Get Crabby on July 1

NEWS RELEASE

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

June 27, 2013

Contact: Rich Childers, (360) 796-4601, ext 400

Don Velasquez, (425) 775-1311, ext. 112

Most of Puget Sound opens

for sport crab fishing July 1

OLYMPIA – The recreational crab season gets under way July 1 in most of Puget Sound, where fishery managers with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) expect another good summer fishery.

All but one marine area in Puget Sound will open for crab fishing July 1. The exception is Marine Area 7, where the crab fishery opens July 15 in the area’s southern portion (San Juan Islands/Bellingham) and Aug. 15 in the northern portion (Gulf of Georgia).

The crab fishery in all marine areas of Puget Sound will be open Thursday through Monday of each week. Crabbers should note, however, that the season gets under way with a one-day opening (July 1), and will be closed July 2-3 before reopening on its regular weekly schedule Thursday, July 4.

Additional information on the crab fishery is available on WDFW’s website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/crab/. The page includes links to a printable “Crabbing in Puget Sound” brochure and a “Puget Sound Recreational Dungeness Crab Guide,” both of which have information on crabbing regulations.

Rich Childers, shellfish policy lead for WDFW, said recent test fisheries indicate the crab population in Puget Sound remains abundant.

“We continue to see healthy numbers of crab throughout Puget Sound,” Childers said. “With such strong numbers, crabbing should be good from opening day all the way through the end of the summer season.”

The daily catch limit in Puget Sound is five Dungeness crab, males only, in hard-shell condition with a minimum carapace width of 6¼ inches. Fishers may catch six red rock crab of either sex per day, provided those crab measure at least 5 inches across.

Most marine areas will close the evening of Sept. 2 for a catch assessment. However, Marine Area 7 will remain open through Sept. 30.

Sport crabbers in Puget Sound are required to record their Dungeness crab catch on a catch record card. Separate catch record cards are issued for the summer and winter seasons. The 2013 summer cards are valid only through Sept. 2. The winter cards will be available on Aug. 22 and are valid until Dec. 31.

Catch record cards are not required to fish for Dungeness crab in the Columbia River or on the Washington coast (marine areas 1-4).

Childers reminds Puget Sound crabbers that they are required to record their Dungeness crab catch on their catch record cards immediately after retaining crab. “Having crab in your possession that are not properly recorded on a catch card is a violation and could result in a fine,” he said.

Crabbers have the option of reporting their crab catch for the summer season online after Sept. 2 or by mailing in their catch cards to WDFW. The mailing address and the online reporting site are printed on each catch card.

“We need to hear from everyone who participates in the fishery – including those who didn’t catch any crab – because more data provides greater accuracy in estimating the catch and developing future seasons,” said Childers.

Crabbers who fail to file catch reports for 2013 will face a $10 fine, which will be imposed when they apply for a 2014 fishing license.

Anyone fishing for crab in Puget Sound must purchase a crab endorsement, which is free to fishers under age 15. All fishers age 15 or older also must carry an applicable Washington fishing license to fish for crab anywhere in Washington. More licensing information is available online at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov.

Mike Cenci, WDFW’s deputy chief of enforcement, reminds crabbers to review the rules of the fishery before heading out on the water.

“Take the time to fully understand the rules, particularly the daily limit, how to properly measure and identify crab, and the catch record card requirements,” Cenci said. “Our officers will be out on the water enforcing the regulations and ensuring boaters are complying with safe boating practices.”

WDFW’s Enforcement Program encourages citizens who witness a fish and wildlife offense to report the violation. Reports can be filed by calling 1-877-933-9847, email at reportpoaching@dfw.wa.gov or by text message sent to 847411 (Tip411). The text message must begin with the letters WDFWTIP followed by a space, and then a brief description of the violation and location.

Fire at Des Moines Marina

Maybe you saw the reports that a fire occurred at the Des Moines Marina on Sunday night. In all, six boats were destroyed and two people were injured.

Checking in with the Des Moines Marina head, Joe Dusenbury, he felt fortunate that it wasn't much worse. Here's his check in:

Peter, thanks for thinking about us and thanks for your offer of assistance. Things are under control so far, it could have been much worse.  State agencies, specifically DOE and Fish & Wildlife have been very helpful and we already have the permits we need to do the demo and clean-up.  I’ll let you know if we run into any problems with the permitting the replacement.

Thanks again,

Joe

Joe Dusenbury, Harbormaster

City of Des Moines Marina

jdusenbury@desmoineswa.gov

206-824-5700

Small Businesses are getting into the act of exporting

More small businesses are exporting their products and services than they were three years ago, according to a survey conducted by the National Small Business Association. The survey also found that many small businesses that aren't exporting are interested in doing so in the future. The online survey of 500 small business owners found that 64 percent had sold merchandise or services to a customer in another country, up from 52 percent in 2010. The survey found that 63 percent of non-exporters said they would be interested in exporting if some of their concerns were addressed, a 20 percent jump from the 2010 survey.

 

You can read this recent article on the subject here in the Puget Sound Business Journal.

 

This trend was covered in great detail here in a recent webinar that NMTA put together for our members. Take a listen.

Boating Participation is at an all-time high

I thought that would get your attention. That's just one of many high points that's making waves on the internet.  Read on.

The NMMA, on behalf of the U.S. boating industry, released these findings today as part of its annual U.S. Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract, a collection of data and analysis on the state of the U.S. recreational boating industry. Additional data highlights include: New Boat Sales Retail sales of new power and sailboats increased 10.7 percent in 2012 to 163,245, demonstrating a post-recession recovery for the industry. (Note that this number includes inboard, outboard, sterndrive, jet and sail boats). New powerboat (inboard, outboard, sterndrive and jet boat) sales increased 10 percent to 157,300 in 2012. New sailboat sales increased 29.2 percent to 5,945 in 2012 Trends Small fiberglass and aluminum outboard boats 26 feet or less in size, continued their upward climb with an 11.3 percent increase in the number of new boats sold. Outboard boats are the most popular type of new powerboat sold, making up approximately 82 percent of the market. Ski and wakeboard boats are seeing healthy growth with an increase of 13.4 percent new boats sold in 2012. Jet boats, which are small fiberglass boats less than 26 feet in length, are a growing category. Of the 157,300 new powerboats sold in 2012, 4,500 were jet boats. New jet boat sales increased 36.4% in 2012. What’s Ahead Sales of new powerboats have remained steady during the first half of 2013 and continued growth is expected with the summer boating season. NMMA anticipates sales of new powerboats to grow five percent in 2013.   “Summer is a peak selling season for recreational boats, accessories and services throughout the U.S. as people look for ways to disconnect from the daily grind and enjoy fun times on the water, “ said Thom Dammrich, NMMA president. “New boat sales have historically been a barometer for the U.S. economy and the steady sales increases we’re seeing is being reinforced by the slow uptick in consumer confidence, housing and spending. As economic growth continues, we anticipate sustained steady growth through the remainder of 2013.”  Boating Participation Of the estimated 232.3 million adults in the U.S. in 2012, 37.8 percent, or 88 million, participated in recreational boating at least once during the year. This is a six percent increase from 2011 and the largest number of U.S. adults participating in boating since NMMA began collecting the data in 1990. Recreational boating participation has steadily increased since 2006.  Helping People Discover Boating Growing participation is a priority for the recreational boating industry as it drives new boat sales. Boat manufacturers, dealers, marinas, and other marine organizations joined together to form Discover Boating, a consumer program to grow participation and create a positive boating experience.  The North American effort provides resources to help those interested in boating get started and promotes the fun of the boating lifestyle through a national marketing campaign. Source: The NMMA’s economic value report on the U.S. and by state, and congressional districts within each state, can be found within the Statistics section’s Research Library on NMMA.org. For excerpts and additional data from the NMMA’s Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract please contact Ellen Hopkins at ehopkins@nmma.org. Join the conversation on Twitter using #boatnews Contact:  Ellen Hopkins 312.946.6249

Boating has a major impact on the U.S. economy

We pride ourselves on our "boating means business" message and the economic impact study that we use whenever we can. Just to recap:

• The overall economic impact of boating in Washington state is $4.02 billion and it's going in the right direction these past three years.
• There are 28,000 marine-related jobs in our state
• Averagae salary is $56,000

That complements this recent story from our partners at NMMA:

Study: Boating Has Major Impact on U.S. Economy

 

By: Ambrosia Brody

A study released by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) provides data in support of what marine businesspeople have known all along: the recreational boating industry is a vital component of the United States’ economy.

Notable findings in the study include that the recreational marine industry contributed $121.5 billion annually to the U.S. economy. There are nearly 35,000 recreational boating-related businesses across the country -- and they provide more than 338,000 jobs.

The report also revealed that each year, Americans spend $51 billion related to the more than 12 million registered recreational boats nationwide.

Released in time for the American Boating Congress Summit, the study armed industry advocates with compelling data regarding the importance of boating, according to the NMMA, the leading trade association representing the recreational boating industry. The update reflects 2012 data across the U.S.

The data proves the relevance of the industry to the U.S. economy, and is a source of information for policy makers, NMMA president Thom Dammrich said.

“This allows us to educate policy makers about the importance of the industry to the economy, to our society and our quality of life -- so that they don’t take actions to adversely impact the American industry and the jobs that we create, or the boating lifestyle that 88 million Americans participate in every year,” Dammrich said.

According to Dammrich, 80 percent of all the boating products sold in the U.S. are built in the U.S. “It is an American manufacturing industry -- and, obviously, the sale and service of all those products is also American jobs.”

Industry stakeholders convened in Washington, D.C. in May at the American Boating Congress to discuss ways to grow boating, reach out to a younger demographic and discuss what can be done over the next 10 years to return the industry to robust growth. Part of that plan includes educating policy makers on the industry and boating.

“We need to work together and have each others’ back on policy issues,” Dammrich said said. “One thing that adversely affects one segment today will adversely affect the whole industry.”

The study, led by NMMA’s Center of Knowledge, contracted with the Recreational Marine Research Center at Michigan State University to update a previous report: “2008 Economic Value of Recreational Boating at the State and Congressional District Level.” - See more at: http://www.thelog.com/Newsletter/Article/Study-Shows-Boating-Has-a-Major-Impact-on-U-S--Economy#sthash.bFdhqala.dpuf

Crow's Nest continues to make news

Crow’s Nest Yachts Named Exclusive Dealer for Navigator Yachts

New 2104 Navigator 52’ Model Coming to San Diego location in September

 

     SEATTLE, Washington -- Crow’s Nest Yachts is now the exclusive dealer for American-made Navigator Yachts, located in Perris, California, featuring Navigator Yachts at its locations in Seattle, Newport Beach and San Diego.  Crow’s Nest Yachts will take delivery of the first 2014 52’ Navigator model at its docks in San Diego in early September.  

     “We’re excited to represent Navigator Yachts for buyers in California, Oregon, Washington and British Columbia,” said Dale Partna, Crow’s Nest Yachts. “Their yachts fill a niche for pilothouse models in the mid-range market, and those boats are in high demand up and down the West Coast.”

     Navigator Yachts have been built in California since 1988, gaining a reputation as one of the most successful lines in its class. The company features Pilothouse models from 45’ to 62’ in length, with a distinct hull shape designed to use a minimum amount of fuel and horsepower, while retaining the maximum amount of boat speed and efficiency. Interiors are semi-custom, with owners able to choose their own layout, cabinetry wood and fabrics.

      The 5200 is the newest Navigator model, featuring new hull windows with openings for air in the master stateroom, a redesigned engine room vents for increased air flow and better aesthetics, a new hardtop with a slimmer profile and built in sliding sunroof, and modified interiors to accommodate a more modern Euro design.

     “We’ve had a solid relationship with Crow’s Nest for years,” said Alberto Cogliati, Navigator Yachts General Manager. “They’re exactly what we were looking for to represent us with a great reputation, multiple locations and we believe they’ll do a great job for us.”

     With the high numbers of Navigator owners from British Columbia to Washington to California, Crow’s Nest Yachts aims to be known as ‘Navigator specialists,’ for both the new and used boat markets, as well as factory service and new boat warranties.

     “Between Dale and me, we have 20 years of experience with the Navigator line,” said Dan Wood, of Crow’s Nest Yachts and NMTA Board Member. “We’re able to help potential owners and current owners with their boats, and provide the quality service and information they need to make the best use of their yachts.” 

     “There are already so many owners of Navigator Yachts, they have their own club,” said Vic Parcells, Crow’s Nest Yachts. “We’ve supported them in the past, and plan on sponsoring future club events, too.”

     Crow’s Nest Yachts maintains a high standard of excellence on the West Coast. With the representation of Navigator Yachts, in addition to Westcoast Custom Yachts, the company continues to provide exceptional service to exceed expectations of existing and prospective clients.

     Crow’s Nest Yachts is marking more than 35 years of service to boaters with office locations in Seattle, Washington, and in California in both San Diego and Newport Beach. For more information, please visit www.crowsnestyachts.com.  

 

A note from one of NMTA's newest members

How are things going up north for NMTA's members? Raven Marine's Anthony Utley sent me an email recently with a nice report. He's got a lot of news to spread.

Hello all: just a short note to tell you  some of  the  exciting developments and happenings around Raven Marine!

As most of  you know our Sidney location is located at Canoe Cove Marina just North of Sidney B.C. We are excited to announce that as of Sept 1^st we will now have the capacity to lift 75 Metric tons, with a brand new travel lift. We can now lift yachts up to 80’ in length and 22’  in beam and 165,000 pounds in gross displacement . This will be the biggest lift on Southern Vancouver Island.  We look forward to serving you for your Yacht haul out and servicing needs. Call myself or Gord Stark, our haul out coordinator @ 250-880-1870 for more info.

In other news, our Island location has been awarded a Northern Lights, Lugger, dealership. We can now offer the same great service on Lugger engines and Northern Lights generators that our Vancouver location does.

Our Vancouver location is now two and half years old [ Time Flies]! And we have seen a increase in sales of 450% in the last two years and we thank the Yachting community of Vancouver for their patronage and support. Anytime you are in Vancouver and you need something don’t hesitate to give us a call.

And as Steve Jobs used to say.. just one more thing… this year in partnership with an industry colleague, Rick Gladych, from Omni Risk Management, a Marine insurance firm in Seattle, we have launched Raven Offshore Yacht Shipping . We are now offering liner style service from Vancouver to Port Everglades and back with stops in Mexico . Please do not hesitate to contact us for  any of your Yacht Shipping needs. You can check out our Website for shipping at www.Shipraven.com

Well I guess  that’s it for now,  I hope everyone has a great boating season and thank you all for your support and business this year ! 

Cheers, Anthony.

 

United breaks guitars

If you google "united" and "guitars", you'll find a youtube hit with over 13 million views. The gist is that a songwriter's guitar was tossed around on a flight. Finding nothing but indifference from United's staff, he took to the internet to get his story out.

I'd guess that if you are an NMTA member, that you value customer service. You may even tout your "exceptional customer service" in your materials. My question: What are you doing to go above and beyond to not just satisfy customers but to know what customers want before they even ask? How are you tracking returning customers?

Here's the song. It's not bad. I'm glad that I'm not flying United anytime soon.

Board of Trustees election results

All ballots cast for the 2013 Board of Trustees election were tallied this afternoon, Friday, June 7. Congratulations to the following three candidates who were elected to serve three-year terms on the Board of Trustees starting on July 1, 2013:

• Scott Anderson, CSR Marine
• Mark Helgen, Lake Union Sea Ray
• Ryan Helling, Swiftsure Yachts, Inc.

Thank you to all members who took the time to vote, and especially to the seven candidates up for election who committed to volunteering their time and energy in leading NMTA.

2 sentences that engage customers

We are all in sales. By sales, I mean what Daniel Pink means in his new book "To Sell is Human", "If you persuade, influence and convince others, you're in sales." 
Piggybacking on yesterday's post, the question is how are you persuading, influencing and convincing others?

That brings me to a great read at Inc ("2 sentences that engage customers")  . The cold, brutal fact is no one cares about you. People care about themselves. As marketing guru Seth Godin likes to say, "People don't want email, they want me-mail."

Here are some nuggets from the blog post:

The two sentences that are the most important to your customers and prospective customers:

1. "Our clients hire us to provide [benefit(s) to the client.]"
2. "They hire us, rather than somebody else, because [something unique that the competition doesn't have but the customer values.]"

Notice that both of these sentences position you, the seller, as a catalyst that helps the customer achieve the customer's goals, and then positions your firm as only catalyst that can do the job right.

--Peter Schrappen

How are you selling boating?

What does "The Good Run" mean to you? If you don't know what I'm talking about, take a look at this recent column in Soundings -- Trade Only. The brief video, commissioned by our friends at NMMA, continues to draw praise and awards (and apparently copy cats from Mad Men). There are a lot of great nuggets in here for NMTA members. So how do you go about selling your passion?

http://blog.tradeonlytoday.com/tradetalk/?p=941%22 

-Peter