NORTH AMERICAN SAILBOAT INDUSTRY DATA RELEASED

During Strictly Sail Miami, sailing industry elite gathered to hear the news … the good, the bad and the ugly. The Sailing Company, in cooperation with Bonnier Marine Group, produces the annual state of the industry research that takes a close look at the U.S. Charter Market, boat imports and U.S. sailboat production.

In short, overall boat production was down 8 percent, which compares favorably with the 38 percent decline that was experienced in 2009, while multihull production dropped 14 percent. North American boat imports 20 feet and larger fell 21 percent. And, the total number of active builders also slipped 25 percent from the 2002-03 period. Bareboat charters declined 6 percent, an improvement compared to the 21 percent decline the previous year.

The report was not all doom and gloom, with a number of emerging positive trends:

• Bareboat chartering showed better performance as the year progressed and the economy improved.
• Importers are forecasting a 70% increase in the number of imports in 2011.
• Imports of cruisers under 36’ showed gains of +9%.
• The number of full-time employees involved in sailboat production grew by 3% in 2010.
• Sailboats over 30ft posted a gain of 14% over 2009, while the 20-29ft and 36-45ft segments experienced 19% increases.
• The estimated value of 2010 North American sailboat production was up 6% from 2009

Click for Complete State of the Industry report

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