Another boating season is quickly coming upon us and it remains to be seen what this year has in store for the boating industry. Let’s face it, the economy has done a number on many industries and individuals this past year and the boating industry has felt the downturn. As many of you know, just trying to stay even with rising gas and heating costs can be difficult. Throw in the housing crisis, higher food costs and for the average boater there’s little expendable income left for boating. But, boaters will still find a way to get out on the water even during tough times because boating is one of the best family activities, and specially during those tough times family activities are important.. Whether your family is into fishing, sail boating, water skiing or houseboating, there is nothing better than being out on the water together enjoying that sun and fresh air.
Now how we enjoy our boating may change a bit. I’ve heard boaters say that they will be doing more “destination boating” as apposed to just cruising around all day. Others say that rather than go for a quick cruise and dinner some evenings that they will just stay at the dock and have a nice dinner there. And, there is nothing wrong with that as boaters know, just being “on the water” is relaxing and enjoyable, besides when’s the last time you enjoyed being with your neighbors in the next slip? Except for a few builders in certain areas of the country, new boat sales are generally down especially power boats over 15’. Large companies like Brunswick Marine which manufactures well known brands like Sea Ray, Boston Whaler, Bayliner, Hatteras and a dozen or so more has reported losses for 2007 and is lowering projections for 2008. The upside to all of this, (yes there is an upside), is that Brunswick’s Mercury Marine division had a slight increase in sales last year, and in many areas of the country, used boat sales surpassed new boat sales. Could it be that boaters are opting for an older boat in great shape and re-powering? It could also be that boaters are deciding to keep their old boat a while longer, updating them and also re-powering. Either way, it’s a positive thing. If you’re looking to get into boating, you couldn’t find a better time. Dealers are marking prices way down, manufacturers are offering all kinds of incentives and there is an abundance of good used boats on the market. Factor in that interest rates are now at an all time low and you may find that this is the best opportunity to get into this wonderful recreational activity called…boating. |
Being based in New England it seems like we’re always heading south to do some shows. Well not this week. This week we’re heading north to, Halifax, Nova Scotia and visit, Rosborough Boats.
As we travel the country we have the opportunity to meet and spend time with some great people that are into all types of boating. I’m sure all of us have at one time or another walked by a boat that just caught our attention and wondered what type of person owns a boat like that? Starting this month in our “Boater Profile” section, we will introduce you to some interesting boaters and we’ll check out their interesting boats that caught our attention.
