Boating Industry March/April 2025 | Page 10

MIAMI INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW RECAP
Honda Marine Division revealed its McLaren 300 outboard engine and shared company updates .
He discussed the company ’ s focus on strengthening partnerships with OEMs . “ We realize this is essential for our growth and we are moving our mix of business funding in this direction to support this effort . We want to strengthen our dealers by improving our Honda Premier Dealer network .”
The company is transforming its Honda Premier Program to focus on technical expertise and customer service , and it is committed to getting more dealers involved in this program .
Honda revealed its BF115 , BF140 and BF150 L4 , and BF200 , BF225 and BF250 V6 engines , along with the McLaren 300 engine .
Sunstream Boat Lifts CEO Ken Hey walked Boating Industry through the innovative design of the LiftBar boat lift . LiftBar is the first boat lift to incorporate a screw jack-based lifting mechanism , all housed in one tube .
Hey shared that less than one percent of marinas offer lifts , and studies show that boaters will spend 50 to 100 percent more on a dry boat slip . “ This is bridging that gap ,” he said .
Suzuki hosted its celebration of 60 years in the outboard motor business , highlighting the company ’ s journey from the launch of its first single outboard motor , the D55 in 1965 , to its DF350 today . Suzuki also revealed its Most Valuable Lineup , a collection of new graphics and exterior design for its outboard engines .
Where electric and ocean currents collide
We joined Nautical Ventures and Informa Group outside in the fresh Miami air for a presentation about the electric segment .
“ We want to be on the ground floor , and we want to work together with these manufacturers to introduce these boats so consumers can enjoy the benefits of electric and the economy of electric ,” said Roger Moore , CEO of Nautical Ventures . “ As we see in many places in the United States , there are places that are actually prohibiting ICE engines due to pollution . So , there is a market developing .”
He stated that electric powered range is not necessarily an issue for the marine segment . Based on data from Freedom Boat Club and Correct Craft , the average daily boat range is 8 to 12 miles .
“ To have a boat that has 20 or 30 miles of range is not an obstacle ,” he continued . “ When we look at the real use of the electric vehicles that have been using moderate size engines , they have the range . At slower speeds , tremendous range . At higher speeds of 20 knots-plus , they have a range of 12,14 , 15 , sometimes 20 miles .”
Moore stated that the electric segment will take time to develop , but this process is happening now . Electric boat and product manufacturers then presented their latest innovations , echoing Moore ’ s excitement for the role of electric power in the industry .
Navigating the numbers and establishing community
During the Industry Breakfast , President and CEO of Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation Dave Chanda stated that in 2023 , 57.7 million people , ages six and above , spent time fishing . That was a six percent increase and topped the all time high during Covid .
While fishing numbers are up and boating numbers are down , “ One thing that fishing and boating do have in common right now is less and less avid participants and more new and occasional participants . These newcomers come with different needs from us ,” he said . “ They also drop out at higher rates . Maybe they ’ re just not getting those needs met .”
Chanda stated that we must work together to retain boaters and fishers . “ Research shows that existing customers are 50 percent more likely to try new products , and they spend more versus your new customers .” He readdressed that if these newer customers stay in the industry , they will become the long-term customers that spend more down the road .
“ Some of our findings are pointing to the need to establish community ,” he continued . “ I ’ d offer for you to consider how you can create grassroots community around your business . Maybe you just need to provide those customers with local information , local resources so they have a better day on the water . Maybe it ’ s hosting some type of educational event or coordinating meet ups and partnering with other organizations to piggyback off other activities .”
NMMA President and CEO Frank Hugelmeyer said , “ There is a renewed optimism right now in the marine industry , and a hope that the primary driver of the 1.2 trillion-dollar outdoor recreation economy and it ’ s 2.3 percent share of the U . S . GDP will reignite .”
New boat sales in 2024 are expected to be down 10 to 12 percent . “ That puts total unit sales at the same level we were seeing in 2014 , 2015 ,” Hugelmeyer said , addressing that the industry has “ simply corrected ” after record breaking sales during Covid-19 .
And while the industry is coping with high interest rates and inflation , “ Markets responded favorably when President Trump was elected , lifted by the momentum of his pro-business , pro-growth and pro-American manufacturing agenda . This sort of focus should improve consumer confidence .”
Boating Industry walked through the crowded Garmin booth during the boat show .
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