2015 started out strong for the Marine Industry. Consumer confidence increased despite harsh weather conditions across many states. We saw an increase in both new and used boat sales compared to previous years. New powerboat sales were up almost 10% in 2015.
Increased consumer demand in 2015 made it challenging to acquire used boat inventory, forcing dealers to focus harder on trades, consignment, and auctions. The end of 2015 provided an extended selling season due to an unusually warm fall for those in the East. We anticipate continued growth and solid consumer confidence in 2016 provided interest rates remain competitive and gas prices remain low.
A year over year analysis shows an increase in personal watercraft values and a slight increase in the power boat segment. High demands of aluminum boats continued to drive up values in the jet drive boat segment. Pontoon boats also experienced high demands. Sailboats showed a decrease in values from 2014 to 2015.
| Power Boats |
Personal Watercraft |
Sailboats |
| 1.1% | 4.3% | -2.4% |
| Boat Type | Trade-In | Average Retail | High Retail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catamaran | ↓ -8.8% | ↓ -4.9% | ↓ -3.9% |
| Houseboats | ↓ -5.4% | ↓ -3.8% | ↓ -3.1% |
| Inboard Boats | ↓ -6.2% | ↓ -3.4% | ↓ -2.6% |
| Inflatable Boats | ↓ -1.1% | ↑ 0.0% | ↑ 1.1% |
| Jet Drive Boats - Aluminum | ↑ 5.9% | ↑ 8.0% | ↑ 8.5% |
| Jet Drive Boats - Fiberglass | ↑ 2.2% | ↑ 4.7% | ↑ 5.6% |
| Monohull Sailboats | ↓ -0.8% | ↑ 2.8% | ↑ 4.7% |
| Outboard Boats - Aluminum | ↑ 4.9% | ↑ 7.6% | ↑ 8.4% |
| Outboard Boats - Fiberglass | ↑ 2.3% | ↑ 5.4% | ↑ 5.4% |
| Personal Watercraft - Jet Drive | ↑ 2.8% | ↑ 4.3% | ↑ 5.4% |
| Pontoon Boats | ↑ 3.3% | ↑ 6.4% | ↑ 6.6% |
| Power Cat | ↓ -7.5% | ↓ -6.1% | ↓ -3.8% |
| Stern Drive Power Boats | ↑ 0.4% | ↑ 2.6% | ↑ 2.8% |
| Trimaran Boats | ↓ -8.8% | ↓ -5.0% | ↓ -4.0% |
| Utility/Jon | ↓ -7.3% | ↓ -5.6% | ↓ -5.0% |
| V-Drive Boats | ↓ -5.5% | ↓ -3.3% | ↓ -2.8% |
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 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 website, you agree not to reprint, reproduce, or distribute Market Insights without the express written permission of National Appraisal Guides, Inc.
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