Boat manufacturers are the major forces that propel the continuing growth of the boating industry. Because of their unending quest for innovation, healthy spirit of competition and dedication for safety and excellence, the boating sector remains a healthy business despite many challenges in economies worldwide.
In the US alone, reports indicate that some 69 million Americans go boating at least once a year. It is estimated that there are 17 million privately owned boats docked in marinas and other storage areas. More and more Americans are going into boating for sports and recreation as shown in the increasing numbers from the National Marine Manufacturers Association. NMMA is a trade association which represents companies that manufacture an estimated 80 percent of marine products used in North America.
NMMA’s figures in 2002 show that Americans spent $29.2 billion for boats and accessories for that year alone. This is a significant 51 percent increase from the $19.3 billion spent in 1997. In 2004, wholesale dollar sales of all boats were up 20.8 percent in the first quarter compared to the same period last year. Unit shipments through March 2004 were also up 19.8 percent compared to the first quarter of 2003.
Even the sale of used boats is increasing. The 2004 annual boating report of the NMMA noted that more than one million pre-owned powerboats were sold in 2004 with total sales reaching $7.9 million.
In fact, sales in the boating industry have increased an average of 8 percent annually since 1997.
Boat manufacturers and other sectors in the boating industry smile at these positive indicators of growth. The boating industry is clearly reaping the benefits of the growing interest and appreciation of more people for boating. As surveys point out, boaters see boating as a perfect opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends. It is also a good way to relax and for some, boats are also tied with water sports and adventure.
The boat manufacturers fully understand the psyche of boats. They know that those who own boats are usually hooked to the boating lifestyle for good. This does not mean, however, that the boat manufacturers can rest on their laurels. On the contrary, they should all the more be proactive in their innovations because the boat buyers are getting more discriminating with their choices.
As the boat buying public continues to mature, they will tend to expect for more features and functionalities on their boats but at value price points. With a lot of competition, boat manufacturers face the tall order to constantly innovate, conduct extensive research and development, and implement aggressive marketing strategies to keep the boat buying public happy. Boat manufacturers would also do well to focus on their specific niches.
There are boat manufacturers that specialize in building powerboats, others are into fishing boats, while some are into personal watercrafts. Some boat manufacturers have been around for decades, others are relative newcomers. But no matter how long they have been in the industry, what is more important is for boat manufacturers to satisfy the demands of the boating public.
This section will introduce you to many boat manufacturers that build different kinds of boats for various purposes.
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Boat manufacturers
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Boat manufacturers are improving every year, the competitiveness in the industry is driving the standard to new heights with the latest and greatest state of the art technology. Before you make the major investment of buying a boat get the run down on all the major players.
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Boat Manufacturers 