Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/776460
32 | Boating Industry | February 2017 [ 2017 Outlook ] www.BoatingIndustry.com industry. The NMMA began working with The Outdoor Recreation Industry Roundtable, a co- alition of recreational industry associations, to get more visibility for their industries as impor- tant to the nation's economy and the wellbeing of Americans. "We'd like to see some investment in pro- moting outdoor recreation by the U.S. govern- ment as much as they promote tourism … And of course, expanded access to public lands and waters for diverse forms of outdoor recreation," said Dammrich. "It will really be the first time that the recreation industry, broadly, has come together to work on things that benefit all forms of recreation. Because if we can get recreation a higher status and higher visibility, it will make every segment of recreation's job easier to get what they specifically need." The Outdoor Recreation Jobs and Economic Impact Act of 2016 passed in 2016, which instructs the Bureau of Economic Analysis to create a recreation satellite account. This would quantify the economic contribution of recreation to the U.S. economy, a big win for the coalition for gaining recognition in policy considerations in the future. The coalition collectively sent a letter to the Trump transition team and drafted five white papers for the new administration, Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., and Senate President Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., to make the case of the recreation industry's economic significance. The coalition is working to meet with them to discuss their plans for the coming congressional ses- sion and how the needs of the recreation industry fit, and has already met with the Department of Interior transition team. Dammrich sees immense opportunities for the boating industry to make legislative progress in 2017. Boating Industry survey respondents agree: 91 percent of those surveyed believe the new presidential administration will be at least somewhat important to their company's success in 2017. Forty-four percent said it would be very important. For this reason, Dammrich sees this year's upcoming American Boating Congress as a piv- otal event to attend. "We've got lots of issues and challenges, but I think we've got lots of opportunity with this administration and this Congress," he said. "This is not an election year in 2017, so there will be legislation passed. This is an opportunity for our industry to really make some gains." The year to bring in new boaters There is only so much growth that can occur once the regulatory and legislative issues are resolved. At some point, the industry needs to market to new customers. Without this, the industry's growth will hit a ceiling. "We're looking at some of the adoption rates among the generations that come behind, and much like many other things that they are electing to postpone or delay, whether it's getting married, having children, buying a house, [buying a boat] seems to be kind of going along with it," said Houseworth. Roadblocks like student loan debt are not problems the boating industry can solve. Luckily, there is anecdotal evidence that younger generations want the same things as the generations that preceded them, but are delaying the decision until they have more disposable income. However, the boating industry needs to make sure this generation eventually makes the conclu- sion to go boating, and that means getting them on the water now. "We have to figure out how to market boating to the next generation the way that they want it. I don't think you can necessarily change their behavior; it's a very hard thing to do," said Houseworth. "As an industry, we need to not focus on any one [way to get new boaters]. I think the focus needs to be creating pathways to boating for anybody who wants to boat." » SURVEYED BELIEVE THE NEW PRESIDENTIAL ADMINISTRATION WILL BE AT LEAST SOMEWHAT IMPORTANT TO THEIR COMPANY'S SUCCESS IN 2017 91% REASONS for OPTIMISM We also asked readers what made them optimistic about the future. Many saw a positive picture in the economy and the possibility of a new presidential administration to bring success to the industry, as well as the potential for bringing in younger boaters. "Having a pro-business administration in the White House should grow confidence with the people who have the means to purchase a boat." "That the fall boat shows had bigger representation of entry-level boats." "Our segment of the marine industry is perfectly positioned to attract new boaters, Millennials, minorities and the aging population as they retire from boat ownership. Boat clubs are the future of the boating industry!" "Trump and his potential disruptive manner in D.C. I think this is a positive for our country." "New president, lower taxes, less regulation." "I'm not extremely optimistic about the future of boating, but the Grow Boating campaign plays an important role in marketing our industry to the public." "For now the uptick in the economy and the rate at which boats are being built and sold, looks good for at least the first half of 2017." "New products being introduced to make boating more attractive to the boating as well as the non-boating." "The solid economy and the efforts to bring younger boaters into the market with more affordable boating opportunities. 'Uber Boating' may be the model for the next generation." "Anything 'wake' is huge right now. Wakeboard- ing, surfing, skating, they are all newer to the market than traditional waterskiing and I feel like this has brought many more young people into the boating industry." "Not sure about our industry in general, but it seems as if the economy is showing signs of recovery, and hopefully it floats our boat a little higher." "New technologies allowing easier access for new boaters." "I think consumers are feeling pretty well right now! If that can be maintained, it should grow our industry."