Bayliner Boats - Layoffs at Four Winns Boats

Hi gang, Rick Ostler here from North American Waterway bringing you Bayliner Boats along with news and views from the boating industry. Unfortunately more doom and gloom to report.

Slow boating industry leads to layoffs at Four Winns

CADILLAC - Tough economic times are hitting the boating industry hard.

In Cadillac, tough times led Four Winns to layoff a portion its workforce last week. Four Winns President Jeff Olson said Monday he didn’t have specific numbers but layoffs were across the board. The hope is to bring people back in a few weeks, he said.

"We’re trying to develop some sort of backlog so we can bring these people back," Olson said.

What’s hitting Four Winns now has been hitting the boating industry since last fall. Olson calls it the perfect storm of home mortgage problems in the U.S. because people often finance boats through a second mortgage loan, fuel prices and a "general malaise" among consumers.

"Everyone wants to feel down about something," Olson said.

In the last 90 days - and about the time gas hit $4 per gallon - Olson said retail sales fell off. At Four Winns boat show in Cadillac recently, the turnout wasn’t as great as it had been in previous years, partly prompted by bad weather, Olson said.

As an example of what’s happened elsewhere in the industry, Brunswick has announced plans to reduce its cost structure by $300 million. The move means permanent layoffs and factory closings at Brunswick. Suppliers too, like engine companies, are facing the same downturn in the market, ¨ Olson said.

"We’ve fortunately been able to dodge the bullet a little longer," Olson said. "We have a lot of new product where other people didn’t invest in new product."

Lines are still running for the Wellcraft boats and Four Winns’ 45-foot model.

The company is working to strengthen its Wellcraft lines while continuing an emphasis on a strong international market as dealers across the globe are re-stocking with new model year boats, Olson said.

Job layoffs

• Who: Four Winns

• Where: The company has laid off a portion of its workforce in Cadillac

• Extent: Specific numbers are not available, the company hopes to have people back to work soon but it depends on getting a backlog of orders first

• What’s happening in the boating industry? Four Winns President Jeff Olson calls it the perfect storm:

1) The mortgage crisis has taken away a common funding mechanism for people interested in buying boats because they may be unable to secure a second mortgage

2) Gas prices

3) A general malaise among consumers

Thanks to Matt Whetstone, cadillacnews.com

Bayliner Boats - Mercury cuts and temporary shutdown

Hi gang, Rick Ostler here from North American Waterway bringing you Bayliner Boats along with news and views from the boating industry. Mercury Marine has cut an additional 60 jobs and plans to temporarily shutdown its Fond du Lac production facilities to balance output.

The company, one of Fond du Lac's largest employers, eliminated some 62 salaried positions in several areas throughout its United States operations, including sales, marketing, information technology, facilities and human resources departments.

A majority of the reductions came from Mercury Marine headquarters in Fond du Lac or Mercury MerCruiser in Stillwater, Okla., said company spokesperson Steve Fleming.

"Mercury is providing generous separation packages, including severance and benefits, in accordance with company policy, as employees transition from the company," he said. "Additionally, Mercury is providing outplacement services to assist employees as they seek employment."

Mercury has made cuts to its work force several times since the beginning of the year. Sinking boat sales and a slumping economy have the company looking to cut costs, Fleming said. More layoffs could be ahead. Just how many, Fleming said he didn't know.

"There will be a continuous evaluation of our business," he said.

Brunswick Corp., Mercury Marine's parent company, announced plans to eliminate as many as 2,700 jobs from its marine division last month. Those cuts are not expected to affect Mercury Marine.

In addition to the layoffs, Mercury Marine is closing production facilities for three weeks starting Aug. 28 to balance output. Two of those weeks had been expected, a third was added, Fleming said. Salaried employees will continue to work during the shutdown, but hourly employees will not. Thanks to;Mercury cuts 60 jobs; plans temporary shutdown | fdlreporter.com | Fond du Lac Reporter

Bayliner Boats - Campion Boats Launches First Test with Ashland Inc.

Hi gang, Rick Ostler here from North American Waterway bringing you Bayliner Boats along with news and views from the boating industry. Two high-performance pleasure craft from Campion Boats, showcasing a new use for Ashland’s ENVIREZ® bio-based resin technology, were recently tested on open water.

ENVIREZ resin, a major component of the boats’ construction, is from Ashland Composite Polymers, a business group of Ashland Performance Materials, a division of Ashland Inc.

The two boats, Campion’s Chase1 550 and 600, were made using ENVIREZ L 86300 T-25 bio-based resin in their hulls, liners and decks.

The resin, which is undergoing a final evaluation for this use, is designed to provide high elongation and toughness properties that deliver the impact and crack-resistant attributes desired by the marine industry. In addition to using ENVIREZ resin, Campion Boats also used Ashland’s LE series white gelcoat (WG-LE-2644) and the MP-series gelcoat for colors.

“We are very excited to see ENVIREZ resin being used in these beautifully designed speed boats,” said Jud Smith, vice president, Ashland Performance Materials, and general manager, Ashland Composite Polymers. “It’s extremely rewarding to see the efforts from Ashland’s research and development and the leadership at Campion Boats coming together to successfully field test this new ENVIREZ resin formulation.”

“First off, Campion was absolutely delighted to have been asked and ultimately chosen by Ashland to assist them with their research and development of this very exciting new technology. Campion is always on the lookout for the best possible products available for constructing our high quality boats. As we see it, partnering with the Ashland team to develop the two test boats, the Chase 550 and Chase 600 models, has truly helped both Ashland and Campion to fully understand the characteristics and application processes of this new bio-resin,” said Brock Elliott, general manager, Campion Boats.

“Most importantly, we saw this as a ‘real world’ situation to prove the science behind the bio-resin and to give it an endorsement beyond the ‘lab’ tests. We strongly feel Campion can and has helped Ashland with moving this bio-resin product and project forward,” added Elliott.

The first ENVIREZ resin, ENVIREZ 1807, is formulated with soybean oil and corn-derived ethanol. That product was introduced to the market in 2003, when John Deere Corporation began using the resin in side-body panels for their farm equipment. New formulations by Ashland have expanded the uses for ENVIREZ resins, allowing their use in many applications.

Ashland Composite Polymers, a business group of Ashland Performance Materials, is a leader in supplying products, processes and technologies to the global marketplace for composites and gelcoats.

Ashland Performance Materials, a division of Ashland Inc., is a worldwide manufacturer and supplier of specialty chemicals and customized services to the building and construction, packaging and converting, transportation, marine and metal casting industries. It is a technology leader in metal casting consumables and design services unsaturated polyester and vinyl ester resins and gelcoats; and high-performance adhesives and specialty resins.

Ashland Inc., a diversified, global chemical company, provides quality products, services and solutions to customers in more than 100 countries. A FORTUNE 500 company, it operates through four divisions: Ashland Performance Materials, Ashland Distribution, Valvoline and Ashland Water Technologies.

To learn more about Ashland, visit www.ashland.com.

Boating Industry - Campion Boats Launches First Test with Ashland Inc. Renewabl

Bayliner Boats - Buckeye Marine Promotes “World On The Water Day”, August 9th

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Hi gang, Rick Ostler here from North American Waterway bringing you Bayliner Boats along with news and views from the boating industry. Buckeye Marine in Bobcaygeon, Ontario is putting their energy behind a unique and meaningful opportunity to support cancer research while having fun on the water.

World On The Water Day

World On The Water Day is on August 9th and they want you to get involved and encourage other dealerships to get involved as well. Taking place worldwide, people are encouraged to donate $20 to Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation through the World On The Water Day Fund.

Click on this link to register: http://buckeyewavesofhope.com/worldonthewater.html Then, you simply get out on the water any way you can! Whether it is a personal watercraft, a canoe, a kayak, whether you’re fishing, skiing, boarding, cruising, floating, sailing, swimming or sunbathing - just enjoy the day on the water.

World On the Water Day Donations to Charity

While basking in the summer sun and enjoying the on-water activity of your choice, you can rest assured that 100% of your donation went to the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation for cancer research. Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) is Canada’s leading cancer research hospital and raises over $60 million per year in support of breakthrough research, patient care and education programs. PMH is a part of the University Health Network (UHN), which also includes Toronto General Hospital and Toronto Western Hospital. The UHN is among world leaders in providing exemplary patient care and innovative research and teaching.

This event is worldwide and will be commemorated by a large granite monument on the shore of Buckhorn Lake with a plaque of your name or your family name on it. By getting involved and promoting this event to other dealerships that carry your products, you will get the added happiness of knowing that you are making an exponential difference in cancer research. For further information contact Carly Poole, Buckeye Marine, Tel: (705)738-5151 or visit www.buckeyemarine.com. Thanks to Boating Industry Canada for this.

Bayliner Boats - Olympic Boat Centers Files For Bankruptcy

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Hi gang, Rick Ostler here from North American Waterway bringing you Bayliner Boats along with news and views from the boating industry.REDMOND, Wash. -- A major Northwest-based company -- with an ad campaign that nearly everyone recognizes -- has filed for bankruptcy.

Olympic Boat Centers Files For Bankruptcy

The Olympic Boat Centers, whose slogan is "We’ll make a boat nut out of you!" has filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy in a court in the Central District of California this week.The company, headquartered in Redmond, has 21 West Coast locations from British Columbia to San Diego. According to court documents, it owes as much as $100 million to its creditors.

World's largest seller of Bayliners, Meridians, Trophy Boats

The company has been in business for more than 50 years, and its Web site says that it's the world's largest seller of Bayliners, Meridians, Trophy Boats and others. Many of those boating big-names, as well as hundreds of other companies and individuals, are listed as creditors to whom Olympic Boat Centers owes the money, the documents state.

Brunswick, the parent company of Bayliner boats confirms filing

One of the creditors is Brunswick, the parent company of Bayliner boats, made in Arlington, Wash. A Brunswick company representative confirmed the filing and said it's not expected to affect jobs at the Arlington location. He said, “We will continue to sell boats and work through this."KIRO 7 has put in calls to the headquarters of Olympic Boat Centers, to the company’s attorney and to a spokesperson who is handling the issue. No phone calls have been returned.It’s unknown if any stores will close or if any employees will lose their jobs. Thanks to Amy Clancy, KIRO 7 Eyewitness News, kirotv.com for this.

Bayliner Boats - Investment-grade rating fot Brunswick corp.

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Hi gang, Rick Ostler here from North American Waterway bringing you Bayliner Boats along with news and views from the boating industry. Moody's Investors Service said recently it has downgraded the long-term debt of recreational equipment maker Brunswick Corp. on concerns for the health of the U.S. marine industry.

Brunswick's performance is not expected to improve

Moody's cut the company's ratings from Baa2 to Baa3, the agency's lowest investment-grade designation. Brunswick's performance is not expected to significantly improve in the near term and a $700 million total revenue decrease to around $5 billion is a possibility, Moody's said.

Downturn in the marine market

"The downgrade reflects our view that the downturn in the marine market will continue into the foreseeable future, and is worse than our previous expectations, as consumer spending continues to deteriorate due to the ongoing credit market and housing market crises as well as high energy and food costs," Kevin Cassidy, senior credit officer, said in a statement.

Brunswick's commercial paper rating was downgraded to Prime-3 from Prime-2. The outlook is "Negative."Among Brunswick's boat brands are Bayliner, Cabo Yachts, Boston Whaler, Valiant, Sea Ray and Hatteras.Shares fell 32 cents, or 3.2 percent, to $9.68 in morning trading. Thanks to Moody's cuts investment-grade rating of Brunswick for this.

Bayliner Boats - More cuts at Bayliner Plants

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Hi gang, Rick Ostler here from North American Waterway bringing you Bayliner Boats along with news and views from the boating industry. Bayliner cuts 68 jobs at Wilbur plant.

Bayliner Cuts at Mfg. Plants

Bayliner Marine’s parent company, the Brunswick Corp., cut 68 positions recently from the Wilbur boat manufacturing plant as part of a company wide effort to reduce $300 million from annual expenses. In addition to the layoffs, Bayliner Marine has stopped work on its production lines until July 28.

Bayliner Marine’s head count was about 240 before the layoffs. Brunswick spokesman Dan Kubera said the company laid off about 1,000 hourly and salary workers from its boat and inboard and outboard motor plants nationwide.

Boat retail business has been on a rapid decline

Since 2005, the power boat retail business has been on a rapid decline, Kubera said. Power boat sales for 2007 in the U.S. were at their lowest numbers for the past 40 years recorded, according to a written statement from Brunswick.

“The U.S. marine industry is under a lot of pressure,” Kubera said by telephone from his Lake Forest, Ill., office, noting the combination of rising energy and food prices and the continuing turmoil in the housing market. “Anything that costs a pretty good chunk . . . consumers are being cautious.”

More Bayliner plant closings to come

Brunswick also stated that the company plans to announce four plant closures in addition to eight already announced to have fewer boat plants operating by 2009. Brunswick had 29 boat plants operating in 2007.

“We have chosen to act now to recast and resize our operations with the objective of being profitable within a smaller marine market,” Dustan McCoy, Brunswick’s chief executive officer, stated in the press release. Thanks to Adam Pearson, http://www.nrtoday.com for this. You can reach reporter Adam Pearson at 957-4213 or by e-mail at apearson@nrtoday.com.

Find out more information on Bayliner Boats Bayliner boat canvas, Do-it-Yourself bayliner cover kits and subscribe to our FREE newsletter.

Rick Ostler, North American Waterway

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Bayliner Boats - Drop in traffic on state canals

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Hi gang, Rick Ostler here from North American Waterway bringing you Bayliner Boats along with news and views from the boating industry. Boaters likely to log fewer miles. Drop in traffic on state canals blamed on high cost of filling gas tanks

WATERFORD -- Less gasoline, more elbow grease. Less hot rodding, more chilling. Goodbye New York City, hello Castleton.

High gas prices are putting a new twist on the fun for many boaters this summer

But it's too soon to tell whether they'll be keeping some folks off the water entirely, state canal watchers say. Through mid-June, the state's 524-mile canal system saw a 14 percent drop in the number of recreational boats traveling through its locks, said state Canal Corp. Director Carmella Mantello.

But while Mantello said she's quite sure that high fuel prices played a role in that drop, she noted that several weekends were rainy and the weather was often unpredictable. And at the same time, commercial traffic has been up sharply in the first few weeks of the season.

Having an impact, especially for weekend boaters

"There's no doubt in our minds that it is having an impact, especially for weekend boaters," Mantello said of the high fuel prices, "but it's still early. I'm not waving the white flag yet."
At Lock 2 in Waterford, Chief Lock Operator Frank Jones said lockings actually have been up slightly on most weekends, with exceptions when the weather was stormy or exceptionally hot.

Jones, who has spent 31 years working on the canal, said the main difference he sees is in how boaters are behaving and where they are choosing to cruise. In addition to what he sees himself, he said, he hears a lot about plans for the season when boaters come in for their permits.

"They're staying local," Jones said. "They're using the canal instead of going up to Lake George. They're not pulling their boats up the Northway." And while they're here, Jones and lock operator Rick Pucci said, boaters are taking things easier and saving the additional fuel they'd burn if they were going faster.

"They're not going nuts. They're not water skiiing and pulling tubes," said Jones.

The Waterford Wall, where boats can tie up for the night, is busier than ever, Pucci said, and Jones said others are heading to shallow areas and sandy beaches on the Champlain Canal to swim. Greg Schwartz, vice commodore of the Troy Motor Boat and Canoe Club in Lansingburgh, said he and his wife, Sue, have pared back their boating plans a lot because of gas prices.

Last year, while fuel was still $2.75 a gallon or less, Schwartz and a few friends planned a sightseeing journey to New York City this summer. Now, that's off. "It's become cost-prohibitive," Schwartz said. "I didn't want to take out a home equity loan to go on my vacation."

Instead, the Schwartzes will take their 31-foot Bayliner out on shorter weekend excursions, visiting neighboring boat clubs in Castleton, Coxsackie and other closer towns. They're also teaming up with other couples and sharing one boat instead of taking two.

Call it boat pooling

High gas prices also may be steering more vacationers to boats without motors, like canoes and kayaks, and to biking and hiking trails. "We are seeing good things happen on land," Mantello said. "We expect tons of people to cycle the Erie."

More than 500 people have signed up for the 400-mile Cycling the Erie Canal bike tour from July 6-13, and museum operators and festival organizers along the waterway are reporting strong interest, she said.

Meanwhile, throughout the state, "there's a huge interest in nonmotorized boats," said Ro Woodard, a boating education specialist with the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. "The kayaks are hot stuff."

Cathy Woodruff can be reached at 454-5093 or by e-mail at cwoodruff@timesunion.com.

Canal lock activity
Lockings on the state canal system through mid-June

2008 2007
Erie 14,792 17,196
Champlain 2,811 3,151
Oswego 2,422 2,818
Cayuga-Seneca 658 973
Total 20,683 24,138

Commercial traffic
May 2007: 0 trips
June 2007: 4 trips
May 2008: 12 trips
June 2008 (through 6/9): 3 trips

Source: NYS Canal Corp. Thanks to CATHY WOODRUFF, Staff writer http://timesunion.com for this.

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Rick Ostler, North American Waterway


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Bayliner Boats - AquaPalooza Weekend Ready to Rock!

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Hi gang, Rick Ostler here from North American Waterway bringing you Bayliner Boats along with news and views from the boating industry. The boating world is once again buzzing about Sea Ray's AquaPalooza, the annual multi-location marine extravaganza that will celebrate three years of unmatched on-water excitement this summer.

"We're creating quite a stir in the industry with AquaPalooza.

It's really incredible that so many people show up in so many places at the same time," said Rick Stone, president of Sea Ray. "The event is Sea Ray inspired, but really it's all-inclusive, and everyone is welcome. It's a testament to the boating lifestyle. And no other boat company can replicate AquaPalooza because we already invite everyone. It will always be wide open, but always associated with Sea Ray."

Sea Ray and its dealers will officially kick off AquaPalooza stateside from July 18 to 20 at the Signature Event in Lake of the Ozarks, Mo. Hosted by MarineMax of Lake Ozark, Osage Beach and Laurie, this massive heartland jam will feature food, drinks, music, games, giveaways and much, much more. Guitar rockers Third Eye Blind and '80s radio legend Eddie Money will shake things up Saturday, July 19, as they perform live from Coconuts Caribbean Beach Bar & Grill and The Horny Toad in Lake Ozark.

Other special events include dancing under the stars, an on-the-water photo scavenger hunt and a fireworks finale to rival a Fourth of July celebration.

The World's Largest Boating Party

Expects to draw a record 50,000 guests this year to 150 events on lakes, rivers, bays and harbors from New York to California, Egypt to Australia. Last year, AquaPalooza attracted more than 10,000 boats and 30,000 guests to 120 events worldwide - a 42 percent increase from the inaugural event in 2006.

For those who cannot make it to Lake of the Ozarks, Sea Ray dealerships around the world will transform 150 additional locations into official AquaPalooza party sites, making it easy for boaters to get in on the action. "Our dealers do an outstanding job of coordinating the AquaPalooza events in their areas," said Rob Noyes, vice president of marketing for Sea Ray. You can visit the AquaPalooza Web site at www.aquapalooza.com or call 800-SRBOATS to see what fun events may be in your own backyard.

AquaPalooza event - last two weekends in July

Most of this year's festivities will take place during the last two weekends in July, but other events are planned both before and after these dates. In fact, the first AquaPalooza event of the year recently took place in Cancun, Mexico. It drew 23 boats and 140 participants for a day-cruise to Isla Mujeres, where there was great music, food and beverages.

Noyes credits Sea Ray's boating partners for the unparalleled success of the annual festival. "Our sponsors and dealers are key components in making the AquaPalooza weekends the memorable events we want them to be," he said. This year's supporting companies include Mercury MerCruiser�, GMC�, Sony�, Raymarine�, Sebago�, NBOA� Marine Insurance, EZ Dock�, Land Resource Companies, and Boating magazine.

AquaPalooza is about boating

Ggreat tunes, fun and togetherness with family and friends, added Noyes. "Whether folks are new to boating or seasoned veterans, this event is for all people who love life on the water. No one throws a party like Sea Ray."

Don't miss out on the most anticipated on-water boating bash of the summer. For a listing of events, visit www.aquapalooza.com or call 800-SRBOATS. Register online, participate in an event near you and get a free T-shirt!

ABOUT SEA RAY

Founded in 1959, Sea Ray is the world's largest manufacturer of superior quality pleasure boats. Sea Ray is headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn., and operates as part of the Boat Group division of Brunswick Corporation. With more than 40 models ranging from 17 to 60 feet, Sea Ray makes a boat for every lifestyle - each built with a unique commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and excellence throughout. Additional information about Sea Ray is available at www.searay.com.

ABOUT BRUNSWICK

Headquartered in Lake Forest, Ill., Brunswick Corporation endeavors to instill "Genuine Ingenuity" in all its leading consumer brands, including Mercury and Mariner outboard engines; Mercury MerCruiser sterndrives and inboard engines; MotorGuide trolling motors; Teignbridge propellers; MotoTron electronic controls; Albemarle, Arvor, Baja, Bayliner, Bermuda, Boston Whaler, Cabo Yachts, Crestliner, Cypress Cay, Harris, Hatteras, Kayot, Laguna, Lowe, Lund, Maxum, Meridian, �rnvik, Palmetto, Princecraft, Quicksilver, Rayglass, Savage, Sea Boss, Sea Pro, Sea Ray, Sealine, Triton, Trophy, Uttern and Valiant boats; Attwood marine parts and accessories; Land 'N' Sea, Kellogg Marine, Diversified Marine and Benrock parts and accessories distributors; IDS dealer management systems; Life Fitness, Hammer Strength and ParaBody fitness equipment; Brunswick bowling centers, equipment and consumer products; Brunswick billiards tables; and Dynamo, Tornado and Valley pool tables, Air Hockey and foosball tables. For more information, visit www.brunswick.com.
Thanks to http://www.lakeexpo.com for this.

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Rick Ostler, North American Waterway


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