Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit promoted Jason Berry to Director of Marine Service, where he will oversee all U.S. service operations including call centers, field service, warranty, and training. Berry, a Yamaha team member since 2005, previously served as Customer Experience Division Manager.
The Verdel Wildlife Management Area boat ramp in Knox County has reopened after renovation improvements including a reshaped launch slope, new dock, ADA-compliant accessible route, enhanced lighting, and erosion protection. The project was funded through Sport Fish Restoration grants and hunting and fishing license sales.
Yamaha Marine expands its Blue Life series with a new feature highlighting Untamed Angling, an expedition-based fishing company redefining sustainable tourism in the Amazon through partnerships with indigenous communities. Founded by Rodrigo Salles and Marcelo Perez, Untamed Angling works with 56 villages across eight indigenous ethnic groups, impacting approximately 5,000 people while relying on Yamaha outboards for reliable transportation in remote environments.
The boat ramp at Grey Owl Fishing Access Site on the Yellowstone River near Emigrant will close April 6-8 for repairs to replace the lower half of the ramp. The rest of the site remains open during construction.
Arkansas recorded 17 boating fatalities in 2025, the highest since 2009, with 73 accidents reported, according to Sgt. Sydney Grant of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Hazardous spring conditions from flooding and increased duck hunting accidents contributed to the peaks, with only 33 percent of boaters wearing life jackets.
Grey Bear Fishing Access Site on the Yellowstone River will have restricted boat ramp and parking access starting March 30 for construction including a secondary overflow parking area, walking trail, and facility improvements. Work is anticipated to be completed by April 30, with the campground remaining open during construction.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will close the boat ramp at Sportsman's Bridge Fishing Access Site on the Flathead River from March 16 to mid-April for improvements including steepening and lengthening the concrete ramp and removing rocks that hindered boat launches.
Skeeter Boats launched skeetersaltwater.com, a dedicated website and social media channels for saltwater anglers. The platform features Skeeter's full saltwater model lineup, customization options, and lifestyle content tailored to coastal and offshore fishing communities.
Montana's Smith River permit lottery remains highly competitive, with 8,711 residents and 2,860 nonresidents applying for 995 available float permits in the 2026 drawing. June 15 was the most sought-after launch date with only a 1.87 percent success rate. Remaining permits and a Super Permit drawing offer additional opportunities through March 15.
Yamaha expands its matte brown outboard lineup with the F90 and F115 models, offering a low-sheen finish ideal for waterfowl hunters. The company also introduces Helm Master EX enhancements including Dock Hold docking control, expanded bow thruster compatibility with Sleipner and Lewmar, and a new default trim assist setting for Spring 2026 availability.
Skeeter Boats introduced the WXR1910F, a compact bass boat combining refined tackle management, responsive handling, and deep-V design. Powered by a Yamaha V MAX SHO 200 and featuring a Minn Kota Terrova trolling motor, the model delivers big-water performance with enhanced storage and fishability.
Yamaha Financial Services and Fluid Motion, LLC announced a multi-year exclusive financing agreement beginning February 1, 2026. Yamaha Financial Services will provide dealer inventory and preferred retail financing for Fluid Motion's Ranger Tugs, Cutwater, and Solara boat brands in the U.S.A. and Canada.
Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit announced the marine technicians who successfully earned Yamaha Master Technician Certification during 2025. To earn the certification, experienced marine technicians must complete six week-long courses covering outboard engine operating systems, proper installation, service and maintenance procedures, and troubleshooting skills.
North Dakota watercraft owners should note that 2026 is the first year of a new three-year registration period. The price to register motorboats under 16 feet in length in North Dakota, and all canoes, is $30; motorboats from 16 feet to less than 20 feet in length is $45; and motorboats at least 20 feet in length is $60. Fees are prorated.
Idaho Fish and Game’s Frank C. Jones King Hill fishing and boating access site is now open after being closed since Oct. 20 while crews have been completing necessary upgrades to the parking area. The closure has been part of an ongoing effort to enhance fishing and boating access for anglers and other recreational users.
The boat ramp at Gallatin Forks Fishing Access Site will be closed during construction scheduled for Dec. 8-9. The rest of the site will remain open during the project.
On Friday, November 21, 2025, at approximately 4:15 p.m., the Marsh Landing Dock on Sapelo Island was struck by the ferry Katie Underwood. A total of forty-one (41) occupants were on board at the time of the incident. No injuries have been reported.
Winter paddling can provide solitude, exercise and an opportunity to see amazing winter beauty. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recommends that paddlers be prepared to paddle in cold weather.
The boat ramp at Verdel Landing Wildlife Management Area in Knox County will close temporarily Nov. 20 for a renovation project, with expected reopening sometime next spring.
The Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) has reopened the Gordon Public Boat Ramp on the Chattahoochee River in Houston County. The boat ramp is located just off Boat Landing Road near Gordon, Alabama.