State of the Industry
At the Miami International Boat Show in February, The Sailing Company, publishers of Sailing World and Cruising World magazines, presented its findings of The Sailing Market State of the Industry Study, a one-of-a-kind look a production boatbuilding and charter activity. The study found that imports declined by 15 percent in 2008, and that the smallest cruiser segment, 20 to 35 feet, was hit hardest by the global recession, taking a 45-percent import decline. Accordingly, the 36-foot-and-over category suffered only a 10-percent reduction in imports compared to 2007. The biggest boats (46 feet and over) increased 10 percent. With regard to North American sailboat production, the study found a 19-percent decrease, dropping production to a level not seen since 1991. Forecasts predict further declines, with the smaller-boat segment faring better. The study is available by downloading this PDF
