Economy Remains Factor in Boating Industry

While there are some signs of positive energy in sales of recreational boats, the industry is still suffering the effects of the recession.

One recent example of this is the postponement of the 40th annual New Orleans Boat & Sportshow, which was scheduled to take place January 6-10, 2010. The postponement was announced by the Chicago-based National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), producer of the event.

The show was moved to 2011, “in order to address dealer demands as the boating industry pulls out of the recession,” said Cathy Rick-Joule, vice president of southern shows for NMMA. The new date is January 5-9, 2011, at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center.

“There just wasn’t enough critical mass to warrant an acceptable 2010 show for our exhibitors,” Rick-Joule said. “We want to continue to be the Gulf Coast’s largest and best boat show and look forward to a new day for our industry and a sustainable and strong 2011 event.”

In recent months, manufacturers have reported increased interest among potential customers, with prices still at recession levels and signs of a recovery on the horizon. But the recovery itself has been slow to materialize, leaving boatyards with excess inventory and buyers still waiting out the downturn.