LATEST NEWS
July 1, 2004
Boat sales up 20% across America
As the U.S. economy improves, more Americans feel they can afford to buy a
boat. The National Marine Manufacturers Association reports unit sales are up
19.8 percent and wholesale dollars made from boat sales are up 20.8 percent,
comparing first quarter sales figures to the same time last year.


The trade association, which represents companies that manufacture an estimated
80 percent of marine products used in North America, characterized the winter
figures as " positive early indicators for significant growth in the boating
industry in 2004."

"The boating industry will continue to benefit from Americans' renewed emphasis
on spending quality time with family and friends," said NMMA President Thom
Dammrich. "A favorable economy, rising consumer sentiment and continued low
interest rates are also playing important roles in attracting more people to
boating. Increased attendance at major boat shows is another very positive
signal."

There are more than 1.4 million recreational boat registrations in the Pacific
region, compared to 1 million in the Mid-Atlantic states and 2.5 million in the
Southeast.

All segments showed positive gains:

Inboard cruisers up 20 percent;
Outboard boats up 14 percent;
Jet drive boats up 32 percent;
Stern drive boats up 5 percent;
Personal watercraft (Jet Skis and competitors) up 3 percent.
There are about 15,000 boats in the Hawaiian Islands, with roughly 1,000 new
ones sold annually to replace older ones or add to the state roster.

U.S. retail expenditures on boating-related goods and services were
approximately $30 billion in 2003, down one percent from 2002, according to
NMMA.



© 2004 American City Business Journals Inc.