Pulse Report

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.

Nearly half of dealers say tariffs and trade are their top concerns in 2019.

Long-term outlook also ticked up into positive territory.

Dealers had contrasting feedback, but many said show sales were difficult to close.

Dealer sentiment plummets to the lowest point ever in the survey.

The category has seen strong growth throughout 2018.

Fearing a slowdown, dealers worry about excessive inventories and poorly built boats from manufacturers.

Dealers grow cautious as sentiment drops year-over-year.