|

SECOND WAVE DATA – BOATING INDUSTRY CANADA BUSINESS IMPACT SURVEY

Boating Industry Canada

 

May 4, 2020

By Andy Adams

Thank you to the 200 readers who have responded to the Second Wave of research that Boating Industry Canada sent out May 1. We have again surveyed the recreational boating stakeholders in Canada on the business impact brought on by the current COVID -19 situation. 

The Second Wave results again give a broad perspective with all segments represented from right across Canada. With the concentration of the industry in Ontario, that province again led in overall responses at 68.5% followed by British Columbia at 18.5% and then Quebec at 7%. Remember when considering the Quebec number, that News Week is only in English.

All major firms were represented across the broader segments of Dealers and Retail. Wholesaler distribution , and Marinas and related suppliers.  Respondents were asked to classify themselves in a tighter view resulting  in 44.22% of the response coming  from the marine dealer dealers compared to 47% in the First Wave data from April 20. This time 82.4% of the respondents were in the owner or management Job function compared to 81% on the First Wave.

Table 1:  Profile of the responses by segment in detail, May 1 Survey

Table 1

The Second Wave responses come from a relatively similar profile of respondents so it seems that Wave 1 and Wave 2 can be compared fairly closely.

Clearly the impact of the provincially mandated responses continue to impact sales. Second Wave responses have 65% of the industry indicating a loss of 30% of sales compared to 70% in the First Wave. In the past two weeks, there may have been an increase in sales as we hopefully move closer to a season opening.

Table 2: How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted your sales?

Table 2

One of key findings and insights is evidenced by what business actions firms have taken in response to COVID -19. Personnel and staff layoffs were at 45% in the First Wave and these have risen to 49.5% in the Second Wave. Tied to that, we now see that 55.6% have tried to take advantage of the Government subsidy, loans of emergency relief programs. We see that 40.8% have shorter hours, 43.3% are taking orders online and 50.5% are have implemented delivery and drop off protocols. 

Table 3: The Boating industry actions to date

Table 3

We asked if the current situation is affecting the supply chains in the industry and that reply has edged up from a 65% to 67.7% response that respondents are experiencing supplier and material disruptions.

A balanced reaction about clients asking for deferred payments continues to be evenly split across the country.

This Wave brought fewer open comments. Still, these need to be read and considered before we report. Overall, a fast scan suggests that there were fewer really dire comments and this maybe because we are closer to a season opening. Some customers may be sending orders and making payments to help the cash flow crunch that many may have experienced two weeks ago.

Differing provincial requirements (and in some cases differing municipal regulations as well) may be a positive factor as some boats are now in the water in Quebec and Ontario while boats are generally launched in BC.

There is no doubt this has rocked our industry and the amazing, relentless efforts by all the boating associations across Canada, have gone a long way to supporting this industry and making our needs heard at the various government levels.

Next week, we will have crunched the open comments for more insights and will report in News Week May 12. For now, we want to again express our appreciation to all those people who took the time to answer this survey.

Related Posts





Vote for Dorothy, BC’s Iconic Sailing Yacht, in the Classic Boat Awards 2024

CMRA

You are invited to support an historic, recently restored and refitted BC sailboat, Dorothy, by voting for her in a contest, the Classic Boat Awards 2024, run by the UK’s prestigious Classic Boat Magazine. The Maritime Museum of BC (MMBC), owner of this sleek, wooden vessel built in 1897, believes she’s the oldest sailboat in Canada. As she isn’t the only classic yacht in the running, you’re urged to go online and vote for her in the category of Restored Sailing Vessel under 40ft.

Read More




Need to Catch up on News This Week?

Every Tuesday we publish a fresh Digest with informative articles pertaining to the Canadian boating and marine industry. Stay up to date with the latest products, research and industry developments.

Missed an Issue of Boating Industry Canada News Week? If you’re looking for a specific issue, or simply want to catch up on previous issues, check out our Boating Industry Canada News Week Archives.

Not signed up for News Week? Subscribe here.



Even more BALIs at BALI

CATANA GROUP launches its 14th BALI CATAMARANS model, the BALI 5.8, for the brand’s 10th anniversary! Always bigger, always more powerful, always more… BALI!

This time, the new BALI 5.8 is completing the range from the top down.

Read More


Water heater offers dynamic heat source choices

Hubbell-Marine Stainless steel outlet covers
Hubbell-Marine Stainless steel outlet covers

After a long day on the water, having ample supplies of hot water for multiple showers and meal preparation is a welcome luxury. The 1700 Series Marine Water Heater from Raritan Engineering was created specifically for marine use. With a proven long-life design, it’s available with a 115V AC or 240V AC heating element, and the option to include an innovative heat exchanger that uses the vessel’s hot engine coolant.

Read More