Economical Impact on the Boating Industry

DaveS

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C Dory Year
2004
C Dory Model
22 Cruiser
Hull Identification Number
CD022172L304
Vessel Name
Sea Shift
The headlines in the Everett Herald Business section today reads "Yacht Builder To Idle 600 Workers".

The following are excerpts from the article. "The Meridian Yachts manufacturing plant will shut down for a month this summer as demand for recreational boats has drifted downward with the slowing economy". "Stephen Wolpert, president of Brunswick Corp's. marine division in the U.S. said the industry is facing challenges not seen in the 20 years since his company began building boats. An uncertain economy, rising inflation, high gas prices, and the housing slump have (among many things) affected consumer confidence and eroded discretionary spending".
"Formerly a Bayliner boat plant, the Arlington facility has made 34 to 58 foot long motor yachts under the Meridian brand since 2002". "The temporary shutdown is being repeated at the dozen or so other fiberglass boat building plants operated by Brunswick".

(FYI - The Meridian Yacht Manufacturing Plant is located in my hometown of Arlington, Wa.)
 
Yes Dave, recreational boating is in some seriously choppy economic waters.

During my recent delivery trip to the Seattle area (delivered Naknek to her new owner) I was Amazed at the dealerships (vehicle, boat, RV) that were quite literally wall-to-wall with inventory, presumably unsold. In addition what seemed like every open space had used rigs (vehicles, boats, RV's) for sale as well.

With the economic fallout from subprime, the credit crunch, fuel prices, falling dollar, stealth inflation, etc it seems probable that most folks are more concerned with paying for their next tank of gas to get them to work, or making the next house payment than putting fuel in the boat or RV.

Beyond all that, most of us are in the midrif of middle class economics. We've always had to budget our money and tried to use it to best advantage. That goes for boating as well. Some might say that owning a powerboat is fuellishly-stupid. Maybe, maybe not. At least with a C-Dory the owner can allot a certain amount of $$ to blow-off for fuel, and make the trip longer a presumably more enjoyable. The beauty of a C-Dory probably comes when you drop the anchor in a Favorite cove and enjoy Life at leisure. ...and that time isn't burning ANY expensive gas! I'll bet if we really put our minds to it we could come up with some truly delightful $50 or $100 weekends (or weeks); we just have to put our priorities in place.

Back to your article. Will the current and future times deal harshly with recreational boating? Yes, but happily YOU own a C-Dory!

Best,
Casey
(vice)C-Dory Naknek
 
I'm more worried about the boating infrastructure (marinas, repair, etc.) disappearing.

Warren
 
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