Boatyards - Marine Recreation Association

2025 Annual Conference

As a boatyard operator, you’re not afraid of hard work

but what if you didn’t have to work so hard?

Running a boatyard comes with endless hurdles: complying with a multitude of environmental regulations, finding and keeping loyal customers, expanding your professional network, and tracking down critical information, to name a few.

On the West Coast, these challenges are even greater due to a lack of political representation for boatyards. It can feel like you’re tackling everything on your own.

Without the right support, these challenges can keep you tethered to the yard, leaving little time for the things you enjoy outside of work.

But you don’t have to face it all alone. Let the Marine Recreation Association (MRA) lighten your load, giving you more time for what matters most.

Exclusive Member Benefits

Legislative Advocacy

Ensure representation on policies and initiatives affecting your boatyard.

As the largest advocacy group for boatyards and marinas on the West Coast, the MRA represents hundreds of coastal and inland facilities. Our dedicated lobbyist tracks legislation, gets member feedback, and advocates for fair, achievable environmental regulations at the California state level.

When staying compliant with toxic runoff became virtually impossible for boatyards, the MRA stepped in to help. We funded the creation of a detailed regulatory matrix, which led to changes in legislation, making compliance attainable while maintaining environmental protections.

Each year in Sacramento, we host the California Boating Congress, where members meet face-to-face with state officials and policymakers. It’s a unique opportunity for boatyard operators and other marine professionals to share their insights and challenges directly with the decision-makers shaping the future of the industry.
The MRA partners with organizations like the NMMA and the Recreational Boaters of California to boost its advocacy efforts. Together, we create strong coalitions that tackle shared challenges and drive meaningful change for the marine recreation industry.
Monthly webinars and newsletters provide you with timely information on new policies coming down the pike, so you’re not blindsided by unexpected changes.

What If Your Boatyard Isn’t Located in California?

California is seen as the “canary in the coal mine” for environmental regulations. Known for having some of the strictest standards globally, the state frequently sets the tone for environmental policy.

New regulations enacted in California often influence other regions, which tend to follow suit, creating a ripple effect nationwide and even internationally.

Whether you operate in California or beyond, your support ensures continued advocacy that keeps the industry thriving and influences policy around the world.

Together, we can make a difference!

Advertising & Credibility

Gain exposure to better customers and stand out from the crowd through MRA membership.

The MRA’s member directory, boater email outreach, and newsletters, showcase your boatyard to environmentally conscious boaters who value working with ethical businesses.

Seeing your boatyard on the member list signals that your business is reputable, eco-friendly, and trustworthy—exactly the kind of place conscientious boaters would trust with their valuable watercraft.

It’s a powerful way to separate your business from the competition and attract the kind of customer you want.

Networking Opportunities

Build a network of helpful industry contacts through MRA events.

MRA events are excellent opportunities to connect with industry professionals, suppliers, and experts.

These gatherings are filled with others like you, who understand the joys and challenges of working in the marine recreation industry, each person contributing unique experiences and insights.

Many members consider networking to be the highlight of these events, often gaining invaluable ideas and advice through conversations with peers.

At the top of the list are the annual Educational Conference and Trade Show and the California Boating Congress.

These conferences bring together hundreds of industry professionals and offer many opportunities for networking and collaboration.

Education & Training

Simplify your job with ready-made forms and templates.

The association provides a variety of resources designed to save you time and effort in running your business and maintaining compliance.

Legal documents, waste disposal guidelines, and stormwater management templates, among other resources, simplify the process of meeting environmental and legal standards, helping your boatyard stay compliant with less work.

Become A Member

Why Hundreds of Marinas Have Joined the MRA…

“The MRA stands as the most important organization and voice for all of us in the maritime industry in California. From their annual conferences providing practical knowledge and strategies to address challenges we all face, to the one-on-one networking that is critical for refining one’s best practices. Additionally, MRA’s advocacy efforts ensure the concerns of small businesses, like KKMI, are heard in legislative and regulatory discussions, safeguarding the future of our industry.”

–Paul Kaplan
Founding Partner
Keefe Kaplan Maritime, Inc.

“It’s critical for anyone in any industry to have a community of peers they can connect with, learn from, liaise with, network with.”

–Leonora Valvo
Partner & Investor
Derecktor Companies

“In a highly regulated industry, it gives me comfort that we can work together to get something changed, or get a solution on the table.”

–Kate Pearson
Senior VP of Business Development
Safe Harbor Marinas

Don’t tackle your challenges alone.

Whether you’re based in California or beyond, the MRA helps you stay compliant, grow your business, and navigate difficulties within a community of peers.

Take some of the “hard” out of your work and free up more leisure time, with MRA membership.

Join the MRA Today