Boating Industry

October 2014

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46 | Boating Industry | October 2014 www.BoatingIndustry.com /// Market Trends /// getting back into inboards," said Gutierrez. "And now they're not just the boat driver anymore, so they get to be active." Ski makers said they're seeing OK numbers, but are betting that skiing will continue to come back with the economy. "We are seeing some slalom ski sales, especially the mid-priced skis -- they're flat -- they're not increasing or declining. I think once the economy comes back, we're going to see that rise a bit," said Surrette. He went on to say that just as the divide between downhill skiers and snowboarders narrowed, the divide between water skiers and wakeboarders is less antagonistic. "I think the kids that got into wakeboarding quite a few years ago, they're now getting a little bit older and seeing what their moms and dads did and they are trying it. They're seeing that there is a fun level to it," said Surrette. "It's not the 'them against us' feel that it used to be." Look for some more options for low-priced skis in the 2015 season as manufacturers look to bring new skiers back into the market and the economy becomes less anemic. "I would argue that our new ProStar that was released late last fall has kind of created a renaissance; we're seeing water skiing come back in a very strong way," said MasterCraft's McNew. "I feel like the older generation's exuberance has been reinvigorated and that is catching the ear of the younger people." Despite the glimmer of hope in the segment, there is certainly a long climb ahead for skiing. Unfortunately for skiing, they took such a huge hit that any improvement in unit sales is seen as great news. NON-TOWABLES Non-towables are bringing non-boaters into marinas more than ever before. New activities and high-quality goods are growing the segment, adding some incremental sales opportunities and drawing crowds from department stores. "This year, we came out with an item called the Water Carpet. It's basically a piece of foam that is 16 by 18 feet, and the kids absolutely love it," said Pete Surrette at O'Brien Water Sports. "Sometimes it's the simplest things that make the biggest splash." Just about everyone has seen paddleboards, some urban lakes are simply swarming with people young and old. Initially, it took a fair amount of balance, but new boards are making the activity easier for everyone. "We have a new paddleboard that I really enjoy called the SS Super Stable. It's a three-chambered inflatable paddleboard so it's very, very stable which is great when boats are going by," said Aaron Kramer at Kwik Tek. "It's really enjoyable for the beginner and larger people over 240 pounds." Kayaks, canoes and a slew of comfortable floatation devices are also giving people the chance to get in the water who might not be able to afford a powered boat. Such goods are a great way of getting people into the dealership and starting a relationship.

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