The NMMA release two vital industry reports - MarineBusinessWorld North America newsletter
by Peter Rendle 1 Nov 15:00 PDT
2022 U.S. Statistical Abstract: Pre-owned Boat Market Sales Trends Report © Kelly Kaylor
The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), who continue to substantially contribute to the leisure marine industry, has published the latest sales trends report for the pre-owned boat market, part of their 2022 U.S. Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract, and it is now available for download.
Pre-owned boat sales returned to pre-pandemic levels, down nearly 13% to just below one million units in 2022 following two years of growth. The market value of pre-owned boats fell 7% year-over-year to $13.3 billion in 2022.
They have also released the latest Sailboat Sales Trends report, again part of the 2022 U.S. Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract. Sailboat production in North America grew an estimated 3% in 2022, reaching 2,710 units. The U.S. remained a net importer of sailboats with both imports and exports rising over the course of the year. NMMA members receive unlimited complimentary access to the digital versions of the annual U.S. Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract. Non-members can purchase the Sailboat Sales Trend Report for $499.
Details of the Boating Infrastructure Grant program has been made available. Does your town or region make it easy for boaters to visit and spend locally? Having safe, protected dockage and offering amenities to these tourists by water can bring boaters in, but how do you pay for it? The Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) program, first championed by Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), has proven effective in attracting boaters and their spending dollars by providing safe transient dockage as well as a range of important boater amenities.
Since its inception in 1998, BIG has provided $283 million for safe harbor facilities including infrastructure such as piers, breakwaters, floating docks, bulkheads, mooring buoys, day docks, dinghy docks, slips, bathrooms, showers, laundries, recycling stations, fuel docks, utilities, navigation aids, limited dredging and other services. A key BIG requirement is that grant funds must be designed for use by for visiting transient boats greater than 26 feet in length for stays of up to 15 days.
The National Sailing Hall of Fame have announced that their induction ceremony will be livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube with Tom Ehman, host of "Sailing Illustrated." The livestream will begin on November 4, at 10 a.m. PDT, as the inductees will be formally celebrated over two days in Newport Beach, California.
"With our ceremony involving so many people from various localities and time zones, we are pleased to make it available to everyone to watch from anywhere," said Ashley Householder, executive director of the National Sailing Hall of Fame. "Tom is a huge part of the sailing community, and we're excited to partner with him for this opportunity. We invite anyone interested in the sport of sailing to join us in honoring this year's inductees and their immense contributions to the world of sailing."
And not forgetting the part fishing plays in our industry, Ty Haney spotlights fishing and boating at Forbes Power Women's Summit. As part of the integrated partnership with Forbes to showcase the benefits of fishing and boating for women, RBFF team members participated in the Forbes Power Women's Summit in late September. Entrepreneur Ty Haney, featured in a Forbes article earlier this summer, joined some mighty women on stage to talk about her journey into building businesses and how fishing helped her succeed.
Further news of electric power. ePropulsion, a global leader and market challenger in marine electric propulsion systems and services, announced the launch of their all-new X40 Electric Outboard, the future of clean, quiet and powerful marine propulsion, at this year's Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show from October 25-29. Weighing 20% less than traditional motors, the X40 offers 40 kW of power with 88.2% total powertrain efficiency.
Using a proprietary algorithm, ePropulsion has also optimized over 20 key variables to achieve unparalleled hydrodynamic efficiency in the X40's propeller, yielding smoother rides and even lower energy consumption.
Last week, Georgia Speaker of the House, Jon Burns, visited Chaparral & Robalo Boats to discuss the importance of the recreational marine industry in the Peach State. Recreational boating has a $7.8 billion economic impact in Georgia, and supports more than 670 businesses and 27,000 jobs.
"We appreciate Georgia House Speaker Burns taking the time to visit our factory in Nashville. He was very engaged and interested in learning about our manufacturing processes. He recognized the large economic impact we have on southeastern Georgia and thanked us for our contribution to the local economy," said Ann Baldree, Senior Vice President of Chaparral and Robalo Boats. "It was a wonderful visit, and we appreciate Speaker Burns' dedicated service to the state of Georgia".
More North American boating industry news at www.marinebusinessworld.com/NorthAmerica
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Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@marinebusinessworld.com