Info-Link: Powerboat sales up slightly more than 3 percent in December

Boat sales increased by more than 3 percent through the month of December, 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 dipped slightly when compared to November, when sales grew by more than 3.5 percent.

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

Tow boats and personal watercraft increased by 8 percent, while outboard increased slightly less than 4 percent.

Sportfish boats sales declined about 1 percent for the reporting period through December.

Sterndrive/jet segment sales were down by 2 percent, remaining unchanged.