New-boat sales rebounded in October, led by a 43.2-percent increase in PWC sales, according to preliminary data compiled by Statistical Surveys.
Preliminary registration data for October, based on early reporting states, showed an increase of 8 percent for all fiberglass boats, while aluminum sales were up a slight 0.8 percent. The report is based on 25 states, which comprise 51 percent of the U.S. market, including California, Florida, Michigan and Texas.
"October boat sales, while not great, with the exception of PWCs, were encouraging," said Dick DuMont of Statistical Surveys. "Hopefully, the balance of the year will see sales volumes start to recover from a slow 2006."
In addition to the October increase, PWC sales for January to October are up 2.4 percent.
Fiberglass boats, 15 to 30 feet, were up a slight 0.5 percent. However, for 10 months of 2006, sales are still down by 6 percent.
Aluminum boats sales rose 0.8 percent in October. For the year to date, sales are down 0.1 percent, reflecting significant sales increases in Louisiana and Mississippi. DuMont estimates aluminum boats, nationally, will end the year with about a 3 percent decline.
