services and accessories to enhance the boating lifestyle, according to the organization. There was something for boaters of every interest, from inflatable dinghies to 70-foot powerboats from top brands.

Highlights included European favorites from Spring Brooke Marine such as Cranchi, Prestige and Jeanneau; premium Cobalt models from Gordy’ s Marine; and leading brands from Skipper Bud’ s including Tiara, Cruisers and Azimu.

“ The excitement of the in-water show in Chicago has been incredible, with a strong response from highly qualified attendees and serious boating buyers throughout the Great Lakes region,” said Spring Brook Marine in the release.“ It’ s a fantastic opportunity to showcase both new model debuts and brokerage inventory all in one place, directly in front of an engaged boating audience.”

“ What an incredible weekend at the Windy City Boat Show! We were thrilled to be part of such a well-attended event, with a fantastic turnout and nonstop activity throughout the weekend,” added Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales.“ Beyond the strong business results, it was a great opportunity to connect with customers, industry partners and boating enthusiasts from across the region.”

Delivering Strong Leads Exhibitors and dealers received reported buyer interest throughout the show, according to the organization.

“ As exhibitors at three major boat shows each year, the inaugural Windy City Boat & Yacht Show exceeded our expectations. Chicago is a strong boating market with tremendous opportunity to connect with passionate buyers and enthusiasts,” said Sail Guage LLC in the release.“ The attendee demographics were an excellent fit, and we had positive conversations and feedback throughout the show.”

The Windy City Boat & Yacht Show delivered a vibrant waterfront experience featuring live music, food and interactive programming while bringing together boaters from all over.