Info-Link: Powerboat sales up 4 percent in August

Boat sales grew by 4 percent in August, 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 US boat market (varies by market segment and time of year).

Boat sales slowed in August compared to July, when sales were up about 5 percent, but are on par with June sales. The growth rate has been mostly declining since its peak of 11 percent in 2016.

Personal watercraft, tow boats and outboard boats led the way in August. PWC and tow boat sales were up 6 percent in August, and outboard boat sales were up 5 percent.

Sportfish boat sales were up by almost 5 percent, down from July’s sales. The sterndrive/jet segment was the only category to decline, with sales down 5 percent from the previous year.