High-end sales up at NMMA shows
CHICAGO – Exhibitors at National Marine Manufacturers Association boat shows report sales for large boats (40′ and longer) and high-end boats picked up during the winter show season, continuing the positive industry sales trend that started in the first quarter of 2004, NMMA reported recently in a press release.
“Recent economic indicators, such as improved consumer confidence numbers, higher than expected job growth and predictions for a sound economy in 2005, have encouraged consumers to invest their discretionary dollars into buying new boats,” said Thom Dammrich, president of the National Marine Manufacturers Association.
Preliminary 2004 retail sales figures show that unit sales increased five percent, while dollar sales increased 15 percent compared to 2003.
Tiara Yachts, said its total sales during the Miami Boat Show exceeded $32 million, as the company sold 70 boats, more than doubling its previous record.
Hatteras also boasted strong sales at the Miami show, experiencing a 41 percent increase in total revenue compared to the 2004 show.
Carver Yacht Group said that, like Hatteras, it is facing a long order backlog, with owners of their Marquis line having to wait up to 18 months to receive their new boats.
“We noticed a significant increase of qualified visitors in Miami,” said Carver Yacht Group president Bob VanGrunsven. “We are still enjoying strong sales of our Marquis yachts and our new 41 Cockpit Motor Yacht has proven to be a strong leader in our motoryacht sales.”
Final numbers for 2004 sales will be available in May when NMMA releases its 2004 Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract.
For more information, contact NMMA assistant director of Communications Dan Green at (312) 946-6269; dgreen@nmma.org.
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