National Marine Manufacturers Association released on April 26, 2019, that new powerboat registrations were up 3.8% year-over-year in the rolling 12-months through February.  Boats 27-foot and greater were up 5.9% during this time frame. Tow boats, personal watercraft and pontoon boats led growth overall and accounted for approximately 50% of new powerboat unit sales.  In the shorter term, 3-month trend through February, which typically only represents approximately 11% of the annual sales, NMMA noted that overall powerboat sales were down 4.8% year-over-year.

Additionally, this Spring, the Palm Beach Boat Show taking place March 28 – 31, reported an attendance increase of 6.7 percent from the previous year. The iconic show featured more than $1.4 billion in boats and accessories and Informa reported that the show attracted very qualified customers as well as people from around the world. Exhibitors praised the show for the crowd attracted and its atmosphere.  The last of the largest boat shows before heading into the boating season, Palm Beach Boat Show showed enthusiasm and momentum for the beginning of spring and leading into summer.