About Discover Boating

The Discover Boating Program is a service of the recreational boating industry, spearheaded by the National Marine Manufacturers Association, with the goal to "help people become boaters." The program has grown over the last four years from a small informational center at three boat shows to fourteen traveling Discover Boating Centers shared across the United States and Canada manned by a network of dozens of boating experts known as "Boat Guys and Gals" who share informational literature and unbiased, personalized advice to new, prospective, and experienced boaters.

The Discover Boating Center in the year 2004 will travel to approximately 30 boat shows, 20 waterfront and outdoor events (such as the Maryland Seafood Festival, San Francisco's National Clean Boating Celebration, and The Atlanta Chili Cookoff), and dozens of marina events hosted by marinas across North America, ultimately impacting millions of Americans and creating thousands of boaters for life. The Discover Boating Program is quickly growing. Click here to learn about the upcoming Discover Boating Water Works Wonders Mobile Marketing Tour of America.

Marina Operators who would like to learn more about becoming involved with Discover Boating, click here.

About NMMA

Members of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), 1,450 companies, develop and manufacture every type of product used by the nation's 17 million recreational boat owners. Everything from sails to engines, dinghies to luxurious yachts. NMMA members provide approximately 80% of the marine products used by recreational boaters and anglers in the United States. The North American pleasure boat market represents fully half of the global demand for these products and services. Retail sales of boats and related products and services amount to an estimated $23 billion annually in the U.S.

The origins of this not-for-profit trade association go back to 1904, when the world's first boat show was held in New York City. Today's NMMA was officially formed in 1979, the result of a merger between the Boating Industry Association of Chicago and the National Association of Engine & Boat Manufacturers of New York.

NMMA and its members are dedicated to creating more and better access to the waterways via marinas and launching areas, helping the public learn more about the boating lifestyle and how to achieve it, and working to ensure that consumers gain high satisfaction from the entire boating experience. It works to provide the marine industry with a united voice, offers programs and services to meet members' needs, educates the public about safe boating practices and environmental stewardship, and produces boat shows to display and sell industry products.

NMMA has developed an extensive array of programs and services. These range from sources for technical expertise and standards-monitoring to certification programs for finished boats, trailers, marine products and retail services. The Government Relations department advocates fair and reasonable legislation and regulation at the state and federal levels, to protect boaters' access to their sport as well as manufacturers' concerns. Other areas include the compilation and analysis of industry statistics, and the promotion of the full range of boating activities to the public and the media.

Education is an important aspect of NMMA's activities. The Westlawn Institute of Marine Technology, based in Stamford, Connecticut, administers a highly-regarded distance learning curriculum. Utilizing up-to-the-minute digital technology and renowned experts in engineering and design, Westlawn teaches its students how to combine their innovative vision with technical requirements to create the next generation of sail and power boats.

Boat shows are the industry's key marketing tool. NMMA produces shows in more than 18 major markets. These are appealing, fun and educational events for the public and high-quality, productive venues for exhibitors. The Miami International Boat Show & Strictly Sail-Miami is the largest boat show in the U.S. Other sites in the U.S. include New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Baltimore, New Orleans, Atlanta, St. Louis, San Diego, Nashville, Norwalk (CT), Atlantic City, Tampa and Little Rock. North American coverage is provided by successful shows in Toronto and Mexico.

NMMA's headquarters are located in downtown Chicago, with regional offices in New York, Washington D.C., Miami, New Orleans, St. Louis, Stamford, San Diego, and Toronto. The staff implements the policies and objectives of the Association's 30-member Board of Directors. NMMA is an active member of numerous marine trade organizations throughout the world, encouraging exports, sharing technological advances, and addressing common challenges.