In welcome news to those in the marine powersports industry, sales of boats in the third quarter of 2013 surged to higher than expected numbers. According to Soundings Trade Only, a publication dedicated to marine industry professionals, sales in the main powerboat segment were up nearly 14% over the same quarter in 2012. The strong summer quarter saw 35,580 units being sold, an increase of over 4,315 boats over the summer of ’12.
Despite a slow spring season, the strong summer quarter pushed total sales to over 181,625 units, over 2,000 more than the year 2012. Industry analysts expect the year to finish out strong, putting total sales ahead of last year. This is encouraging news for those in the Marine Industry as 2012 was the first time sales have topped 200,000 since the “Great Recession” of 2009.
Aluminum pontoon boats were the strongest sellers in the third quarter up nearly 20%, with fiberglass boats in the 11-40’ category close behind selling nearly 1,600 more than the year prior. These two categories, along with aluminum fishing boats have traditionally strong sellers, helping boost sales numbers industry wide.
Last but not least PWC and ski boats boasted double digit gains as well. PWC saw gains of over 15%, pushing total sales to 15,467 units. Sea-Doo’s departure from the jet boat market caused a decrease in sales numbers, something thought to be changed once other manufactures step into the market to fill the void.
Overall those in the marine powersports industry can look at this data as positive news after several years of low sales numbers. As the country claws its way back from the brink of economic meltdown retailers can rest assured knowing that consumers will likely increase their spending on luxury items once their confidence returns.
