Discover Boating Atlanta, Chicago & New England Boat Shows spur first-quarter sales amid headwinds

Boats old Shows © National Marine Manufacturers Association

While market conditions coupled with winter storms tempered event crowds last weekend, the Discover Boating Atlanta, Chicago and New England boat shows, in partnership with Progressive Insurance®, drew in more than 60,000 determined buyers and boating enthusiasts to shop the thousands of new boats and the latest marine gear, taking advantage of winter show deals.

Despite higher interest rates after years of record growth in recreational boat unit sales, several exhibitors across each show in Atlanta, Chicago and New England, reported encouraging sales and a kick-start to new leads in the New Year, with some exceeding expectations.

"We are very pleased," said JJ Bauman, Central Regional Sales Manager for Cobalt Boats and Chicago Boat Show exhibitor, "We sold more boats at the 2024 Chicago Boat Show than the previous year. Our dealer secured more space and displayed more boats than last year. We definitely feel the premium buyer was in attendance this year—2024 was a good show! Looking forward to the follow up, and upcoming shows for Cobalt."

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