Boats, marine and boating trends

TORONTO, February 8, 2007— The 49th edition of the Toronto International Boat Show hit the ground running with the busiest opening weekend the show has seen in years. Overall attendance for the show was 90,270, an increase of three percent from 2006 (88,053), yielding an eight percent increase over the average of the past three years’ shows. Dealers across the board reported strong sales, indicating the upcoming year will be a profitable one for the Canadian boating business.

In fact, sales were so good for Surfango that president Peter Van Dalen is quitting his day job to focus all of his efforts on his new line of products. “Response was way beyond our wildest dreams,” said Van Dalen. “We completed our three-year business plan in nine days. We sold 25 units during the show, but more importantly we signed up dealers across the country and expect to sell up to 1,000 units this year. Our original goal was 500 units.”

Surfango manufactures a motorized surfboard and a motorized kayak that were hits at the Mariner’s Marketplace.

Gary Poole, co-owner of Buckeye Marine (dealer for Regal, Chaparral, Princecraft and Mastercraft), was equally impressed with the 2007 Toronto Boat Show, particularly the strong opening weekend. “Typically, we have a gradual build over the course of the show,” said Poole. “But this year we had a remarkable opening, including the first Monday when we had the snow storm. We sold seven units that day alone. We expect to surpass last year’s unit sales of 52 by at least eight units and anticipate selling 100 units before the season begins.”

Building on last year’s debut of both power and sail, Angus Yachts (dealer for Hunter, Jeanneau, Cruisers and Mainship), experienced the company’s best-ever Toronto International Boat Show. “We deal with quite a sophisticated buyer and, complementing our excellent staff, the setting and overall situation this year of both the sail and trawler sections contributed greatly to what should end up being approximately 40 to 60 percent of our year’s revenue in 2007,” said Al Patterson, president.

According to Dave Mayhew, president of the Boat Warehouse (dealer for Four Winns and Silverton), the 2007 Toronto Boat Show showed a substantial increase in foot traffic. “It was definitely busier this year,” said Mayhew. “We saw lots more families at this year’s show, which is a good thing for the boating industry. Overall, our unit sales were up compared to 2006.”

Jeff Barnes, director of marketing for the Pride Marine Group (dealer for Crownline, Correct Craft, Nautique, Edgewater, Bennington, Donzi, Pursuit and Mariah), credits the Toronto Boat Show management and staff for creating another successful show. “They did an excellent job at creating an environment where visitors to the show were ready to buy, not just ready to browse,” said Barnes. “We noticed that foot traffic was up, but more importantly a substantial percentage of that traffic were genuinely interested in making a purchase.”

Similar success was echoed by George Bond from Nautical Footwear, who was attending his 15th annual show. “The first Saturday was the biggest single day we’ve ever had at any Toronto Boat Show,” he said. “I had an inkling this year that with no snow (and hence, no skiers up north) attendance would be up, so I brought in 20 percent more inventory than ever before—and I’m pleased to say that it’s almost all gone.”

The Dock Shoppe’s Mike Pecar said despite heavy competition in the marine supplies marketplace, the second Saturday of the show was stellar and overall was extremely effective in moving product. “We’ve sold well over 100 of our new Key Buoy chains and, of course, our Croc shoes have just taken off this year.”

Toronto Boat Show veteran Morten Fogh also experienced strong sales results across his broad lines of both retail and craft. In his 21st show, Morten felt show attendees were in a positive mood and no signs of economic downturn were evident. “This was a record year for Fogh Marine in terms of units sold, making it two years in a row we’ve hit new highs. We’re especially pleased with Hobie Cat, as we sell more here at the Toronto show than the Oceanside, California-based company sells at any other show in North America.”

On the other hand, it wasn’t just boat show veterans that enjoyed superior sales performance at the 2007 edition. Cassandra McAlpine was on hand for her first show and, representing Lakefield’s Douro Marine, enjoyed great success selling their new line of Grand inflatables. “I think the show is fabulous for what it offers families, and especially the kids,” she said in reference to the popular children’s fishpond and boat-building destinations. “The final Saturday was a record day for us, and the opening Friday charity night was also the best one we’ve ever had. Plus, it’s a great cause.”

Another first-time exhibitor, Ottawa-based Odin Marine, made an impression at the Toronto International Boat Show. Bernie Benovitch, Canadian distributor for Odin, brought an exciting new product to the show—the Odin 820, Canada's 28-foot powersailer—and he was very happy with the results. “With this being our first time at the show, we had a very good response from qualified buyers.”

In light of exhibitors’ comments and the overall show results, assistant show manager Cynthia Hare said, “For the past few years, the show has been very focused on a strategic plan to grow quality attendance and improve the retail environment. Together with our marketing team, show committee and exhibitors, this unified effort has produced strong results, with very good sales and leads. We’re extremely pleased with the outcome for the manufacturers and dealers in the Toronto Show.”

Next year, the show reaches a new milestone: Its 50th anniversary. The 2008 Toronto International Boat Show will take place January 11- 20, 2008. For show information, visit torontoboatshow.com or call (905) 951-0009.

The Toronto International Boat Show is produced by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), the world’s largest producer of boat shows. NMMA is the leading association representing the recreational boating industry in North America. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters and anglers in Canada and the United States.

The Toronto Boat Show is a proud member of the International Federation of Boat Show Organizers (IFBSO), a prestigious organization of recreational marine event organizers who provide a forum for the worldwide exchange of ideas and global cooperation.

Source: National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA)