What Did I Learn At IBEX?
October 13, 2026
Of all the shows that I attend for business, my personal favourite is the IBEX Show because I get to see the latest and greatest new products, before they get built into the boats and long before they wind up for sale at retail.
Although I’m a guy who’s an observer, not a boat builder or a marina owner, I’m like a kid in a candy store walking the aisles at IBEX. I had a great trip, but the question is, what did I learn from being there this year? Well, it’s just my opinion, but I think things are solid going into 2027.
Total sales are down from historic levels but according to Frank Hugelmeyer in his speech at the Industry Breakfast, the U.S. average is about 270,000 units and that was down in 2026 but is likely to recover somewhat in 2027.
A major theme of Frank‘s opening speech was “uncertainty” and I think we all know what that means, but it obviously affects whether people are willing to buy now, or feel that they have to delay a major purchase until later.
It was interesting to me that he mentioned our Canadian Luxury Tax, and the fact that as an industry lead by the Canadian Marine Retail Association, NMMA Canada and with great support from all of our industry trade associations, we were able to get the Luxury Tax removed.
He went on to talk about the NMMA in the U.S. lobbying Congress to go back to the old days of allowing a tax deduction for loan interest on American made boats. That could be a great boost to the industry in America. I’ve often bemoaned the demise of our once vibrant Canadian boat building industry. Yes, we still have a few excellent and successful boat builders, but not many compared to historical times. A tax move like the Americans are pushing for could be an incredible boost to the Canadian industry.
Should we dare to dream about that?
Andy Adams – Editor
