Dealers nationwide are called to step up and provide input for the vital Marine Retail Compensation Study now underway. Meanwhile, dealers in the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” are engaged in a tough battle with the Minnesota legislature.

The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas has begun updating the industry’s Marine Retail Compensation Study. In light of today’s workforce challenges, it is timely that this study be updated to give dealers the latest information on today’s labor marketplace.

Dealers can provide critical feedback and specific details surrounding current compensation and benefits. From the data, MRAA will generate a comprehensive report and analysis of the trends to help deliver real-world solutions for businesses in finding, developing and retaining good employees.

Dealers can click here to participate. Enter the email address of the person who will fill out the survey, and that person will receive instructions on how to securely log in to participate. It’s secure and simple, so for your own good and that of our industry, please do it today.

Minnesota Dealers Stand Up

It’s dubbed the Digital Fair Repair Act (HF 1156) by Minnesota lawmakers, but dealers call it an outright handover to consumers of unfettered access to source code and programmable features of electronics, including marine engines.

Proponents say the intent is simply to allow consumers to do their own repairs. However well-intentioned, it poses myriad safety, emissions and liability concerns.

“We are committed to helping our customers do their own repairs,” said Steve Chesky, senior support mobile specialist and co-owner of Dan’s Southside Marine, testifying before the House Commerce, Finance and Policy Committee on Feb. 2.

“We always offer free user manuals and feature a comprehensive parts store full of OEM and aftermarket parts,” said Chesky. “Unfortunately, HF 1156 would make it possible for consumers to void critical emissions and safety features programmed into marine engines. Not only would the removal of safety features potentially harm boaters, but they would also cause issues for retailers who buy and sell preowned vessels. It would make it nearly impossible for us to assure that the next customer is receiving a vessel that has not been tampered with.”

More testimony declaring the negative impact of such legislation was given by Lori Sanborn, the owner of Handberg’s Marina, who told the committee: “Our marina has been serving the Crane Lake area for over 96 years, and HF 1156 could not only endanger our customers but also tarnish the reputation of our business. The last thing we want is for customers to make potentially harmful modifications to their boats and ruin what otherwise would be a fun-filled day with friends and family.”

The National Marine Manufacturers Association also weighed in, citing issues the bill presents for the manufacturers of engines and components.

“In order to comply with the Clean Air Act and EPA mandates, recreational marine engine manufacturers cannot provide access to pollution-control devices, something HF 1156 makes possible,” said Jill C. Sims, NMMA’s manager of Great Lakes policy and engagement. “It would require manufacturers to give the general public access to these ‘locked’ sections of software and emissions controls. However, under federal law, manufacturers simply cannot facilitate access to these protected areas.”

MRAA is also calling out the negative impacts of the legislation by submitting testimony that can be found here. And it’s not the first rodeo; similar legislation was proposed but not passed in 2019.