Boating can be a tough sell in a recession, but that hasn’t stopped boat lovers from getting out on the water to enjoy their favorite pastime.
Market research shows that Americans want affordable boats that are easy to use. Moreover, a reported 70 percent of buyers who attended a boat show purchased a new boat within three months of the show.
Boat shows give potential boat buyers something they can’t find on the Internet or at a boat dealership: a chance to comparison-shop hundreds of boats without losing the experience of climbing onboard.
Buyers can browse boats in a venue that encourages them to take their time to research, ask questions and compare notes.
“If you’re serious about buying a boat, there’s no better and economical way than going to a boat show,” said Ben Wold, executive vice president at the National Marine Manufacturers Association. “Boat shows are marketplaces, and the dealers are ready to sell. The average dealer will do 30 to 50 percent of his annual business at the show or based on leads from the show.”
Plenty of reasons
The Progressive Insurance New York Boat Show is a barometer of what’s to come for Elisa Ruroede, owner of Port of Egypt Marine in Southold, NY:
“For our business, it translates into sales, rentals and club memberships. For boaters, there’s nothing like getting aboard different models to compare the options,” Ruroede said.
“We’re always excited to showcase at the show, but also to see what else is new while connecting with longtime and first-time boaters,” she said.
Look for Ruroede at booth 1340, Jan. 4-8 at the Javits Center.
