August boat sales post double-digit gains

August boat sales surged 12.5 percent in the main powerboat segments to 10,292 and 11.8 percent industry-wide to 17,411 in 25 states that represent about 62 percent of the U.S. market, according to Statistical Surveys, Trade Only Today reported.

The figures showed a turnaround from a slow July, when sales fell 7 percent in the main segments and 5.7 percent industrywide.

“Every segment is showing great signs of life,” Statistical Surveys sales director Ryan Kloppe told Trade Only of the August figures. “I think July was just a hiccup. Eight of the top 10 states showed positive growth.”

All of the industry’s high-volume segments rose by double digits in August. The results brought the increase for 2016 to 5.2 percent in the main segments and 4.9 percent industrywide.

Sales of aluminum fishing boats rose by 19.5 percent for the month to 2,352 boats. Kloppe told Trade Only Today the top 10 selling states included not only prime fishing states Florida and Texas, but also California and North and South Carolina.

Sales of 11- to 50-foot fiberglass outboards, the highest-volume category in the main segments, increased 10.3 percent to 3,481. Sales of aluminum pontoon boats, a high-performing category since the Great Recession ended, jumped 12.2 percent to 2,797.

Florida led all states in sales with 2,804, followed by Texas at 2,434, California at 1,576, Michigan at 1,410 and South Carolina at 1,144.

Kloppe told Trade Only August sales were higher in 16 of the 25 early-reporting states. Sailboat sales rose by four to 148.

To speak to a broker about selling a boat or purchasing a new or used boat, email Sales@denisonyachtsales.com or call 954.763.3971.