Apr 15, 2025

I see two things to be concerned about right now; the immediate future and the future, a few months from now. Given the remarkable and frenetic pace of global economic changes being driven by the new Trump Tariffs, the immediate future is almost impossible to predict day-to-day, but if we can step back and get a little perspective, we might just see some opportunity in the slightly longer term.

The 24th of May long weekend is still five weeks away and I feel like people are already starting to adjust a bit to the Go-Stop Tariff regime. Certainly, there will be people who are seriously affected but I suspect that a good many people will be able to absorb the initial shock and even see past it to get on with their own plans. Seen in the right perspective, this might even be the best time to buy a new boat.

Last week, the stock market gained some positive momentum as it finished out a punishing week of ups and downs. The big drop was driven by an impending collapse in the bond market and then a sudden rebound came when the president announced a 90-day pause on tariffs. It sure looked like Trump pulled back from the brink just in time. 

Because I’m relentlessly positive, I’m going to hang onto that idea. I’m betting that the economy won’t totally crash and I suggest that for those who can afford a new boat, this spring may be the best time to buy. 

First, there are new boats in stock and some are new non-current models that dealers need to get off their books. Luckily, those same boat builders are offering new 2025 models at significantly higher prices. This gives buyers a strong incentive to buy a new, never used 2024, or even a 2023 if they can find one. Future new models are certain to rise in cost, maybe significantly, when you factor in future tariffs, the rising costs of raw materials, the chronic shortage of  skilled labour to build boats and the effect of tariffs on new finished product.

Another important point to raise with your customers is to ask, what value do they place on their summer fun? How many more summers will there be with family and friends and especially, with grandkids, knowing how fast they grow up and move on to other interests. 

That new boat might just buy you several summers of family cruising, fishing or wake boarding and group fun. It’s hard to put a price on that!

Let’s not let the Grinch steal your summer!

Andy Adams – Editor