It's amazing how much shrink wrap is still up on the 4th of July weekend. I thinks it's the perfect storm for boating.
High gas prices (some hangover from last year)
Bad economy (9.5 % unemployment)
Bad weather (rainiest spring I can remember)
General anti-boating vibe (it's not green, and more NH specific, it's dangerous)
I can cost $1000 to dewinterize and launch a medium boat, then add in slip fees, fuel and re-winterizing in 4 months.
A lot of people just don't have the money, or have it but are afraid to spend it.
I bet when we look back at it, the number of people boating, decreases over 2008-2012. There are lots of used boats for sale, and all the new boat builders have stopped or slowed building. This won't change until people have reason to believe things will be better.
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