LostinBoston

exactly. Performance boating is probably the fastest advancing aspect of the marine industry. Designs are constantly changing or being modified for efficency, safety and speed. IN a few years, your top of the line boat is now the run of the mill. 100+ on stock power is almost expected. ON the other side of the industry, fishing boats designs havnt changed much in decades.

Jupiter Sunsation

Rising interest rates, sticker prices, fuel and insurance costs will definitely hurt the performance boat market. 1100 boats are in the OSO classified and I think it keeps rising daily. A boat is a recreational luxury item and if people are getting squeezed financially in their everyday life the weekend fun will be reeled in or eliminated completely. This will affect other markets too like luxury cars, season tickets, 2nd homes etc.
The stock market may recoup some riches for some but I would be willing to bet Poker Runs this year in general will be down in attendance and most will put less hours on their boat in 2006 then in years past.

That being said I will hit the next 6 FPC Poker Runs!

Steve_H

and most are STILL overpriced

CAP071

someone has to pay those mexicans laying all that fiberglass

Jupiter Sunsation

That creative financing to get you in is the same noose you get hung with when trying to sell! 15-24 year notes are brutal with if you have no cash to bail you out.

10 year old boats are worth 25% of their purchase price but if you still owe 50% of your loan you are going to have to wait along time to sell it. That is if it doesn't need a full mechanical and cosmetic redo.

Zudnic

Not sure if this was the Starbucks I relaxed at one Sat. afternoon a couple of months ago. Near the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach and up the street from the Donzi dealer? Never thought people myself included would gringe at the sight of a 550 coming into the lot but we did. Let's just say the guy could afford the car but not the brake job!!!