July 2026 Business News for the Chesapeake & Mid-Atlantic Boating and Fishing Industry
- Jul 8
- 5 min read
SPF-360's Biz Buzz brings you the Chesapeake buzz about who's earning awards, 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
Celebrating 40 years
For 40 years, Haven Harbour Marina Resorts has proudly served the Chesapeake Bay as a family-owned and operated business, growing from a modest boatyard into one of the region’s premier resort marinas. Over the years, the company has expanded well beyond its original marina, adding resort amenities, award-winning yacht services, the Inn at Haven Harbour, Haven Harbour South, and waterfront dining and events venues.
While the facilities have evolved, the company’s mission has remained unchanged: providing exceptional experiences on and around the Chesapeake Bay while preserving the character and maritime heritage that make Rock Hall unique. The milestone marks four decades since founder William T. Brawner purchased the original Haven Harbour property on Swan Creek in 1986, beginning a journey that would transform the waterfront facility into the nationally recognized collection of marinas, lodging, dining and marine services enjoyed today.
“Reaching our 40th anniversary is a testament to the incredible people who have made Haven Harbour what it is today,” said general manager Ed Cecil. “Our employees, many of whom have dedicated years of service to this company, work tirelessly to create memorable experiences for our guests and slipholders. We are deeply grateful for their commitment, as well as the loyalty and trust our customers have placed in us over these past four decades.”
As Haven Harbour celebrates its 40th season, the company extends heartfelt thanks to its customers, employees, business partners, and the Rock Hall community for their continued support and friendship. Together, they have helped shape four decades of memories on the Chesapeake Bay and laid the foundation for an exciting future ahead. havenharbour.com
On the Move
New Facility and Updates
Island Packet Yachts closed on its new five-acre facility on February 27 and spent the next five weeks moving and a couple of months getting production up and going. President/owner Darrell Allen says, “We love our new facility, and it will be our forever home with the ability to add another 90,000 square feet to the existing 25,000 square feet. The team is much happier here. At the same time, we are finishing up the redo of the 349 into the 359. The changes are huge and we will be building an amazing 35-foot cruising boat. We have gotten rid of the old IGU and now are building a hull structure unit that provides more hull support and does not limit us to the old IGU layout with the fiberglass berth, settee, and galley bases. We also have hose and wire runs built into the HSU. Now all the bases will be wood and with a much-improved layout.
“We now offer three wood choices: new cherry, light maple, and the traditional sapele. We have made Victron 24V Lithium batteries standard with a 5K inverter versus a 3K. All systems are 24V as well, making for a much more energy efficient boat. We have upgraded the cabinets to solid wood face for a much more quality and modern look. We have upgraded all the hardware as well. We offer wood hull side panels as well as the fiberglass side panels. We have changed the deck to provide 30-inch verses 26-inch stanchions and will be offering a complete hard rail option. We now can offer the washer/vented dryer in the 359 like we do the 439, soon becoming the 459. We are doing the same things to the 439, soon to be the 459. We will also be changing the deck on the new 459 and then the 359 after we start production of the new 459. We have 359-01, 02, 03 and 459-02 in production and are about to start production of 42Motor Sailer #03. We have several more 359’s sold and are up to hull #08 of the new 459. We also purchased a new state of the art CNC machine that we love. Things are great here and we have been blessed in so many ways.” ipy.com
More Marine Business News
More boating safety course approvals
The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water announces that its free state-approved boating safety course has been approved in 15 additional states, giving more recreational boaters access to essential education on safe and legal operation of boats. The course will cover important rules regarding navigation, safety equipment, emergency preparedness, and environmental stewardship. Boaters in Arizona, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia now have a convenient free online course option that meets their state-specific boating education requirements.
“Expanding into 15 additional states means more boaters can access boater safety education at no cost,” said Lynne O’Hearn, BoatUS Foundation program manager. “We believe cost should never be a barrier to learning how to boat safely, and these new state-approved courses help ensure more people have the education they need before they leave the dock.” Designed for completion in two to four hours, the self-paced course offers five interactive lessons that immerse students in a virtual boating experience, guiding them through different destinations while tracking progress. The curriculum is supported by dynamic, video-based learning and concludes with a 60-question final exam with unlimited retake opportunities and can be completed at the student’s own pace. Upon successful completion, most states issue a printable certificate that can be used immediately, though requirements and validity may vary by state. To take a state-approved free boating safety course in your state, please visit boatus.org/free-courses/free-boating-safety-course. For more information about BoatUS Foundation’s additional free boating courses, visit boatus.org/free-courses.
Showroom Pricing
With 65 years of serving the Chesapeake boating community, Tri-State Marine continues to evolve—and with that comes an announcement of its most customer-friendly change yet. Tri-State has moved to new lower everyday showroom pricing on its entire Grady-White and Parker lineup. Fair prices, a great deal, and a buying experience built around the customer, every day. And the difference is real—the average price reduction across the current in-stock inventory is nearly $9000. Here’s what customers can expect: transparent, fair showroom pricing on every boat (easy to compare), and every price includes freight, prep, a Coast Guard safety kit, fuel, electronics installation, new owner orientation, and 20-hour service. One price. Everything included. No catches. No surprises. The boat you’ve always wanted is now more attainable than ever. Stop by either of Tri-State Marine’s showrooms in Deale or Annapolis and experience the company’s impressive lineup of over 35 of the latest Grady-White and Parker models in stock. Great boats. Great people. Even better pricing. tristatemarine.com
New Places To Pick Up SPF-360 Publications:
US One-Design in Annapolis, MD
City of Lewes Marina in Lewes, DE
Bay Boatworks, LLC in North East, MD
McDaniel Yacht Basin in North East, MD
The North East Market in North East, MD
Bay Boatworks, LLC in North East, MD
McDaniel Yacht Basin in North East, MD
The North East Market in North East, MD
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