NATIONWIDE — The calendar has officially flipped over to 2019 but the recreational boating industry finished 2018 trying to grapple with its future. California’s Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW), at its November 2018 meetings, openly contemplated whether the industry is evolving enough to welcome a new generation of boaters....
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Interesting that yacht clubs and marina operators were not part of the panel. Membership at yacht clubs is generally lagging. Many marinas see falling occupancy rates. One reason is the ever increasing cost of boat ownership (especially non-trailerable vessels). It is hard to come up with $600 or more each month just to dock or moor a vessel. Add increasing fuel prices, rising insurance rates, more government oversight (PFD laws, operator cards, etc.), and the always increasing maintenance costs, and that motorhome, flight abroad, or road trip looks better and better. Perhaps those providing services (or legislating) to the recreational marine population should examine the role they play in the downward trend in boating and adjust their expectations (and wallets) before the ship sinks.
I did not see, “recreational boat owner” listed among the industry insiders. What’s wrong with the recreational boating industry? Ask an owner. Chief among the shortcomings of the industry are quality of product and customer service. I purchased a new boat recently, after years of buying used boats. I was shocked at the number of things needing fixing on a factory fresh boat. Fit and finish lacking. Attention to detail non-existant. Customer service- forgettabouit. It seems the business is made up of barely surviving businesses trying to eek out profits by cutting as many corners as possible. Cities keep raising the cost off putting a boat in the water. Counties want to tax them like real estate. Shop rates well beyond $100hr. What’s to like? It’s an industry that deserves to fail.