Industry News You Need To Know

University of Florida
Partnership Creates Jobs in
the Florida Marine Industry
To further its initiative of sustainable economic development, the University of Florida IFAS (Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences) Extension in Brevard County has partnered with boating excursion provider USOBE, LLC (Ultimate Source of Boating Excursions) to create jobs in Florida's marine industry. Full-time positions for captains are being created in Florida as a result of this new partnership between the University and USOBE. The partnership is in alignment with the Extension's dedication to creating a sustainable coastal economy and environment. Captains will be trained and certified to lead boating eco-tours based out of luxury properties. Tours will be focused on the enjoyment and conservation of Florida's ecological wonders.
Interested captains should apply at captainsoffice.net for the next series of classes to be held October 18–21 at 3695 Lake Drive, Cocoa, FL, 32926. Cost for the training is $300.

USDOT's Maritime
Administration Announces
Grants to Small Shipyards
This past month, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced that $9.98 million in grants would be made available to 13 small shipyards throughout the U.S. to help modernize facilities, and increase productivity and competitiveness in the global marketplace. The U.S. Maritime Administration's (MARAD) Small Shipyard Grants Program provides money to help this vital segment of America's maritime industry invest in production equipment, provide technical skills training for employees and maintain and create well-paying jobs by keeping these businesses competitive.
Some of the grant recipients include:
Hendry Corporation (Tampa, Florida)
Jamesbuilt, LLC (Calvert City, Kentucky)
Marinette Marine Corporation (Marinette, Wisconsin)
MBLH Marine, LLC dba Vessel Repair (Port Arthur, Texas)
Southwest Shipyard, LP (Channelview, Texas)
Yank Marine, Inc. (Tuckahoe, New Jersey)

Famed Miami Boatyard
Gets New Lease on Life
Florida boatbuilder David Marlow has just completed the purchase of Merrill Stevens Dry Dock on the Miami River. The transaction was completed in June for a reported $6.6 million and the 125-year-old historic yard will soon undergo an upgrade to its lifts to accommodate up to 750-ton vessels on the railway along with a 220-ton Travelift. Marlow has big plans for the renovated site, not the least of which is attention to the landscaping. "The first order of business is to make the place presentable," he stated. That means cleaning up the yard, making it safe, putting in greenery and fixing up buildings. He then hopes to bring in service contracts with the Coast Guard and other government agencies and offer restoration work on yachts of all sizes. Though currently built in China, Marlow Yachts—based in Palmetto, Florida—may someday be built in Miami. Marlow's custom yachts range from expedition and express cruisers to tenders and dinghies.

Brokerage Sales Up in July
Brokerage sales for 2011 peaked in June when 3,446 boats were sold. But the market showed continued incremental growth in July, compared with the same month last year, with 3,117 boats sold, up 2 percent. The total value of boats sold in July was very strong for the third consecutive month, according to YachtWorld.com, U.S. member brokerages reporting closing prices in the Soldboats.com database. Total valuation was $338 million, up $60 million or 21 percent from the previous July. After a slow start to the year, the number of boats that have changed hands after seven months was down only 2 percent, or 321 boats, with 18,495 sold. In the same time period, the total value of boats sold climbed to $2.2 billion, a 15 percent gain from 2010. The average time it took to sell a boat improved in July, from 279 days to 267, a 4 percent shift. Through July, the average time to sell was down three days to 282.