Pulse Report

This month’s Pulse Report survey looks at cash flow in light of business shutdowns.

This month’s Pulse survey drills down into retailer cash flow in light of business shutdowns.

The virus — along with the economy and upcoming presidential election — are viewed as major threats to 2020 new boat sales.

With the election gearing up and coronavirus concerns, marine dealers can take a survey to weigh in on current retail conditions.

Half of surveyed dealers reported growth in January.

Take a five-question survey to gauge market conditions.

Though positive, analysts caution reading too much into cyclically slow months.

After a year of fluctuating sentiment, do retailers see growth ahead?

Will the year ahead be up, down, or on par with 2019?

Almost 75 percent of respondents to the monthly Pulse Report survey thought inventory was too high.

Dealers ended 2019 focusing on excess inventory. Most expect similar-sized boat orders as last year; others say value products will be in demand.

Politics, affordability and inventory are top-of-mind for marine retailers.

Political climate, election year, and inventory concerns pose challenges.

Dealer Sentiment was up slightly in September.

Boat dealers responding to the monthly survey reported declines in new-boat sales in August.

Better weather improved sales for some, but couldn’t cover lost ground.

Dealers say wet weather hampered Q1 and Q2 sales.

Dealers say that tax cuts didn’t help, or hurt, boat sales.

Dealers respond: Is technology that facilitates boat operation too expensive?

Government action/inaction was cited as the main issue affecting demand, followed closely by weather.