Boating Industry

July 2014

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www.BoatingIndustry.com www.BoatingIndustry.com 22 | Boating Industry | July 2014 Most important innovation of the past 25 years We chose to focus on the past 25 years, fi guring that there weren't going to be too many readers who could take us back to 1929. Per- haps that was a miscalculation. While we might not have needed to go back 85 years, it appears we shouldn't discount a nearly 50-year-old invention. While there were a number of different answers to this ques- tion, easily the most common was the four-stroke outboard engine. It's worth noting that the fi rst mass-produced four- stroke engine was actually in- troduced in the 1960s, even if it did take longer for it to become a fi xture in the marketplace. Other common mentions were the introduction of the Duoprop, joystick controls, integrated electronics, GPS and other navigational tools. Many readers also called out the improved design and util- ity of pontoon boats, growth of the towboat market and better, stronger hull materials. Boating Industry readers share their thoughts on the past and future of the industry BY JONATHAN SWEET A look backā€¦ and a w hile the editorial staff was scouring the Boating Industry back issues to put together this 85th anniversary edition issue, we also wanted to see what you thought were some of the most important innovations in the industry. At the same time, we want to be looking to the future as well, to see how you think the industry will change over the next decade and what challenges post the most signifi cant barriers to growth. We received hundreds of responses to the survey and also followed up with many of you by phone and email. Some respondents chose to remain anonymous, but many agreed to let us quote them by name. look forward P22x25-BI14JUL-LookForward.indd 22 5/28/14 12:00 PM

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