Boating is a constantly growing passion not only in America but also in other parts of the world. With the growing number of boating enthusiasts, the demand for all types of boat accessories are also increasing significantly. Boaters are always on the lookout for cool accessories and gadgets to make their water escapades more comfortable, safe, and fun.
Thus, these boaters would scout for an array of boat products including boat covers, inflatable boats, boat seats, boat propellers, boat graphics, boat trailer parts, boat shoes, boat paint, boat decals, boat props, boat engines, outboard boat motors, row boat, boat carpet, boat batteries, boat electronics, among others.
This section of Yacht-Port.com will help you decide on which boat accessories are perfect for your boat. It will also provide you with links to various manufacturers and traders of boat accessories.
Boating business boom
Statistics show that the boating business is booming. According to the 2004 Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract released by the U.S. National Marine Manufacturers Association, the total retail expenditures on boating reached $33 billion in 2004. This marks an eight percent increase from 2003 figures.
Sales of aftermarket boat accessories contribute a significant amount to the growth pie. The same report noted that sales of boat accessories increased 14 percent in the same period. This upward sales trend has been ongoing since 1997 when aftermarket accessories sales were pegged at $1.2 billion to $2.4 billion last year.
"For many boaters, their time on the water is a vacation; they're able to escape the daily grind on land, yet they still want a boat with all the comforts of home, including state of the art entertainment equipment, like computers, DVD players and satellite radios," Jim Petru, market research director of NMMA said in a statement. He explained that boating accessories are in high demand because consumers want to turn their boats into a home away from home.
More Americans lured to recreational boating
More than 1,500 companies that develop and manufacture boating products and accessories represent the NMMA. The industry has benefited from the increased appreciation of boating as a recreational activity.
Last year, NMMA reported that there were about 17.6 million boats on the water. The number of those who have participated in recreational boating has grown from 68.7 million in 2003 to 69 million in 2004.
Florida led the US market last year in retail sales of new power boats, motors, trailers and accessories with sales reaching $2.1 billion. The state of California follows with $1.2 billion, then Texas with $830 million, New York with $630 and Minnesota, $583 million. The top five states account for nearly 35 percent of total retail expenditures on new powerboats, motors, trailers and accessories.
It is not only in America that the boating business is growing. People in places like Europe and Canada are also going into the waters more and more. The NMMA report shows that sales of exported boats and engines increased by 43 percent in 2004 to $1.55 billion. Western Europe was the largest market, accounting for 38 percent of total export value, followed by Canada, with 27 percent of total export value.
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