News

Congratulations to Erich Schmidt of Charleston Yacht and Kevin Flew of Safe Harbor Marinas for their new designation of Certified Marine Service Manager (CMSM). ABBRA offers the only extensive leadership training for boatyard operators that provides an industry-recognized credential (Certified Marine Service Manager) for qualified applicants. The course is sponsored by ABBRA and was created Continue reading

February 22–26, 2026 | Newport Marriott, Newport RI Join The American Boat Builders & Repairers Association (ABBRA) for the industry’s only live, in-person Marine Service Manager training program—designed exclusively for professionals working in boatyards, service yards, and marinas.   The four-day Marine Service Managers Course (MSM) includes six core educational sessions that build the essential Continue reading

Take the 2025 Wage Rate Survey! The American Boat Builders & Repairer Association (ABBRA) is partnering again with The Association of Marina Industries (AMI) to survey wages at marinas and boatyards nationwide.  We need your help to bring this valuable information to the industry. The AMI-ABBRA survey examines marina and boatyard positions, including technical roles such Continue reading

The next Marine Service Manager Course (MSM) will run in person in February 22-26, 2026. During the four day course, participants gain new insights on issues and challenges common throughout the boat repair and boat building industry from their peers and seasoned instructors. Please visit https://abbra.org/events-training/marine-service-manager/ to register and to learn more about the course! Continue reading

The next Marine Service Manager Course (MSM) will run virtually in November 2025. During the four day course, participants gain new insights on issues and challenges common throughout the boat repair and boat building industry from their peers and seasoned instructors. Visit ABBRA.org to register. Continue reading

Please join ABBRA’s Board of Directors the night before the show kicks off at another ABBRA member social. Network with other members and learn about what we have been up to!   When: Monday, October 6th 5:00 pm-7:00 pm Where: American Social 601 S Harbour Island Blvd #107, Tampa, FL 33602. We will have light Continue reading

The American Boat Builders & Repairers Association (ABBRA) announced today that it will partner with the International Boatbuilders’ Exhibition & Conference (IBEX) to present a dedicated series of seminars for boatyard professionals at this year’s event, scheduled for October 7–9, 2025, in Tampa, Florida. The collaboration underscores ABBRA’s longstanding commitment to advancing professional development within Continue reading

Thank you to Bristol Marine, Starkweather & Shepley and Bluewater Supply for sponsoring ABBRA’s member socials. Please join us for the next one at IBEX: Monday, October 6th from 5:00 pm-7:00 pm at American Social, Tampa, FL. Continue reading

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If so, please join ABBRA’s Board of Directors and Staff the night before the show kicks off at our ABBRA social. Network with other members and learn about what we have been up to!   When: Wednesday, September 10th 5:00 pm-7:00 pm Where: The Reef– 10 Howard Wharf, Newport, RI We will have light fare Continue reading