Powerboat sales trend report now available - MarineBusinessWorld North America newsletter
by Peter Rendle 18 Oct 14:00 PDT
2022 U.S. Statistical Abstract: Powerboat Sales Trends Report now available © United States
The latest Powerboat Sales Trends report, part of the National Marine Manufacturers Association's 2022 U.S. Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract, is now available. Coming off extraordinary record demand in 2020 and 2021, as expected, sales of new traditional powerboats (outboard, inboard wake sport, inboard cruisers, sterndrive, jet) began a correction in 2022 with a normalizing of unit sales to pre-pandemic levels.
This brought sales of new traditional powerboat units down 13.5% in 2022 to nearly 190,000 units. While the outboard, inboard and sterndrive categories saw declines, jet boat unit sales increased 39.4% or approximately 2,200 units. See www.nmma.org/statistics/publications/statistical-abstract
The International BoatBuilders' Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) announced this week that the Show, which closed on October 5th, exceeded expectations based on on-site traffic data and attendance figures. The three-day event saw packed aisles, full educational sessions, and well-attended networking events.
Following the difficulties of the past several years, from the pandemic to Hurricane Ian, IBEX 2023 welcomed more than 8,600 industry professionals from 70 countries. There were 6,825 visits from over 4,600 visitors with 72% coming from the United States, and 27% representing the rest of globe. Boatbuilders checked in with the highest numbers, making up nearly 30% of visitors on-site, and new product discovery was the top reason registrants reported for attending.
The annual Industry Breakfast, Innovation Awards Presentation, and Keynote, held October 3rd, was sold out and filled the room with over 900 attendees. Exceptional technological advancements were recognized, with thirteen Innovation Awards given along with four honorable mentions. Products can be viewed on the online showcase. Frank Hugelmeyer, NMMA president, gave the State of the Industry Address and Conor Lokar, ITR Senior Forecaster, gave a timely and relevant keynote address that was very well received.
ePropulsion, a global leader and market challenger in marine electric propulsion systems and services, announced today that it will establish ePropulsion USA, its branch office in the United States. This strategic move aims to further strengthen the company's presence in the United States and capitalize on the unique opportunities presented by the American boating industry. Tom Watson, a seasoned professional with extensive experience in the marine sector, has been appointed as the President of ePropulsion USA.
"The United States is a vital area of business in the marine industry, across all sectors, including those of commercial and recreational," said Danny Tao, co-founder and CEO of ePropulsion. "We have made excellent strides in North America and in the United States, and now we want to further focus our efforts on this unique and diverse market. We couldn't be in better hands on that front than with Tom, who is intimately familiar with the American boating industry."
Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC), the world's largest marine technology company, has been named to the 2023 Forbes World's Best Employers list for the fourth consecutive year. Of the thousands of companies surveyed for this honor, Brunswick ranked in the top 30 percent overall of the 700 companies that made the final list.
"We are thrilled to be recognized for a fourth consecutive year on the Forbes World's Best Employers list, which is a reflection of our global workforce of more than 18,000 employees and a testament to our Next Never Rests culture," said Jill Wrobel, Chief Human Resources Officer, Brunswick Corporation. "This award is especially meaningful as it is a direct result of employee feedback, which highlights our commitment to cultivating an authentic culture where everyone brings their diverse perspectives to innovate and drive the future of marine technology."
Hodgdon Tenders, the Superyacht tender division of Hodgdon Yachts, announced today that they have launched an 11.4 meter aft helm Superyacht limousine tender, designed by Michael Peters Yacht Design. The tender will be delivered to a Northern European shipyard. Highlights of the Limousine include accommodations for up to 15 guests, a climate-controlled interior with custom upholstery and detailing, forward and aft outside guest seating areas, exterior wet-bar, gyro stabilization, and a T-top that lowers for stowage. Guests and crew can board from port or starboard sides.
Dockmate, manufacturer of advanced wireless remote controls for yachts, announced today the expansion of its integration with systems from thruster manufacturer VETUS. Building on its already-successful partnership, Dockmate is now able to connect cleanly with VETUS BOW PRO proportional brushless thrusters. Through this integration, Dockmate allows boaters with VETUS BOW PRO thrusters to be in complete control of their boat's movement from anywhere on board, including away from the helm where visibility is often limited.
Look forward!
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@marinebusinessworld.com