It Takes Two to Tango
The boom in boat sales weâre enjoying is a result of the combined efforts of the National Marine Manufacturers Association and the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation.
Author:
Feb 25, 2021
When the pandemic hit a year ago, with boat plants shutting down and dealerships closing, anyone who would have predicted the subsequent increase in boat sales would’ve been asked,
What are you smokin’?
Some might believe it was dumb luck that Covid-19 triggered the CDC’s recommendations to get outdoors and recreate. There’s no question that played a role. But why would people think of boats? What drew so many first-timers to dealerships, draining inventories?
Another Covid Casualty; Wake Surfing Being Challenged
Author:
Feb 9, 2021
The Michigan Boating Industry Association opted to cancel its popular Novi Boat Show, scheduled for March 11-14, while in at least four other states the growing sport of wake surfing is facing restrictive proposals.
Following the cancellations of most of the industry’s other northern winter shows due to the Covid-19 pandemic, MBIA pulled the plug on the 29th annual show, held at Novi’s Suburban Collection Showplace.
“While our in-person Novi show cannot happen this year due to the pandemic, we will aggressively communicate and encourage the boating public considering a new-boat purchase for the coming season to shop their local dealers early,” says MBIA executive director Nicki Polan. “We’ll emphasize that dealerships are open and using appointments and all safety protocols.”
We Got âem, But Can We Keep âEm?
Author:
Jan 21, 2021
We’d never seen so many newbies getting into boating in one summer as we did during the pandemic of 2020. And while we’re focused on continuing that sales success, there also has to be actions taken to retain those new boaters, lest there be an unpleasant 2021 exodus.
It’s timely that the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation and the global market-research firm IPSOS teamed up to complete a national research study revealing needed insights for retaining and engaging all of those new boaters and anglers.
The study, “
Casting a Wide Net: Identifying New Anglers and Boaters and Determining Tactics for Retention,” projects millions of new and returning boaters and anglers to the sport, and supports the industry in understanding who these new participants are and how best to engage with them. Some notable findings from the study include:
Should You Require Employee Vaccinations?
Author:
Jan 19, 2021
In-person boat shows continue to do well, while the topic of requiring employees to get vaccinated is moving front and center.
“We hoped to have a good show, but we never expected to set a new attendance record for this 20-year-old event,” said David Ray, executive director of the Marine Industries Association of Central Florida.
Ray was describing MIACF’s annual Daytona Boat Show at the Daytona International Speedway, which wrapped up a three-day run Sunday.
“Attendance aside, the early reports from dealers are also excellent,” Ray said. “Justin Miller of Boaters Choice Marine-Daytona reported 16 sales [Robalo and Chaparral]. He expects some more this week.”