“ The most disturbing piece of information from the government’ s recent income data is the confirmation of a complete lack of income growth over the past 12 months,” stated Eisenberg.“ A year ago, real disposable per capita personal income was $ 52,324 and now it’ s $ 52,557. Additionally, job growth over those 12 months was an anemic 857,000, or half a percent and declining. That is the lowest growth rate since 2010.”
Eisenberg also reiterated what we all know, and that is upper-income Americans are fueling a disproportionate share of the consumption and consumer spending that is the primary driver of the economy.
In fact, nearly 60 % of consumer spending now comes from the top 20 % of income earners, a near record high. Compare and contrast that with only 41 % of consumer spending coming from the bottom 80 %, a near record low.
When you hear economists talk about rising income inequality, that’ s what they’ re referring to. Which is why Elliot said if he was building or selling boats, he would be concentrating on the upper end of the market.
Next up was a Powersports Industry Panel featuring Chris McKee, COO of Moto Morini Motorcycles, Keith Yunger, President of Sea Ray, and Mark Overbye, CEO / Founder, of Anthem Marine.
It featured wide ranging and honest discussions about the outdoor industry- specifically boating and powersports- through the lens of what’ s actually shaping demand right now: consumer confidence, the broader economy, interest rates, inflation, tariffs, and the competition for the leisure dollar.
John Adey, President, American Boat & Yacht Council presented on workforce development and the importance of finding, training and keeping the next generation of service techs.
www. boatingindustry. com february 2026
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