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Want To Spend Your Summer On The Water? Buy Your Dream Boat Before It’s Gone

Apr. 5 2022 Miscellaneous By Main Channel Marina

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Want To Spend Your Summer On The Water? Buy Your Dream Boat Before It’s Gone

Boating has experienced a boom since 2020 and the trend will continue this year making now the time to buy if you want to get on the water this summer.

 

Have you been dreaming about spending your summers on the lake? You’re not alone. Outdoor recreation has seen a massive resurgence since the start of the pandemic and it’s looking like more Americans than ever plan to enjoy the great outdoors this summer.

What does this mean if you’re finally ready to take the plunge and get on the water this year?


Why is the boat market so hot right now?

Blame COVID-19 if your search for the perfect boat has been tough this year. With many leisure, travel, and recreational activities halted or limited since 2020, Americans chose to combat lockdown fatigue in the great outdoors.

Boating proved to be the perfect solution for COVID-weary families looking for a safe way to have fun. “The pandemic created shifts in how Americans prioritize their time, and boating is an activity they’re doing with family and friends to escape from the stresses on land…” says Frank Hugelmeyer, NMMA president.

2020 was a benchmark year for recreational boating eclipsing other activities like RVing, hiking, and motorcycling. Data from Lending Tree shares that boating online search inquiries doubled between 2019 and 2020 with interest increasing across 80% of the country.   

More than 310,000 new powerboats were sold in 2020-a 13 year high for the industry-and the trend has continued with no signs of slowing this year. The unprecedented demand mixed with COVID-induced economic challenges have created a tidal wave of complexities when it comes to buying a boat-new or used-this year.

 

How to navigate a choppy market:

The staggering growth in the industry has proved to be challenging for manufacturers, retailers, boating vets, and newcomers alike. When demand surged following the initial lockdown phases of the pandemic, manufacturers felt the squeeze with supply chain interruptions and labor and material shortages causing a ripple effect across the industry.  

It’s a game of catch-up as manufacturers scramble to fill a backlog of orders while consumer interest shows no signs of slowing. This has created a classic seller’s market making the boat buying process more like a game of cat and mouse.

Despite the upset in the market, there are ways to prepare for if you want to get yourself on the water this summer.

  • Broaden Your Search: You may have been dreaming about a specific brand, style, or horsepower, but with inventory levels constricted, you may want to broaden your checklist. Work with your local dealer to help find comparable, available models to get you out on the water faster.   
  • Buy Pre-Owned: While you might have your sights set on a brand-new boat, you may want to consider used. Lines are long for new models and pre-owned are readily available. A trusted dealer will help you do your due diligence when buying used.
  • Time Is Of The Essence: Be ready to move in a seller’s market. If you see something you like-new or used-don’t hesitate.
  • Local Is A Buying Advantage: Going through your local dealership is always an advantage offering deeper knowledge of your local waterways, better service, and reliability, but it’s especially advantageous now. Not only will you work directly with someone who knows your preferences, but they can also search outside the local area more efficiently saving you time and probably a few headaches.
  • Explore Financing Beforehand: Be sure you’re ready to write a check when the opportunity arises. Any delay in the process could cost you your dream vessel.

 

Ready to take the plunge?

If you’ve landed on this page because you’re scouring the internet for a boat, here’s your sign to trust the team at Main Channel. Don’t miss out on summer trying to go-it-alone, searching for your dream boat. There are many perks to working with your local Bennington, Malibu, Axis, Cobalt, Godfrey Pontoons and SeaDoo dealer.

Our local pros can cast a wide net in your search helping save you time and hassle. They also know the surrounding waterways and can help determine the best type of boat for your needs and where you’ll be using it. Not to mention, if your boat needs service, you’ll be a short trip away from.

If you’re ready to stop dreaming and start boating, the Main Channel team is here to help with:

  • Two area locations in serving Northwest Indiana
  • New and used inventory
  • Unparalleled Sales, Service, Financing and Parts teams
  • Authorized Dealer of the most trusted brands
  • Full-service marina