Powerboat sales increase by almost 3.5 percent in July

Boat sales increased by almost 3.5 percent in July, according to the latest Info-Link Bellwether report.

The Bellwether report tracks sales of powerboats across the country based on new U.S. boat registrations on a rolling 12-month basis.

Bellwether states are geographically dispersed states representing roughly half of the U.S. boat market (varies by market segment and time of year).

Boat sales showed an increase during July when compared to June, when sales grew by slightly more than 2 percent

Overall, the growth rate has been mostly declining since its peak of 11 percent in 2016.

Tow boats increased by more than 8 percent, personal watercraft by 5 percent, and outboards by 4 percent in July.

Sterndrive/jet segment sales were down by almost 4 percent, a slight improvement over June’s 5 percent decrease.

Sportfish boat sales declined by 5 percent, the same as June.