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Smooth Sailing Continues For Recreational Boating Industry In First Half Of 2004. Retail Powerboat Unit Sales are Up Nearly Nine Percent Year-to-Date Despite High Fuel Costs and Other Significant Issues Facing Americans
Chicago, IL (PRWEB) October 29, 2004 -
Â? Despite the uncertainty of war, extreme weather, rising fuel costs, and an upcoming presidential election, more and more Americans appear to be using recreational boating to Â?get away from it allÂ? according to sales figures just released from the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA).
Second quarter 2004 retail unit sales of powerboats were up seven percent versus the same period last year and nine percent year-to-date. This represents the industryÂ?s fourth consecutive quarter of growth with unit sales up eight percent over a rolling 12-month period.
All powerboat segments showed positive gains year-to-date with sales of inboard cruisers up 18 percent, outboard boats up 10 percent, jet drive boats up 13 percent, sterndrive boats up seven percent and personal watercraft up six percent.
In addition to positive retail numbers, wholesale unit sales of new powerboats are also up five percent year-to-date and almost nine percent over the same period last year. Wholesale dollar sales are up 16.7 percent year-to-date and 18.5 percent versus the same period last year.
Â?The recreational boating industry continues to benefit from AmericansÂ? renewed desire to spend quality time with friends and family,Â? said Thom Dammrich, president of the NMMA. Â?For 90 percent of Americans itÂ?s an activity thatÂ?s less than an hour away and provides a great opportunity to spend time outdoors and form bonds with loved ones.Â?
The recreational boating industry contributed approximately $ 30 billion to the US economy in 2003, according to the NMMA.
Top 10 states for 2003 boat, motor, trailer and boating accessory purchases:
1) Florida $ 1.5 billion
2) California $ 1.36 billion
3) Texas $ 887 million
4) Michigan $ 645 million
5) Minnesota $ 601 million
6) New York $ 542 million
7) Wisconsin $ 527 million
8) Washington $ 489 million
9) North Carolina $ 447 million
10) Georgia $ 379 million
The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is the leading association representing the recreational boating industry. NMMA member companies produce over 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters and anglers in the United States. The association is dedicated to industry growth through programs in public policy, market research and data, product quality assurance and marketing communications.
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