Central Florida dealers have high hopes for new model year

ORLANDO, Fla. – Central Florida marine dealers are counting on a strong turnout at the Hot Summer Boat Show – a pre-owned boat show that runs Aug. 7-9 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, organizers reported in a recent statement.

“In response, they’ll be offering historic deals and incentives to move inventory and, hopefully, to prepare for a return to growth for the 2010 model year, which begins in September,” organizers stated.

“Given the current economic environment, Central Florida’s marine dealers continue to do what it takes to make sales,” said Roy Parker, president of Parker Boats and a member of the Central Florida Marine Trades Association, which sponsors the show. “That’s good news for boating consumers, who will find pricing and incentives that may never be offered again.”

Joe Pozo, president of Boat Tree, agreed, adding that dealers in the area believe an improving national economy next year will lead to a modest rebound in the recreational marine market.

“This has been the worst downturn that the boating industry in Central Florida and nationwide has seen since the 1970s,” Pozo said. “However, marine dealers have done a good job of paring inventories and they expect to see the market slowly turn up again in 2010.”

The Hot Summer Boat Show will feature boats, motors, marine electronics, gear and accessories of all kinds offered by more than 30 exhibitors.

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