The National Marine Manufacturers Association Hall of Fame was established in 1988 to recognize and honor individuals who have made or continue to make substantial contributions toward the advancement of the marine industry. It is NMMA’s most prestigious recognition.
HALL OF FAME NOMINATION CRITERIA
To be eligible for the NMMA Hall of Fame Award a candidate must:
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Have made a substantial and lasting impact on the industry or their particular segment
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Are known in the industry and are beyond personal or professional reproach
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A past (deceased/retired) or current member and supporter of NMMA
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Actively involved in the marine industry for a minimum of ten years
NOMINATION PROCESS
Nominations for the 2024 program will open in Spring 2024. Active members in good standing with the NMMA are eligible to nominate a worthy leader. An official nomination form must be submitted, along with supporting documents (letters of support, articles around the candidate's work in the industry, etc) that will enhance the nomination portfolio by the given deadline.
REVIEW PROCESS
All nomination portfolios will be reveiwed by the NMMA Hall of Fame Committee after the nomination deadline. The NMMA Board of Directors will make a final vote to determine the award recipient(s). Nominators will be notified of award status August 2024.
AWARD PRESENTATION
Award recipients will be presented at IBEX during the Industry Breakfast in Tampa, FL.
QUESTIONS
Contact: Rachel Harmon
Email: [email protected]
AWARD RECIPIENTS
1988: Elmer Carl Kiekhaefer, Charles Frederic Chapman, Garfield Arthur Wood, Ole Evinrude and Christopher Columbus Smith
Charles Frederic Chapman, 1881–1976
During his lifetime, Charles "Chap" Chapman was considered “the authority” of American recreational boating. For over 55 years he functioned as editor, and later vice president and publisher of the magazine Motor Boating (now titled Motor Boating & Sailing). But it was the book, “Piloting, Seamanship & Small Boat Handling” that became Chapman’s most fitting monument. Why? Because it is considered the “bible” for millions of recreational boaters—making seafarers safer and boating more enjoyable.
At an early age, Chap became interested in boating. He studied naval architecture and mechanical engineering at Cornell University.
While still in his twenties, Chapman became a pioneer of long distance and endurance motorboat races. For example, he was Gar Wood’s navigator on the famous Miami-to-New York race, setting a record that would stand for three decades!
In addition to being an author and competitor, Charles was a leader in organizing the recreational boating industry. He was one of the founding fathers of the United States Power Squadron (holding certificate number A-1) and served as a chief commander. He also served as chairman of the American Power Boat Association and later was elected as its first Hall of Fame member. And, in 1955, Chapman was awarded the “Ole Evinrude Boating Foundation” award for his lifelong contributions to boating.
In an anecdote related by Chap’s daughter, Mary, she recalled a humorous incident when the Chapman family was motorboating off Long Island Sound. It seems while nearing Oyster Bay, and with the right of way, another boater started to cross the bow of “Chalma”, Chapman’s boat. Slowing down to properly evaluate the situation, Charles and the Chapman family heard the errant skipper shout, “Watch where you’re going! You should get a copy of Chapman’s Piloting Book!” (If the boater only knew who he was talking to!)