// MARKET TRENDS
“ Those who have angled all their lives, generation after generation.” These are Generation X and Baby Boomer buyers, roughly 73 percent of the market identified by Lightspeed.
But he noted Lund’ s entry level boats, in the 16-foot range, appeal to new boaters and families who want a reasonably priced way to get on the water. While shoppers have shown consistent demand for these price-point boats, they also desire onboard electronics and are willing to pay.
“ The introduction of key technologies has opened up boating for a totally different audience,” said Scholz.“ We have customers buying a 42-foot Outrage and it’ s the first boat they’ ve ever owned.”
Increasing technology
Both Boston Whaler and Lund emphasized the role technology plays in expanding their customer base. Scholz noted that intuitive systems like joystick piloting and digital dashboards are bringing in first-time boaters.
“ The displays are getting bigger and bigger,” he said.“ The amount of data you can have on the dash continues to increase. With those more advanced screens, it brings a whole other level of boat control. Through a digital network, you can have control of your entire vessel now straight from the dash.”
He emphasized that connectivity is important across all boat sizes. For smaller models, digital engines enable users to access performance data on their phones. On larger boats, integrated systems allow owners to remotely monitor and control features like air conditioning and freezer plates, readying their boat before they step on the dock.
“ Connectivity has a huge part to play in our service experience that we have yet to fully tap into,” Scholz added, pointing to the potential for usage-based service prompts and remote diagnostics.
For Lund, advancements in fishing-specific features, like sonar integration and intuitive controls, enhance the fishing and boating experience. This technology enables confidence on the water and helps retain customers by making boating less intimidating.
“ With forward facing sonar and the larger multifunction displays, manufacturers are trying to clear up the console space,” Johnston said.“ You really compress what’ s on the dash itself, switch panels and gauges, into small clusters so you can have a flat console top for two multifunction displays side by side. You’ ve also seen the bow of the boat become much more important. Customers are putting locaters and displays on the bow.”
Lund carries these flat top consoles down to entry level models. And through design, the company enables the technology that consumers want to be installed and integrated in its boats.“ Whether it’ s wireless phone chargers, which everyone comes to expect, Bluetooth connectivity, utilizing mapping software and creating custom maps and integrating that with phone and app-based software,” he explained.“ As a manufacturer, we’ ve got to make sure there’ s space onboard and electrical systems available to make that installation efficient and effective.”
Fishing boats like Lund ' s Impact lineup are more connected than ever, thanks to digital engines and integrated tech that keep anglers in control and informed.
Boston Whaler ' s Vantage line is designed for fishing, cruising, and watersports, offering the space needed to host family and friends.
Because on-board technology is increasing, Lund boats are built to support the installation and integration of this demanded tech.
www. boatingindustry. com may 2025
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