Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/459961
38 | Boating Industry | February 2015 www.BoatingIndustry.com /// Market Trends /// connects with NMEA 2000 communication. NMEA 2000 allows for a reduction in the number of wires on a boat, which considerably reduces weight. Everything from navigation information to engine data can be shared and displayed across the network. The cable and connector system allows for easy installation of future products. "It's not technology for technology's sake – it's actually technology that makes the boats perform better and more fun to operate," said Truslow. "The technology makes the boats bet- ter. It makes them safer. It makes them stronger." According to Mark Reedenauer, managing director of the National Marine Electronics As- sociation, NMEA 2000 interface is now widely used by all major marine electronics manufactur- ers on vessels of all sizes, from freshwater bass boats all the way up to large sport fishing vessels, and everything in between. Dave Wallace, vice president of operations at Scout Boats, says NMEA 2000 simplifies elec- tronics on Scout's LXF series. Maxwell believes this ease of use with tech- nology will provide confidence to consumers. She points to Yamaha's Helm Master package used in Regulator's boats, which she says makes the boat easier to handle at dock. "What the larger boat will give [the fishing community] is that confidence to go further off- shore with range, with comfort and [easy-to-use technology] to come back in and not feel like a fool as [they're] docking the boat," said Maxwell. "How do you take somebody who has more money than they've got time and to make sure that time is well-spent with his family and his friends? He doesn't want that boat to be some- thing he has to learn to operate." Family and flexibility The consumers driving the offshore fishing boats are not who they used to be. In the past, extensive prior knowledge was necessary to operate an offshore fishing boat. Today's con- sumer is much more family-focused and re- quires a boat with features that are user-friendly to everyone on board. "People want to have more flexibility in the products that they're using," said Maxwell. For a fishing boat to be family-friendly, con- sumers are beginning to ask for more and more amenities that are not normally attributed to a fishing boat. Parents want somewhere for their children to get out of the sun, cup holders for drinks, dive doors to get into the water and other comfort features. "People want boats that can serve multiple purposes," said Harris. "The kids can get pulled on tubes and they can go paddleboarding. [They want] many, many uses versus just the utilitarian center console fishing boat." As an example of the prioritization of ameni- ties by OEMs, Scout Boats has included features such as tempered glass enclosure T-tops, 12-volt refrigerators in the cockpits, sound systems with USB drive and remotes with the ability to oper- ate via a smartphone, built-in smokeless electric grills, sleeping accommodations under the con- sole and more in its boats. Wallace likens the addition of these many amenities to trends ex- hibited in the automobile industry. "The wife and kids are more today than ever a key to the buying decision. Just like what the automobile industry has done with pickup trucks by adding all the features of a luxury car we at Scout have done the same with the 'fish- ing boat.' Just like many pick-up trucks owned today, they will never have a yard of dirt in the bed, many of our 'fishing boats' will never have Scout Boats focuses on family- friendly boats with luxury features. The Italia interior color has been very popular among its customers. "The technology makes the boats better. It makes them safer. It makes them stronger." — Peter Truslow, president, EdgeWater Boats