Policy, Innovation and Industry Growth Take Center Stage on First Full Day of ABC 2025
The 2025 American Boating Congress (ABC) launched into its first full day yesterday with a high-energy program focused on navigating the policy landscape and advancing the future of marine manufacturing. With a packed agenda and a strong showing from industry leaders, lawmakers, and policymakers, ABC 2025 is the premier advocacy event for the recreational boating industry.
Attendees gained direct insight into federal and state-level legislation impacting recreational boating, with sessions offering deep dives into the most pressing issues currently under debate on Capitol Hill and in statehouses across the country.
Among the key speakers was U.S. Representative Rudy Yakym (R-IN), Co-Chair of the Congressional Boating Caucus and a member of the House Ways and Means Committee. Yakym addressed attendees on the committee’s ongoing work related to tax policies with far-reaching implications for American manufacturers, including marine producers.
Discussions throughout the day highlighted critical priorities for the industry, including:
- Strengthening access and infrastructure for recreational boating and fishing
- Advancing new and emerging technologies and fuels in marine manufacturing
- Supporting pro-growth policies that sustain U.S. manufacturing competitiveness
- Bolstering state-level government relations to protect and expand boating access
The momentum continues today as ABC 2025 participants prepare for meetings on Capitol Hill, bringing the industry’s unified voice to lawmakers shaping policies that influence boating access, innovation, and long-term industry health.
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Thank you to the ABC 2025 Executive Sponsors: MarineMax, InformaMarkets and Yamaha.
Additional Sponsors:
Admiral’s Level: Brunswick, Correct Craft, Polaris Marine, Suzuki Marine, and Tiara Yachts
Captain’s Level: BoatUS, Indmar, Smoker Craft, Vetus-Yanmar, and Volvo Penta
First Mate’s Level: Center for Sportfishing Policy, Design Concepts-Marine Concepts, International Yacht Brokers Association, Northpoint Commercial Finance, Sea-Doo, and Transhield
Purser’s Level: Chaparral-Robalo Boats, Info-Link, Marine Industries Association of South Florida, Midwest Industries, and Suntex Marinas
Supporting: Boats Group, BoatUS, Brunswick, National Marine Electronics Association, Patrick Industries, and Regulator Marine