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The maligned boating industry has trudged its way through the recession, though some industry executives say a comeback, even a small one, is under way.
The National Marine Manufactures Association, a leading industry trade group, reports nationwide boat sales rose 6% last year, from $30.4 billion in 2010 to $32.3 billion in 2011. Sales are expected to grow about 5% this year, the NMMA says.
Still, slow growth is clearly better than the dark years of 2008-2010. “I would categorize the last few years as a struggle,” NMMA Events Manager Larry Berryman tells Coffee Talk. “But we are definitely starting to see more improvement.”
Berryman estimates boat manufacturers, in general, haven't been so busy in four or five years. Companies are producing new lines and replacing old inventory. The industry, Berryman says, is leaner and stronger. Cautions Berryman: “That doesn't mean it's bigger.”
Another positive sign: Clearwater-based MarineMax, the largest recreational boat and yacht retailer in the country, with operations in 19 states, acquired two facilities in New England earlier this month. MarineMax scaled back a chunk of its business in the heart of the recession.
The industry's optimistic projections will be tested, moreover, at the Progressive Tampa Boat Show scheduled for Sept. 28-30 at the Tampa Convention Center. Here are some factoids for the annual show:
• Exhibitors: 160; 90% are from Florida;
• Attendees expected: 18,000, up 12.5% from 16,000 in 2011;
• Watercraft on display: 450
• Least expensive boat: $1,000
• Most expensive boat: $5 million
• Smallest boat: Nine feet
• Longest boat: 84 feet
• Top speed of the new Miss GEICO, a 50-foot Victory catamaran racing boat: 175mph
• Exhibition space at the Tampa Convention Center: 200,000 square feet;
• Time it takes to build the temporary marina, including electric and water, for the show: eight days.
Source: National Marine Manufactures Association
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