Boat sales in Orange County boom during pandemic
A large fridge helps sustain Richard Ingold’s 45-foot Alaskan Grand Banks during long cruises.
(Susan Hoffman)
Tired of hunkering down under the imposed pandemic safety restrictions, people are itching to get outdoors both on land and sea.
Similar to the surge in bicycle purchases, the boating industry has seen a spike in sales especially for first and second time buyers mainly in the 30- to 50-foot range.
Local independent yacht broker Bill Forsythe said the boat business is the best it’s been in years.
“Every day, not just weekends, there’s lots of people on the water, more than I’ve seen in years,” said Forsythe.