Boat builders cruise into Tampa

TAMPA — More than 573 exhibitors packed the Tampa Convention Center for the annual boat builder's industry conference starting today.

“With a sold out show floor featuring 573 exhibiting companies, and over 7,000 marine professionals registered to attend, thousands of new and innovative products are being offered on the show floor, and over 55 technical seminars, the next three days will certainly inspire and educate boatbuilding professionals from around the country,” says Anne Dunbar, show director, in a statement.

The conference, which lasts through Oct. 2, will also feature awards for industry leaders. Among the awards will be the Boating Industry Mover and Shaker of the Year Award, which will be presented to Jim Lane, president, and Buck Pegg, founder of Chaparral Boats and Robalo.

In a state of the industry speech today, Thom Dammrich, president of the National Marine Manufacturers Association, says recreational boating in the U.S. is a $36.7 billion industry and creates 338,526 marine industry jobs at 34,833 marine industry businesses. According to the 2014 outlook, the association is anticipating continued steady growth this year with a 5 to 7% increase in new powerboat sales.