Why Join ABBRA?
With education and training still recognized as critical for both management and their technical trades professional in today’s busy boatyards and marine businesses, time, cost and schedule are the key considerations when evaluating their ability to take advantage of training opportunities.
Take the 2026 Wage Rate Survey!
The American Boat Builders and Repairers Association invites members to participate in our Marina and Boatyard Industry Wage Rate Survey, a comprehensive compensation study designed to help marina businesses better understand industry wage trends and remain competitive in attracting and retaining skilled employees. ABBRA is happy to partner with the Association of Marina Industries on the 2026 survey and report, a partnership that started in 2022.
The survey collects compensation information for a wide range of positions, including common boatyard operations and management roles, including specialized technical positions such as marine electricians, marine service technicians, and other skilled trades.
With your participation, ABBRA hopes to provide valuable compensation benchmarks specific to the boatyard industry.
Your participation will help build a more comprehensive picture of compensation across the marine industry and provide valuable data to support workforce planning, recruitment, and employee retention.
As a thank-you, everyone who completes the survey within the next two weeks will receive a FREE copy of the final report, coming this winter.
Thank you for supporting your industry and helping us strengthen the marine workforce!
February MSM Course a Success—Even Through the Storm, Last month’s Marina Success Management (MSM) course was a huge success—even with a blizzard in the mix. Dedicated marina professionals came together for hands-on learning, collaboration, and skill-building, proving their commitment to growth no matter the conditions. Thank you to everyone who participated—we’re proud to support such a passionate and resilient community!
Upcoming Events & Training
Webinar
Risk Management Webinar Series
ABBRA’s Risk Management Webinar Series provides members with valuable information and practical insights to help navigate the challenges of operating a boatyard or marine service business. Presented quarterly, these webinars cover a variety of topics, including insurance, workplace safety, liability, financial management, and other issues relevant to the marine industry. Through expert-led presentations and educational sessions, members gain knowledge and resources they can put into practice in their businesses. All webinars are recorded and available to ABBRA members at no cost.
Save The Date! In-Person Course is scheduled for February 28 – March 4, 2027
ABBRA’s Marine Service Manager (MSM) Course is designed specifically for professionals in the boatbuilding, repair, service, and marina industries looking to strengthen their management and leadership skills. This comprehensive four-day program features six educational sessions led by experienced industry professionals, covering topics such as leadership, human resources, financial management, maritime law, environmental health and safety, business development, and customer service recovery. Participants will gain practical knowledge, valuable industry insights, and opportunities to network with fellow marine professionals. The course also includes a boatyard study tour, offering a firsthand look at industry operations and best practices.
Thank you to everyone who joined ABBRA at IBEX 2026! Our well-attended educational sessions brought marine industry professionals together to share knowledge, discuss common challenges, and explore strategies for successful boatyard management, refits, and profitability. We appreciate all of our speakers and attendees for making these sessions a success! View the full ABBRA session lineup!
