Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/410960
50 • October 6, 2014 • Powersports Business PWC www.PowersportsBusiness.com PWC sales grow in August PWC sales, which have shown robust year- over-year sales increases throughout 2014, continued to be strong in August, up almost 30 percent from a year ago. The latest Info-Link Bellwether report also shows ski boat sales were up more than 15 percent, off their 20 percent growth pace of earlier this year, but well ahead of most other categories. Sportfish sales were also strong, up nearly 15 percent. Powerboat sales continued their year-over- year sales growth in August, albeit at a slower pace than in recent months. The report shows August 2014 sales about 9 percent higher than in August 2013. Recent months had seen year-over-year increases above 10 percent. Overall, outboard sales were up 10 percent over the last year. Sterndrive and jet boat sales continued to be down year-over-year, but less than 5 percent compared to August 2013. The Bellwether report tracks boat sales across the country based on new U.S. boat registrations. Bellwether states are geographi- cally dispersed states representing roughly half of the U.S. boat market (varies by market segment and time of year). AUGUST PWC SALES GROWTH RISES, TOO, REPORT SAYS Preliminary data from Statistical Surveys Inc. shows that PWC retail unit sales showed 3 percent growth in August, with 24 percent growth year-to-date through August, accord- ing to a research note from Wells Fargo Securities analyst Tim Conder. The preliminary data comes from 24 early reporting states. Conder reports that Sea- Doo's Spark is driving PWC growth. NMMA: NEW PWC REGISTRATIONS RISE 31 PERCENT IN Q2 A report from the National Marine Manu- facturers Association shows that PWC sales posted gains through the first six months of the year, with a 31.1 percent increase in sales compared to the year-ago period. Jet boat sales were up 14.1 percent over the same period. The NMMA also reports that PWC sales through July will continue to be strong on a rolling 12 months, year-over-year compari- son, according to advance data. KAWASAKI ULTRA LX RIDERS TAKE ON NEVER QUIT CHALLENGE A personal watercraft adventure to benefit select veteran-supported charities launched in September. The Never Quit Chal- lenge is an invitational PWC adventure vet- ted by Special Opera- tions military veteran teams onboard Kawa- saki Ultra LX Jet Skis. It's an annual sea and land adventure ride. Kawasaki Motors Corporation USA supported the event with eight Ultra LX models. It was not open for participation to the general public; rather, it was a private charity ride for military per- sonnel only. Operators met in Morro Bay, Calif., on Sept. 7 for orientation and equipment set up. Operators were comprised of combat warriors, and ground support and rider exchanges were provided at key refueling points. Operators rode a minimum of four to eight hours per day. Operators deployed each morning at sunrise. They carried all federal and state required emergency and signaling gear and were hosted with a tracking page for viewers to watch their progress. They rode on behalf of four Never Quit Challenge select charities and raised funds donated by sup- porters through Crowdrise fundraising. They rode through approximately 600 miles of open water transits including fuel stops along the southern and central Califor- nia coast. The route went from Morro Bay to San Diego to the Channel Islands and back. They were on the water from Sept. 8-11, traversing 600 miles. In 2013, invited teams representing three charitable foundations supporting wounded veterans generated more than $100,000 in public donations. PSB DIGEST A personal watercraft adventure to benefit select veteran-supported charities launched in September. Never Quit Chal- Ultra LX Jet Skis. It's an charitable foundations supporting wounded veterans generated more than $100,000 in public donations. Yamaha Watercraft Group product manager Scott Watkins describes the 2015 WaveRunner lineup during a video at Lake Oconee, Ga. Info-Link's Bellwether report shows September PWC sales up 30 percent from a year ago. A Jet Ski ride for military personnel trekked across 600 miles of open water.