The National Marine Manufacturers Association concluded a trip to Cuba two weeks ago, just days before President Obama said he would like to see the half-century-old trade embargo with that nation lifted.

“The reason we conducted these research trips is because there’s so much misinformation about Cuba, the opportunities there, the trade embargo and what competitors are doing,” NMMA export director Julie Balzano told Trade Only Today. “We decided that — rather than form a strategy based on hearsay — we thought the time was right to go down and see for ourselves what the reality is for Cuba and future opportunities for our members.”

It was the second trip the NMMA has made to Cuba; the first occurred last summer.

“Never did we imagine that the timing of these trips would be so spot-on, but that worked out really well,” Balzano added.

They found that the country’s marine infrastructure is solid, though somewhat in a state of disrepair after 54 years of the trade embargo and a communist government, Balzano said.

“If and when U.S. boaters would be allowed to go to Cuba by boat, I think probably there is enough infrastructure in place at the moment, though I think it would be basic for American boaters visiting Cuba,” she said. “I think they struggle a bit with fueling stations in marinas,” for example.

“Cuba, just the country itself, is struggling with infrastructure,” she said. “If tourism grows, they’re going to struggle with hotel occupancy and eateries. It’s still a challenge to get basic items in Cuba.”

The island, though, has a lot to offer boaters in terms of its beauty. “It’s lush and green and mountainous, and the waters are crystal-blue,” Balzano said.

One brand-new marina, government-owned like many of the establishments in Cuba, has 200 berths and plans to build more than 1,000, as well as a hotel complex, apartments and a restaurant.

“It’s a brand-new, state-of-the-art marina,” Balzano said. “It’s marketed as a five-star resort. We spoke to the marketing director there, and they’re quite open about this. They’re hoping at some point in the future that U.S. boaters can legally travel to Cuba.”

Balzano said she thinks the NMMA is in a good position when and if opportunities arrive for U.S. companies. “We don’t want to get ahead of ourselves,” she said. “But we are optimistic because we would like to see opportunities for U.S. boatbuilders.”

This story originally ran in our affiliate publication, Soundings Trade Only, and can be viewed here.