Guide to Boating Equipment and Supplies News and Trends

Boating equipment and supplies news and trends keep you informed

By Elizabeth Gibson

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

View exhibitions that show innovations in boating equipment and supplies

Trade shows can provide valuable information on boating equipment and supplies news and trends. Vendors show the latest trends in safety gear, navigational aids, recreational supplies and sailing equipment.

I recommend: The National Marine Manufacturers Association maintains a listing of boating-related trade shows around the country and the world. The website also provides good information on trends in boating regulations, related environmental concerns and industry news. O'Loughlin Trade Shows organizes outdoor, sportsman and boating exhibitions. This organization arranges exhibitors in Washington and Oregon, where many boating equipment and supplies markets exist. Mega Marine compiles a list of boating related news. This website includes boat shows and conventions and classified ads.

Search for Internet sources that specialize in boating equipment news

Many websites take the work out of searching for news about boating equipment and supplies. Many sources specialize in searching for breaking news and technological innovations leading to better boating supplies. You can bookmark these websites or sign up for informative newsletters delivered to your personal email on a periodic basis.

I recommend: Marine Industry News provides a listing of marine boating supplies. This website also has a classified listing of used boats for sale and an alert listing for manufacturer recalls on boating equipment. GoBoating.com profiles new boating and marine supplies from its online magazines.

Look for new and innovative boating equipment that might attract customers

Many advances in equipment have led to more useful equipment for boats. Navigational and communications devices, in particular, have become very advanced and many avid boaters keep up with product changes and expect to find these items at your store. Since it's impossible to stock every gadget, offer to special order items for customers. If you don't, your competition will.

I recommend: Garmin has released its new 600 series GPSMAP 600 series, which features land and sea geographical features. It shows depth contours, port plans, wrecks, restricted areas, ports, marinas, waterways and landmarks. Mustang Survival manufacturers a state-of-the-art inflatable personal flotation device or life vest. This vest inflates only when it senses at least four inches of water and will not inflate when it senses rain, spray or humidity. Two Loons Trading Company makes an amazing camera device called the Swift Hitch that aids the boater hitching up the boat trailer.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Other manufacturers specialize in more functional and useful recreational boating equipment. Save a section of your boating supplies for such supplies as tow ropes and towing harnesses, towables, wake boards and other fun boating toys. You should also stock the latest in fishing gear specifically designed for use on a boat.

Guide to Boating Equipment and Supplies

Stocking a variety of boating equipment and supplies can boost your marina's bottom line

By Angela Roe

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase a variety of boating supplies to meet your clients' needs

Create inventory with a wide array of customers in mind. Think of inflatable toys and special life jackets for young children or even pets, as well as the more common things like ropes and navigational systems.

I recommend: Henderson Marine Supply has everything you need to stock your marina including pumping supplies, dock equipment and winches and cranes. Emarine Supplies has everything you could want to stock your marina including inflatables for rent and cleaning products made specifically for marinas.

Stock sailboat equipment and supplies for every sailor's need

Set sail on the right foot with a variety of sailboat equipment purchased with your client base in mind. Consider a variety of rigging, sails and hardware like cleats and rope clutches. By stocking the last-minute things that can stop customers from enjoying a day on the water, you set yourself apart from the competition.

I recommend: Mauri Pro Sailing is your one-stop-shopping location for all of your sailing equipment. They have everything from headsail foils to spinnaker poles and everything in between. Scott Sails specializes in sails for both cruising and racing. Depend upon their expertise to make sure you're stocking the perfect sails for your business.

Choose certified boating safety equipment to keep your customers healthy

Focus on safety with every purchase you make. Stock a full spectrum of safety equipment designed for all sizes of boat and watercraft. Ensure that each of your rental boats is checked and restocked with safety equipment after each use.

I recommend: West Marine has a large supply of safety equipment, including floatation devices, flares and overboard alarm systems. Safety equipment at Frugal Captain Marine Supplies includes safety radios and fume detectors.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Stock plenty of marine instruments for those boaters who don't have them on board. Be prepared to provide them with instructions when they buy the marine instruments to help them navigate the waters safely.

Guide to Boating Equipment and Supplies Basics

Stock your sporting goods store with boating equipment and supplies

By Elizabeth Gibson

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Identify wholesale suppliers of boating safety equipment

Safety equipment for boats comes in two main types: personal safety and boating safety. Personal safety items include such items as life vests and emergency water rations. Boating safety items include items such as horns, anchors and night lights.

I recommend: ACR Electronics makes a series of electronic navigational aids. These devices aid search and rescue if a boat breaks down or the boater becomes injured. Stearns carries a line of life vests for men, women and children. The company also makes wet suits and gloves. Perko manufacturers safety equipment for boating, in particular fog bells, fog horns, whistles, horns and navigational lights.

Find supplies for operating and maintaining a boat

Besides safety supplies, boat operators also need to carry certain items to keep the boat in good repair so that they don't get stranded on the water. A sporting goods store should stock some of these items such as spare props, engine oil, bilge pumps, battery chargers and hoses. The boat operator also needs for the boat trailer such as replacement lights and rollers.

I recommend: River Marine Supply carries commonly purchased boating accessories and marine instruments. River Marine Supply sells such items as ladders, fenders, horns, flags, and other equipment. Evinrude stocks an extensive inventory of its inboard and outboard motors, such as hoses, pumps, filters, starter motors and many other parts. Sea Hawk Paints manufactures several marine supplies including solvents and cleaners to take care of the outer surface of a boat used in salt water.

Identify sailboat equipment needed beyond the standard equipment

Sailboat operators need the same safety equipment as motorized boats. Some of them have motors to fall back on when there is not enough wind, so they also have some of the same mechanical needs. But sailboats also require some specialized sailing equipment too.

I recommend: Performance Yacht sells hardware specific for sailing vessels to help manage the sails. This company carries several brands for each item. Go2Marine establishes commercial accounts for sailing gear such as compasses and wind indicators. Order a Harken catalog to offer specialty sailing hardware and gear for customers or contact your nearest distributor.

Find boating supplies and equipment that meet US Coast Guard regulations

Minimum boating equipment and supplies must be present on a boat at all times. For example, each person must either be wearing a personal flotation device or have one readily available. Your store must also stock warning and navigational aids.

I recommend: Orion Safety Products lists boating equipment required by the U.S. Coast Guard. The Code of Federal Regulations spells out the federal regulations pertaining to boats and required boating equipment. The law addresses navigational lights, electrical systems, fuel tanks and balancing your load.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Study your local marketplace. It doesn't make sense to stock boating equipment for sailboats, for example, if navigable waters do not exist close by. Understand the needs of your community and region before deciding what your store should carry.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Telltale

A telltale is a line that's attached to sails and blows in the direction of the wind. Telltales help in navigation.

I recommend: United States Sailing Association offers tips on the importance of telltales. See the section labeled "jib" under the title "Trimming the Sails on a Close Reach."

Tender

A tender (also called a dinghy) is a small boat that carries people or cargo from boat to shore. It may be used in emergency or non-emergency situations.

I recommend: Inflatable Boat Specialists offers tips on buying an inflatable tender, including how to know if one is right for your circumstances.

Anchor light

An anchor light is a white light typically found on the masthead and used while at anchor. It must be visible from every direction.

I recommend: The Boat Owner's Association of the United States gives full requirements for anchor lights, including guidelines on which vessels must have them.

CQR anchor

CQR anchor is short for coastal quick release anchor. It is sometimes also called a plow anchor, because of its shape. A CQR anchor buries into the ground, including ground covered with weeds or grass. It's considered one of the most reliable types of anchors.

I recommend: The book "One Hand for Yourself, One Hand for the Ship," featured on Google Books, offers advice about CQR anchors.

Lifeline

A lifeline is a line that runs between the stern and bow of a craft. People onboard can attach themselves to the lifeline in rough seas to prevent being thrown overboard.

I recommend: For guidelines on how to find and maintain a truly safe lifeline, see DIY Boat Owner Magazine.

Running lights

Running lights are types of navigational lights and are required on almost all boats. In their simplest form, running lights are white in color to the stern of the boat, red-colored to port and green-colored to starboard.

I recommend: For a step-by-step, do-it-yourself guide to outfitting a small boat with appropriate running lights, see eHow.