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Boat Manufacturer Division (BMD)

Over 200 boat brands representing more than 85% of the boats sold in the U.S. recognize the value of NMMA Certification for their business and their customers. Promote your NMMA Certified boats through Discover Boating and join other industry stakeholders in support of the association’s efforts to protect and grow recreational boating through public policy advocacy and industry-focused growth initiatives.

Benefits

Some of the benefits you will enjoy as an NMMA member are:

Dues

Boat Manufacturer Division (BMD) dues are based on the total North American marine sales. CLICK HERE to view the BMD dues schedule or reference Section III (page 2) on the membership application.

Eligibility

To join NMMA’s Boat Manufacturer Division (BMD) your business must manufacture or import boats. BMD membership is also contingent on the following:

  1. Completion of the NMMA Certification program must be achieved prior to receiving member discounted booth space rates at NMMA boat shows and within 12 months from the start of membership. NMMA Certification helps ensure your boats are built to applicable standards set by the American Boats & Yacht Council (ABYC), and promotes their compliance to the public. The average annual cost to become certified is around $2,500.
  2. Support of the Discover Boating program through the Discover Boating engine assesments. This fee is based on the horsepower of engines packaged with your boats and is billed separately.

If your business is based outside North America it must have a business presence in North America operating as a legally authorized sales office, importer, division, etc. Without a business presence in North America, an application for NMMA membership will not be considered.  

NMMA Certification

Currently, 85% of all boats sold in the United States are produced by NMMA Certified boat manufacturing members. The NMMA Certification helps manufacturers ensure their boats are built to applicable standards set by the American Boats & Yacht Council (ABYC), and to promote their compliance to the consumer. Manufacturers of NMMA Certified boats benefit from:

  • Assurance their boats meet the industry standards for the United States (ABYC Standards)
  • A detailed hands-on inspection and verification process
  • Improved consumer confidence
  • Increased brand respect and awareness through Discover Boating
  • Liability protection and product liability insurance discounts

Discover Boating Membership Fees

The Discover Boating Engine Assessment is the primary funding tool which requires all NMMA boat manufacturer members to pay a small assessment on the engines installed on boats. The per engine fee ranges between $4.50 to a maximum of $50 for engines over 200hp with a two engine limit.

The Discover Boating campaign is a North American public awareness and integrated marketing campaign focused on getting more people on the water by attracting new demographics and more first time boat buyers. 

As for the direct benefit of participation, your brands would be listed on the Discover Boating Boat Finder Tool. In 2023, 5.2 million consumers visited this industry resource generating 2 million click-throughs directly to member manufacturer websites. In many cases, DiscoverBoating.com leads remain the #1 or #2 resource of organic web traffic to member sites which can be measured by Google Analytics. 

Join

To join NMMA Membership, complete the membership application and click the submit button on the last page, scan and email a copy to Bryan Welsh, Director of Member Services, or fax to 312.946.0401. Once the document is submitted, you will receive a confirmation email and the formal approval process will begin immediately.