As the cold weather slowly drifts away, there is positive movement in the marine industry. In past years, the industry had its roller coaster ride through many challenges. This year reports are indicating that market factors are improving significantly.
Boat shows saw an increase in attendance, despite the harsh, cold weather in the Northeast and the drought conditions in some states. New and used boat sales are showing a vast increase compared to previous years. These patterns have strengthen the positive outlook for many in the industry.
Looking forward to the next quarter; reports are indicating a strong economic condition. A positive turn in the housing market translates to a boost in consumer confidence. With these factors, the industry should experience a strong selling season.
Marine sales start to pick up momentum as the spring season comes along. Law of supply and demand along with various positive indicators, drive up the used boat values for all segments. The personal watercraft segment has continued to show a higher increase from edition to edition.
| Power Boats |
Personal Watercraft |
Sailboats |
| 3.2% | 5.7% | 3.8% |
| Boat Type | Trade-In | Average Retail | High Retail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Boats | ↑ 3.0% | ↑ 3.2% | ↑ 3.0% |
| Bay Launch | ↑ 2.5% | ↑ 2.4% | ↑ 1.8% |
| Catamaran | ↑ 4.1% | ↑ 3.9% | ↑ 3.2% |
| Houseboats | ↑ 4.8% | ↑ 4.3% | ↑ 4.4% |
| Hovercraft Boats | ↑ 2.8% | ↑ 2.7% | ↑ 2.0% |
| Inboard Boats | ↑ 3.7% | ↑ 3.4% | ↑ 3.1% |
| Inflatable Boats | ↑ 6.0% | ↑ 5.3% | ↑ 4.8% |
| Jet Drive Boats - Aluminum | ↑ 4.3% | ↑ 3.9% | ↑ 3.6% |
| Jet Drive Boats - Fiberglass | ↑ 5.6% | ↑ 5.0% | ↑ 4.5% |
| L-Drive Boats | ↑ 4.7% | ↑ 4.1% | ↑ 3.7% |
| Monohull Sailboats | ↑ 2.7% | ↑ 3.3% | ↑ 3.8% |
| Outboard Boats - Aluminum | ↑ 2.8% | ↑ 2.3% | ↑ 2.1% |
| Outboard Boats - Fiberglass | ↑ 2.3% | ↑ 2.1% | ↑ 1.9% |
| Personal Watercraft - Jet Drive | ↑ 6.6% | ↑ 5.7% | ↑ 5.1% |
| Pontoon Boats | ↑ 2.5% | ↑ 2.2% | ↑ 1.8% |
| Power Cat | ↑ 2.2% | ↑ 2.5% | ↑ 2.4% |
| Rowboats, Driftboats, etc. | ↑ 6.6% | ↑ 5.6% | ↑ 4.5% |
| Sea Drive Boats | ↑ 3.4% | ↑ 3.1% | ↑ 2.9% |
| Stern Drive Power Boats | ↑ 4.1% | ↑ 3.8% | ↑ 3.6% |
| Surface Drive Boats | ↑ 2.1% | ↑ 2.1% | ↑ 2.1% |
| Trimaran Boats | ↑ 4.6% | ↑ 4.3% | ↑ 3.6% |
| Utility/Jon | ↑ 4.0% | ↑ 3.3% | ↑ 2.7% |
| V-Drive Boats | ↑ 3.4% | ↑ 3.2% | ↑ 3.2% |
The figures below are based on consumer traffic on NADAguides.com and are calculated by comparing the percentage change of consumer interest, for the top 20 researched manufacturers, January-March 2014 as compared to January-March 2015.
The NADAguides marine data is based on national averages; however, our analysts recognize the significance of regional variance by unit type. The following charts represent consumer traffic based on four regions. Traffic percentages for 2013 and 2014 are offered as a comparison to the year-to-date 2015 traffic.
A view of the national average gasoline prices and year-over-year change is supplied to provide support for longer-term strategic planning.
J.D. Power makes no representations about future performance or results based on the data and the contents available in this report (“Market Insights”). Market Insights is provided for informational purposes only and is provided AS IS without warranty or guarantee of any kind. By accessing Market Insights via email or the NADAguides.com website, you agree not to reprint, reproduce, or distribute Market Insights without the express written permission of J.D. Power.
J.D. Power is the largest publisher of the most market-reflective vehicle pricing and information available for new and used cars, classic cars, motorcycles, boats, RVs and manufactured homes, offers in-depth shopping and research tools including a broad range of data, products and service and informational articles as well as tips and advice. J.D. Power also produces electronic products, mobile applications, raw data, web services, web-syndicated products and print guidebooks.
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