2020 Is a Banner Year for Boat Sales
Outdoors related industries have seen a big boom in business during the global COVID-19 pandemic. People have been searching for ways to get out of their homes without being in stuck in masses at airports, bus stations, and cruise ships. We’ve already covered how RV manufacturers have had to balance shutting down plants while trying to meet the demand for increased sales[1]. In fact, the terms Corona Campers and COVID Campers have become part of the RV sales language. Now, statistics have surfaced, showing that boat[2] sales are also up. Indeed, even Motorbiscuit has seen reader interest in boat-related stories[3] rise.
New boat registration statistics
Data from new powerboat registrations show that sales are up when compared to a year ago. According to a press release[4] from the National Marine Manufacturer’s Association, a boating industry organization, the sales spike has crossed multiple marine industry categories. The data shows,
- PWC, or Personal Water Craft, sales are up 2 percent
- Pontoon sales are up 9 percent
- Fishing boat sales are up 10 percent
- Saltwater fishing boats, tow boats, cruisers, and yacht sales are up 11-15 percent
- Outboard engine sales were up 15 percent in August when compared to last year.
Taking time during the pandemic on the water
RELATED: Fans of RV and Outdoor Lifestyle Rejoice at Passage of Bill[5]
The overall picture is showing that people have been enjoying some of the pandemic-pause on the water when possible. Of course, the warmer weather months are now changing to winter weather months. So, sales are expected to trail off a bit, as per usual. But, so far this year, boat sales have been strong. Vicky Yu, the NMMA Business Intelligence Director says,
“All new powerboat segments have recovered from any pandemic-related losses, with double-digit growth in six segments, surpassing pre-pandemic expectations. 2020 has been a banner year for new powerboat retail sales, and we expect that we’ll end the year with annual boat sales reaching a 13-year high.”