U.S. market refloats

A stalwart of the marine industry in the USA who recently visited his colleagues at the Gold Coast’s Maritimo plant said there were 'green shoots of growth' becoming evident in the American luxury boating sector post the global financial crisis.

President of Maritimo USA, Dave Northrop, who oversees 10 Maritimo dealerships in the US and Canada said the market is starting to rebound.

"The just-released September New-Sales Registrations results for boats from the US Statistical Surveys shows that sales surged 20 per cent this year over the September period 2010," he said.

"This is consistent with other USA industry data reflecting a steady increase in activity during the second half of 2011 and an upward trend in overall luxury cruiser sales for the first time in 10 years.

"The ‘Help Wanted’ signs are going out again at plants across the country and our dealers are reporting increased interest and activity.

"I believe we may have turned the corner," Mr Northrop added.

Industry trend projections show that across all boating segments total boat sales are tipped to increase with double digit annual growth expected.

Northrop said these positive signs painted a bright picture for the Miami International Boat Show to be held in February next year.

Maritimo Marketing Director Luke Durman said the manufacturer had mounted a concerted campaign to gain market share in the USA in the past 18 months.

"Under Dave’s guidance we established a very sound dealer network and our product has been well received by the market place," he said.

"At Miami we will have a significant display including the C50 IPS Sports Cabriolet, an M48 Cruising Motor Yacht and a 440."

Dave Northrop was on the Gold Coast for a week recently discussing with the local Maritimo and Mustang team new product releases and design improvements.

He said the increased positivity was evident at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show and he expected Miami to be similarly strong.