// INDUSTRY NEWS
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South Carolina governor signs boater safety legislation
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster was joined earlier this month by Lieutenant Governor Pamela S . Evette , state and local law enforcement officers , state agency leaders , and members of the General Assembly for a ceremonial bill signing of Senate Bill 96 , a bill that strengthens boater education requirements . Under current South Carolina law , anyone younger than 16 is required to complete a boater education course to operate vessels , while
adults do not need to have any training or education .
Effective Aug . 18 , this new law requires anyone born after July 1 , 2007 , to take a state-approved boater education course . Individuals who have completed this course in other states would have reciprocity in the state of South Carolina .
“ With 30,000 miles of rivers and streams and the most beautiful coastline in the country , boating is a cherished pastime in South Carolina ,” said Governor McMaster . “ By educating boaters and promoting responsible practices , we protect the lives of those who use our waterways and encourage more South Carolinians and visitors alike to enjoy South Carolina ’ s endless natural treasures .”
South Carolina State Senator Chip Campsen and Representative Chris Wooten have been working tirelessly the past three years to help pass this legislation through the General Assembly . Grassroots efforts through Boating Safety South Carolina , South Carolina Boating and Fishing Alliance ( SCBFA ), Morgan Kiser , and countless others were instrumental in advocating for strengthened boater safety in South Carolina .
Brunswick acquires Fliteboard
Brunswick Corporation announced the acquisition of Fliteboard . Fliteboard , which combines advanced hydrofoils and electric propulsion on the water , allows Brunswick to enter the emerging , electric-foiling surfboard market and presents the opportunity for technological , manufacturing , commercial , and consumer synergies with the existing Brunswick portfolio . Fliteboard will operate as a business within Mercury Marine .
“ Fliteboard ’ s exceptional brand appeal and its advanced eFoiling technology align with our ACES strategy , and we are excited to bring the Fliteboard team into the Brunswick family ,” said Dave Foulkes , Brunswick Corporation CEO . “ Fliteboard will allow us to engage with a new wave of customers who will also have the ability to enjoy the entire portfolio of Brunswick products and services over time .”
“ We have long respected Brunswick ’ s leadership position in the recreational marine market , and this announcement enables us to further enhance Fliteboard ’ s products and customer experience ,” said David Trewern , founder , and CEO of Fliteboard . “ This union of substantial resources including the growth opportunities within Brunswick with Fliteboard ’ s ground-breaking ethos and designs will allow us to amplify our reach to new markets around the world .”
Fliteboard , established in 2016 , has customers in more than 90 countries who enjoy its products in the Mediterranean and Caribbean , as well as the lakes and rivers of the U . S . and Europe , beaches of Australia and waterways of Dubai . Fliteboard has won more than a dozen major awards .
“ Fliteboard ’ s dedication to inspire and enable the world to ‘ Take Flite ’ is a perfect fit for our Next Never Rests mentality ,” said Foulkes . “ We have an opportunity to scale manufacturing and distribution and , over time , begin aligning sub-systems with our Avator electric outboard product line as we attract a new generation to electric mobility on the water .”
OneWater acquires Harbor Pointe Marina
OneWater Marine Inc . announced that it has acquired Harbor Pointe Marina , which further expands the Company ’ s presence on Alabama ’ s Lake Martin and enhances new and pre-owned boat sales , finance , and parts and services offerings .
“ Harbor Pointe Marina presents an exciting , low-risk opportunity to assume a dealership operation at virtually no cost . Furthermore , One- Water ’ s proven dealership integration and growth strategies enables us to expand the product offering available to Harbor Pointe Marina ’ s customers and broaden our reach in an attractive boating market ,” said Austin Singleton , Chief Executive Officer for OneWater . “ The M & A environment continues to pick up steam , and we are in a position of strength as we opportunistically build on our strong track record of successful acquisitions .”
Harbor Pointe Marina is an on-water facility located in Dadeville , Ala . Post acquisition , One- Water intends to offer Bennington Pontoons and Regal Boats . In addition to new and pre-owned boat sales , Harbor Pointe Marina offers service and repair , parts and accessories , boat rentals , and a large boat storage facility .
Under the terms of the agreement , OneWater acquired the net assets of the dealership operation , excluding the real estate as well as the boat inventory , which will be taken on a consignment basis , resulting in minimal capital outlay . Harbor Pointe Marina generated approximately $ 5.8 million in sales in 2022 .
Pennsylvania becomes largest outdoor recreation state to establish office
Pennsylvania ’ s new Office of Outdoor Recreation was recently created as Governor Josh Shapiro signed into law Pennsylvania ’ s single largest investment in parks and forests in decades to the tune of $ 112 million in the FY23-24 budget . ORR President , Jessica Turner , attended and introduced Governor Shapiro at the Yough River Park event marking the 20th State Office of Outdoor Recreation ( OREC ) created across the United States .
Outdoor recreation generates $ 13.6 billion for the Commonwealth ’ s economy , is 1.6 % of its GDP , and creates 151,531 jobs , making it the largest state by both population and outdoor recreation economy size to create an OREC . Dr . Nathan Reigner , the current Pennsylvania Director of Outdoor Recreation , will continue as director of the new
10 october 2023 www . boatingindustry . com