Please select your home edition
Edition
Maritimo S Series

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

by National Marine Manufacturers Association 22 Jan 2024 08:56 PST
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."

Continue reading the full article here...

Related Articles

Carl Herndon honored Posthumously
With 2025 Marine Industry Lifetime Achievement Award The Late Carl Herndon of Blackfin Yachts and Jupiter Marine to be recognized with the 2025 Marine Industry Lifetime Achievement Award in Memory of Charles Chapman at the International BoatBuilders' Exhibition & Conference, Oct. 7. Posted on 30 Sep
2024 Industry Sales by Category and State Report
Total spending remains healthy in 2024 at $55.6B With the release of the annual Total Industry Sales by Category and State Report, part of NMMA's 2024 U.S. Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract Posted on 24 Sep
Marine industry at Congressional Boat Caucus
The event drew staff and Members from more than 50 House and Senate offices On Thursday, September 18, 2025, members of Congress, staff, and policy leaders gathered at the U.S. Capitol for an exclusive briefing hosted by the Congressional Boating Caucus Posted on 23 Sep
Boating Technology Day at HISWA
Highlighting pathways for innovation & sustainability At this year's HISWA the Water Boat Show in the Netherlands, ICOMIA's Marine Engine Committee (IMEC) hosted its second Boating Technology Day, drawing a global audience of marine industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers. Posted on 20 Sep
STEP Ahead Awards nominations open
Honoring women in manufacturing Nominations are open for the Manufacturing Institute's 2026 STEP Ahead Awards – a powerful opportunity to spotlight the leaders shaping the future of manufacturing. Posted on 18 Sep
Fall Boat Show Season kicks off in Norwalk
The boat show returns with more boats and brands for attendees to shop The 2025 Discover Boating® Norwalk Boat Show, in partnership with Progressive®, opens today at Norwalk Cove Marina and runs through Sunday, Sept. 21. Posted on 18 Sep
Commerce department announce 2nd inclusion process
For Section 232 Steel and Aluminum products The U.S. Department of Commerce this week opened the second round of its inclusion process for its Section 232 investigation into imports of aluminum and steel derivative products. Posted on 17 Sep
NMMA report: Powerboat sales decline in 2024
In 2024, the U.S. powerboat market recorded nearly 168,000 new unit sales The latest sales trends report for powerboats, part of NMMA's 2024 U.S. Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract, is now available. In 2024, the U.S. powerboat market recorded nearly 168,000 new unit sales. Posted on 16 Sep
June data shows continued softness in boat sales
NMMA's latest Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary NMMA's latest Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary, covering data through June 2025, shows continued pressure on retail sales as economic uncertainty and elevated borrowing costs weigh on consumer demand. Posted on 10 Sep
U.S. Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract
The latest report on cruiser, watersport, fishing boat and trailer sales trends The latest report on cruiser, watersport, fishing boat and trailer sales trends, part of NMMA's 2024 U.S. Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract, is now available for member download. Posted on 9 Sep
Maritimo M50Selden 2020 - FOOTERNorth Sails Loft 57 Podcast