Industry data vital to future sales - MarineBusinessWorld North America newsletter
by Peter Rendle 8 Nov 2023 14:00 PST
Recreational Boating © Arc Boats
The 2022 report on total boat registrations is now available to download, part of the 2022 U.S. Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract. There were 11.9 million boats registered and documented boats in the U.S. in 2022, down slightly compared to 2021.
The top five states for boat registrations in 2022 were Florida, Minnesota, Michigan, Ohio and California, with Ohio continuing its upward climb, moving up from sixth place into the top five in 2021, and now in fourth position for 2022. By region, the Great Lakes accounted for 34.1% of all state boat registrations in 2022, followed once again by the South Atlantic at 17.7% and the Gulf Coast at 10.6%.
The Recreational Boat and Marine Engine Exports and Imports section of NMMA's 2022 U.S. Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract is also available. This report examines historical and recent trade data on different categories of recreational boats and marine engines imported to and exported from the U.S. each year.
The trade dynamics in 2022 were influenced by various geopolitical events. Regionally, Canada, Mexico, the European Union, and the Asia-Pacific region remained the most significant trading partners for the U.S. recreational boating industry. In 2022, marine exports increased by 10.1% to $2.5 billion, while imports rose by 17.6% to $5 billion, making 2022 the first year in recent history where the trade deficit exceeded all national marine exports.
Proposed Atlantic Coast speed restrictions are one of the greatest threats facing our industry according to American Sportfishing Association president Glenn Hughes who was invited to speak on the subject at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.
Ahoy! Insurance have announced a new partnership with American Sailing. The partnership significantly expands Ahoy's reach in the US market, which has more than 12 million registered boaters. Members of American Sailing, the nation's largest sailing authority, will gain access to an offering made specifically for boaters by boaters. Customer service will be provided by the highly trained staff of the Hilb Group, a leading national broker. The partnership provides AS members with a best-of-breed insurance offering and bespoke features crafted specifically for boaters enabled by Hilb Group which will provide comprehensive live support.
MarineMax partnered with the American Cancer Society again to support cancer screening awareness. On October 19, MarineMax joined the American Cancer Society in supporting their case to find a cure by wearing their best pink attire nationwide. Team Members went #PinkWithAPurpose to increase awareness, focus on cancer screenings, and encourage those who haven't been screened yet to do so. Research proves that early detection saves lives, and MarineMax is committed to their team members' and customers' health and wellness.
Propulsion alternatives continue to unfold. VETUS, creator of complete onboard boat systems, has announced that approval has now been granted to use Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) on its D and M-Line series of marine diesel engines. The approval and certification follow an intense period of bench and field tests.
HVO, also known as renewable diesel or green diesel, is a diesel-like fuel that can be produced without fossil resources. This lower-carbon fuel is a more sustainable alternative to diesel and contains low sulphur and aromatics. HVO is derived from a variety of lipid sources, the most common including vegetable oil, tallow, or used cooking oil.
The use of renewable fuels such as HVO substantially decreases exhaust emissions by up to 90% in CO2, CO, HC, NOx, and PM. HVO burns more cleanly than first generation biodiesel or mineral diesel. In addition, due to its good oxidation stability, it is not prone to bacterial growth.
People in the news: Nicolas Retailleau has been appointed Chief Financial Officer of Groupe Beneteau, effective November 1, succeeding Bruno Thivoyon, currently Chief Executive Officer of the Group and Boating Solutions division. Nicolas Retailleau joined Groupe Beneteau in September 2022 as CFO of the Boat division. With over 20 years' experience in Finance Management, he has worked in various business segments and countries, for the Valeo, Galeries Lafayette and Tarkett Groups.
More Marine Industry News, updated daily, at www.marinebusinessworld.com/NorthAmerica
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Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@marinebusinessworld.com