The inventors, engineers, tinkerers and noodlers within our ranks continue to find better, faster, less costly materials and methods that keep moving the industry forward

L.J. Wallace, Jr, Executive Editor

On behalf of a re-fitted editorial crew here at Marine Business Journal and Southern Boating magazine, I'd like to introduce myself, "L.J." Wallace, Executive Editor; as well as our Managing Editor, Nancy Birnbaum; and Assistant Editor, Laura Dunn. New personnel represent the only changes at MBJ, since we'll continue to bring you the latest news, information, happenings, advice from experts and what's new in the marine marketplace.

I've banged around boats all of my life and it never ceases to amaze me how even in slower economic times like these, innovations, new products, new methods of construction and new materials continue to come to the forefront to improve the production of, and ultimately the customer satisfaction with, smaller boats and yachts alike.

I first took to the water as a young kid back in the '60's when wooden boats were hardly an uncommon sight out there. Navigation was via a compass and Loran A, if you could afford it; outboards maxed out at 100-hp; a 14 knots cruise in an inboard qualified as a good turn of speed; the term "megayacht" hadn't entered our lexicon; and most dock lines were still made of hemp. Now we're seeing boats incorporating all sorts of cores and strong but lightweight materials like carbon fiber and graphite; we steer with joysticks interfaced through redundant GPS systems and touch screens; outboards churn out more than 500 horses while some larger yachts sport turbines, propelling them to highway speeds; and lines made of space-age materials are a fraction of the diameter they used to be and many times stronger than ever before.

The marine environment can be a harsh place. Over time it will rot near most anything it hasn't already tried to sink. But the line of defense against those circumstances is drawn by the marine industry. The inventors, engineers, tinkerers and noodlers within our ranks continue to find better, faster, less costly materials and methods that keep moving the industry forward, and that's something we can all be very proud of being a party to. Sometimes—as in any business I suppose—it might seem like it's "just a job." But when I think of all the lives the marine industry touches, all the incredible and wonderful memories from time spent out on the water it provides to individuals and families—and yes, the countless lives it saves when a rescue vessel can go out, handle horrific conditions and return safely with the survivors—well, yea, I think those are all some things that are pretty damn special.

IBEX is just around the corner—the best example I can think of where the talents and drive that flows deeply within the marine industry get showcased. The staff of MBJ and SB will be there, looking forward to seeing what you've all come up with this year. And as usual, I'm sure we'll be impressed.