Weekly 5: Washington boat builder sentenced for fraud
The BI Weekly 5 is a collection of tips, news and data affecting the boating industry this week. Be sure to look for the BI Weekly 5 every Tuesday on BoatingIndustry.com.
1. Washington boat builder sentenced for fraud
A 70-year-old Washington state man will spend at least a year in prison after he pleaded guilty to seven charges of first degree theft related to his boat building business, The Herald of Everett, Wash., reported.
According to local officials, Philip Warnock has a criminal history going back decades. In his latest run-in with the law, he has been accused of selling boats that didn’t exist and building unsafe boats. They say he has owned several different marine-related business over the years.
In 2009, a woman was killed when one of the boats Warnock built capsized. Local officials considered manslaughter charges, but opted not to charge him at the time.
2. Michigan legislature votes to lowers blood-alcohol limit for boaters
The Michigan state legislature voted last week to lower the blood-alcohol limits for boaters and snowmobilers to 0.8 from .10, matching the level for automobile drivers.
Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder is expected to sign the bill.
3. Sunseeker cuts 240 jobs
British luxury yacht maker Sunseeker has eliminated 240 jobs, the BBC reported.
The company told the BBC that the majority of these employees had taken voluntary redundancy or were “natural” leavers.
The company had announced earlier this year that up to 300 jobs could be eliminated as part of the company’s restructuring.
4. 3 reasons why family succession may not be an exit strategy
Many boating businesses are family businesses, but passing the company on to the next generation may not always been the best idea. Here are three reasons why from the Business Journal.
5. Virginia man breaks Guinness boating record
A Virginia man has been recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records after he paddled 283.5 nautical miles through the Chesapeake Bay.
Robert Suhay traveled the longest single-handed distance in a dinghy by a male, according to Guinness.
