The Coast Guard recently announced that it is seeking public comment on its newly developed National Recreational Boating Survey prior to seeking final approval from the Office of Management and Budget. NMMA supports this important endeavor that will provide the Coast Guard and the public with valuable information about the boating activities of Americans. To view the survey please go to http://www.dms.dot.gov and search for docket number 28578.

NMMA continues to focus on issues its members’ face in the transportation of boats and equipment. NMMA and its members have worked closely with key organizations, including the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), to develop a proposal to amend the current U.S. and state rules for specialized boat carriers. This proposal would affect “legal loads” that can be moved without a permit. For more information on this proposal, please visit www.nmma.org.
NMMA would also like to thank Sumerset Houseboats for hosting the new chair of the CVSA Size and Weight Committee at their Kentucky plant this month to discuss the difficulties of moving a large permitted load through the states. Major Glynn Powers with the Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement received an education on the problems faced by boat manufacturers. To join the Transportation Task Force, or to begin receiving e-mail updates on the latest transportation news, please contact Cindy Squires ( csquires@nmma.org; 202-737-9766).

NMMA 2008 Boat Show Calendar
Boat shows are great places to shop and compare.
Few, if any, dealerships can offer the breadth of assortment and hands-on shopping experience of even the smallest boat show. You’ll see many boat types and can easily compare cost, size, features and warranties of the models that interest you most. And, with so many dealers under one roof, vying for your business, the competitive atmosphere can really benefit your bottom line.

If you’re new to boating there’s really no better place to educate yourself on the many options available so you can make a smart decision when you do buy. Read the rest of this entry »

Sumerset Houseboats Announces Website Redesign

Somerset, KY — Sumerset Houseboats, the industry’s leading aluminum hull houseboat manufacturer, announced a redesign of their award winning website – www.sumerset.com.

“Aside from the fresh, modern look, the website offers new and exciting features consumers have been requesting,” said Steve Lochmueller, President and CEO of Sumerset Houseboats. “Such as an extensive photo gallery; company and industry news updates; and our soon-to-be-launched Sumershop featuring logo attire and accessories. I encourage all our customers and friends to stop by and see the exciting changes we have made.”
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July 5, 2007 — Somerset, KY

Sumerset Houseboats announced today the launch of a specialty insurance and finance division to help consumers with their lending and insurance needs. The Sumerset Insurance and Finance Center offers a unique insurance policy featuring replacement cost coverage, no depreciation on machinery newer than 13 years old, automatic physical damage coverage for tenders and pwc’s stored aboard the houseboat and many other great coverage enhancements. Sumerset is the first to combine the application process for Insurance and Finance into one streamlined form reducing paperwork and greatly diminishing the “hassle factor” for consumers. For more information call 877-387-7272.

For over 40 years Sumerset Houseboats has set the industry benchmarks for superior craftsmanship, exceptional luxury and lasting value. The Sumerset Insurance and Finance Center is managed by Gowrie Barden & Brett, Inc of Westbrook, CT. Gowrie, Barden and Brett and its affiliate companies provide general and specialty insurance and financial services to clients throughout the United States.

Somerset, KY — Sumerset Houseboats, the industry’s leading aluminum hull houseboat manufacturer unveils changes and improvements for their 2008 model year. The nation’s oldest and largest custom houseboat builder continually strives to adapt to their customer’s needs and improve on their marketplace offerings.

´“Sumerset is a forward-thinking company and our position has always been to accommodate and satisfy our customers. We’ve built our reputation on this can-do mind-set as we strive to improve our houseboats and the services we offer our clientele each year. Our customers expect the best and we aim to deliver.” Steve Lochmueller, President and CEO
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HIA Board of Directors to serve two-year terms

CHICAGO, May 24, 2007 – The Houseboat Industry Association (HIA) recently elected officers and welcomed new members to its Board of Directors. Officers are elected to serve one-year terms (March 2007 through March 2008), while Board members serve two (March 2007 through March 2009).

Members of the 2007-2008 HIA Board of Directors include: Pat Duggan, Merrimac Marine Insurance; Matt Harvey, Fun Country Marine; Sheldon Graber, Destination Yachts; Shawn Heinen, Thoroughbred Houseboats; Greg Kyllo, Twin Anchors Marine; Steve Lochmueller, Sumerset Houseboats; Mark Suttie, Aramark/Lake Powell Resorts and Marinas; and Tom Sutherland, Westerbeke Corporation.
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Houseboat Adventures Digital Magazine Showcases Sumerset Custom High Limit

Our newest digital issue, Houseboating Adventures #15 – Best Houseboating Vacations 2007, Lake Powell Revisited & 6500 miles on the Great Loop is available for immediate viewing by clicking the image below and going to our website for Issue 15.
Here’s our newest issue, just click the cover to view.

Sumerset Elite was featured as the cover story on the May 2007 issue of Houseboating Magazine.

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