December 9, 2025

I just returned from the 2025 Boating Ontario Conference and Trade Show and I’m feeling comfortable and positive. I spoke to many people during the event and there was no doom and gloom that I encountered. No one was planning to be dancing in the streets either, but there was clearly a level-headed, “we’ve been here before” sort of attitude. I think that’s one of the most valuable reasons to attend events like this.

The workshops were useful and focused. The conversations in the Trade Show and throughout the event, were where attendees got the most valuable “read” on the state of the business. The most frequently heard comment was about “uncertainty”. The next event that offers powerful business guidance to help us deal with uncertainty is the NMMA Canada Annual State of the Industry Breakfast at the Toronto International Boat Show. I am honoured to again be a part of this great event. If you are attending TIBS, register to attend. The information is in this Boating Industry Canada News Week Digest.

I’m feeling that the new year will help us get a clearer picture of the future. Nicole Cervi, Economist at Wells Fargo, is our keynote speaker at the Industry Breakfast. I’m really looking forward to her insights and also to the “feeling” on the show floor as we plan for the spring.

One thing that has been concerning me, is the steadily rising cost of new boats. I understand what is driving that. Consumer excitement over new boat designs, amazing new engines and breath-taking levels of performance are great, but it all costs money. I worry that we are leaving the middle class behind.

The 1950s saw the rise of a powerful middle class who aspired to own luxury items like high-end automobiles and boats. The post-war economy was driving that boom but I’m feeling that the middle class is now falling back.

Expressions of “luxury” were clear and easily understood in the 1950s and 1960s. It was a nice house, a Cadillac or a Lincoln in the driveway and a new boat at the dock.

What expresses “luxury” now? Waterfront property was always a luxury but those prices are dramatically up, (and maybe declining now). Will we lose the tail-wind of inflating real estate values?

At the same time, several people at the Boating Ontario Conference spoke to me about the Baby-Boom generation being in decline. That generation had a clear understanding of what expressed luxury but as the “Boomers” age-out, the expressions of luxury may seem unattainable to the next generations.

Do you share my concern? I look forward to seeing you at the Toronto show and I would value your thoughts on our future.

Andy Adams – Editor