NMMA reports increase in wholesale shipments

Through May, wholesale shipments of traditional powerboats were up 4.8 percent from a year earlier, according to a report from the National Marine Manufacturers Association.

Corresponding dollars were up 19.6 percent, the NMMA said.

For the first quarter of 2011, new powerboat registrations were down 5 percent on a rolling 12-month basis, compared with a year earlier. Advance estimates indicated that sales would be down 4.4 percent on a rolling 12-month basis through June.

Recreational boat and marine engine export volumes were up 10 percent in the first quarter of 2011 and dollars were up 8 percent from a year earlier, according to the NMMA. Corresponding import volumes were up 57 percent; dollars were up 25 percent.