Jan 21, 2025

But, go where? That’s what everyone seems to be uncertain about. Yesterday, Donald Trump was inaugurated as the President of the United States for the second time and it sounds like he is much more prepared this time. He may clear up a lot of the uncertainty pretty fast as he puts through an historic number of Executive Orders.

Immigration will be a top target and possibly, tariffs will be too. But will the tariffs be on everyone? On China? Mexico? Canada? It’s more uncertainty right now. Every country will be planning a response, as best they can, given that they don’t yet know what they are responding to. The U.S. boating press has written about how even in their home market, uncertainty is a significant drag on boat sales. I expect that’s at least equally true here. Are you feeling that from your customers?

Even people with lots of disposable income seem hesitant to pull the trigger.

This past weekend, the Toronto International Boat Show opened and the show floor is packed including several boat brands I have never seen before. It’s a bright and great-looking show. I suspect that the Vancouver show in just a few weeks will look just as good. Boating is putting up a brave face right now.

I think that is exactly what we should be doing. We deal with smart and successful people. Regardless of what happens as the new U.S. Administration comes in, there will be winners – we always see that.

As always, summer is coming. That always lifts everyone’s spirits and a new boat is an exciting boost. I think that if we wade into this market uncertainty, we will find buyers.

Another thing that I’m feeling positive about is that NOAA has withdrawn the North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction rule. That will help anyone taking a boat up or down the coast. I’m very positive about protecting our environment, but we need smart and long-term ideas on how to make things better.

I guess that’s a way of saying that I’d really like to see some smart and well-founded thinking from our leaders to guide us through this time of high uncertainty.

Will we get that?

Andy Adams – Editor