According to Boating Industry, pleasure boat sales continue to dwindle in the United States. However, the 8% drop observed in May is the weakest rate of decline seen in the last five years, says a report published by Info-Link Technologies Inc.
You have to go as far back as July 2006 for more optimistic rates, and recent figures show that the industry is stabilizing. Sales of boats with outboard motors have fared better, with just a 2% decrease. In contrast, personal watercraft and ski boat sales have plummeted by 18%. Fishing boats follow with a 21% decline, while jet boats have been the hardest hit with a 28% drop.
The recent economic crisis has taken its toll on the nautical industry, which is having a tough time recovering due to fluctuations in gas prices.