Nate5.0

There absolutely is but a lot of people just moved away from buying toys like that with such an up and down economy.

RSCHAP1

toons, wake boats, and the entry level has been ate up by smaller jets

JaayTeee

In a non performance boat application, ( runabout, cruiser, pontoon) I'd take a Volvo over a merc

MonkeySea2

I've always been a Merc guy, had 4 boats with Merc I/O. But I must say, they are lagging behind now and VP is really upping the ante with the new aluminum block 5.3 and the 6.2 SB that puts out as much hp as the Merc BB. With a huge weight savings. VVT, direct injection, etc. I hate to say it but I think I'd go with a VP on my next boat. And yeah, I remember buying my 1st boat back in the 80s. 18' boat/motor/trailer package for 12K!! Nothing like that these days. And boy did I have a blast on that boat with my friends.

nocoolname37

just like i remember, my dad bought us a brand new 1988 18' hurricane deck boat with a 100hp merc for $12K and we had one of the nicest boats on the lake! nowadays that money will get you a 16' aluminum fishing boat with a 40 horse motor uuuugh

Interceptor

A new 2016 Formula 240 bow rider stickers at $89,900.
A new Lund 1975 ( 19 foot ) aluminum fishing boat with 225 Merc O/B stickers $77,150.

Nate5.0

New 29 AT with twin O/B's is $149k before discounts

There is a market (not a big one sadly) but if you look the "middle class" can still get a very nice new boat.

rak rua

Is that official? Sounds pretty good. Probably with smaller engines and no options but it's still a new 29 footer!

RR

Interceptor

What are you defining as middle class ?

hogie roll

Word. What we consider middle class is actually upper middle class. And the boats need to cost $50k to sell in volume. If someone wants to sell me a twin engine sport boat for that, then hell yeah.