Biz Buzz, February 2026: Business News for the Chesapeake and Mid-Atlantic Marine Industry
- beth443
- 3 hours ago
- 5 min read
SPF-360's Biz Buzz brings you the Chesapeake buzz about who's making waves, debuting new products, on the move, and more marine business industry news—plus, new places to pick up SpinSheet, PropTalk, and FishTalk.
MAKING WAVES
Riverside Marine recently received two recognitions: the 2025 Marina of the Year–Business Operations Category was award by Marina Dock Age Magazine and the Docks Expo for all the hard work they have put into the marina over the past few years, and Scott Baker was announced as the Top Salesman for Sportsman Boats for the third consecutive year. riversideboats.com
The Next Generation of Marine Techs
At any gathering of boatshop and boatyard folks, the subject of the lack of younger workers often comes up. A lot of us talk about the problem, but Tim Krause of Annapolis Gelcoat and Restoration in Annapolis, MD, has instituted a program called “Giving Back to the Next Generation of Marine Techs” to help do something about it. As Tim explains, “This season, we donated a boat to CAT (Center for Applied Technology) South through Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS). Each week, Mike Welsh heads into the classroom to teach hands-on fundamentals—from fiberglass repair to tool skills to understanding boat structure and safety. We’re proud to support young marine professionals and continue growing the future of our industry. Invest in your craft. Invest in your community.” annapolisgelcoat.com
ON THE MOVE
New President
Quantum Sails announced that Andrew Scott, Quantum Sails’ longtime chief operating officer, became the president of Quantum Sails, effective January 1.
Ed Reynolds, the president since 2007, stepped down on December 31 and will move into semi-retirement. Reynolds (Traverse City, MI) has been associated with Quantum Sails since 1996. In addition to his sailmaking and corporate leadership abilities, Reynolds has been part of winning sailboat racing crews across the globe and is widely recognized as an innovative leader in the sailmaking industry and a leading figure on the sport of sailboat racing. He says, “I have worked closely with Andrew Scott for more than 16 years on a day-to-day basis the entire time. Andrew is an extraordinary combination of sailor, sailmaker, production expert, operations leader, and authentic innovator. Andrew’s expertise in each of these areas is incredible, and his enthusiasm and passion are obvious. He has a long-term track record of bringing meaningful technological innovation to all aspects of sailmaking but never loses sight of the customer experience and customer outcomes while sailing with Quantum Sails. Andrew is the perfect choice to lead Quantum Sails forward.”
Scott began working for his father’s sail loft as a boy. With deep experience in all aspects of the sailmaking trade and business, Scott also logged 10 years as a professional sailor competing in the 2003 America’s Cup trials with Team Stars & Stripes, finishing second in the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials in the Star Class, and winning multiple championships as a sailing team member in the TP52 Super Series. “I am thrilled with this opportunity and to continue serving Quantum’s customers and partners around the world,” said Scott. “The Quantum brand has always stood for leadership in innovation and collab-oration. This is a reputation we will continue to live up to. Quantum has a great team in place, well-established design, production and support capabilities, and a pipeline of sailmaking innovations scheduled to be released in the coming months. Quantum is well-positioned going forward and look forward to serving our current customers and partners as we invest to grow the business.” quantumsails.com
Promoted to President and CEO
Riverside Marine announces the promotion of Jason Baumgartner to president and chief executive officer.
As a third-generation owner, Jason personifies the boating lifestyle with a passion for the marine industry. Launching his career at Riverside when he was 14, he learned the operations of a successful boat dealership and marina from the ground up. With nearly 25 years of experience, he developed skill sets concentrated on operational excellence, successful team building, and quality control. Family meant everything to the founders of Riverside Marine, Bob and Veenie, which holds true today. David Baumgartner, president and CEO for the past 35 years stated, “Our family-owned company proudly carries on its legacy spanning three generations. The third generation actively contributes to the growth and success of Riverside through their innovative approach and dedication. With Jay at the helm as we celebrate our 50th anniversary in 2026, I am proud the next generation will continue our legacy of family fun on the water.” riversideboats.com
New Collaboration
Legasea Marine is expanding its presence into southern Hampton Roads with the launch of “Legasea at Browning’s Marine,” a new sales location on Shore Drive. The collaboration carries special meaning for both the Hall and Browning families. In the 1960s, Chris Hall, Sr. purchased a Mercury outboard from Rudy Browning to put on a river racer he had just bought. The Halls and Brownings later became friendly rivals on the boat racing circuit, often competing head-to-head at regional and national events. But there’s even deeper local history—Chris Hall, Jr.’s uncle, Bill Brooks, once owned the same Shore Drive property in the 1960s, when it operated as Bayside Boats, before Browning’s Marine relocated there from Military Highway in Norfolk. “This partnership just feels right. It’s two local families who grew up around boats, racing, and the water,” said Chris Hall, Jr., president of Legasea Marine. “We’re excited to make it easier for our friends and new customers on the Southside to see and experience our models at this premier location, which is known for great customer service in a family-first atmosphere.” legaseamarine.com
Product Debut
Suzuki Marine USA has introduced Suzuki Edge eCoat, an advanced new engine anodizing process that delivers two very important things: superior corrosion protection for saltwater use and significantly reduced environmental impact. This new factory process was first used in August 2024 to manufacture Suzuki’s popular DF140B outboard. As of September 2025, the application of Suzuki Edge eCoat was expanded to include the DF140BG, DF140B, DF115BG, and DF115B models, and will progressively be adopted across Suzuki Marine’s model line-up. This anodizing process was developed by Suzuki Motor Corporation specifically to protect key engine components, including the cylinder block, cylinder head, and crankcase. It is designed to withstand high temperatures and provide superior corrosion resistance by uniformly coating cooling water passages and other engine components that have contact with cooling water. This treatment is the first of its kind to be adopted for mass-produced outboard motor engine components (according to Suzuki research).
This entire process not only provides superior protection for key internal engine components, but it also allows for an approximately 50 percent reduction in CO2 emissions compared to traditional treatment methods. Guiding Suzuki Marine’s conservation ethos is the company’s Clean Ocean Project, a far-reaching program involving grassroots clean-up events, technological advancements, and waste reduction efforts designed to minimize the environmental impact of boating worldwide. This ongoing commitment helped Suzuki Marine win the inaugural 2025 EPIC Award in the Sustainability Category from Soundings Trade Only Magazine. suzuki.com
New Places To Pick Up SPF-360 Publications:
Larry’s Outdoor Store in Rock Hall, MD
Shady Side Market in Shady Side, MD
Larry’s Outdoor Store in Rock Hall, MD
Shady Side Market in Shady Side, MD
Canine Cloud 9 in Virginia Beach, VA
Larry’s Outdoor Store in Rock Hall, MD
Shady Side Market in Shady Side, MD
West Marine in Ocean City, MD
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