Larry Berryman, director of the Miami International Boat Show, opened the annual Industry Breakfast yesterday and handed the podium to Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner, who thanked organizers and exhibitors for hosting the show “in our great city.”
The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation was the sponsor of this year’s Industry Breakfast, and president Dave Chanda provided an update on the organization’s initiatives.
“We lost 12 million anglers in 2022, so it’s time to refocus and recapture those individuals,” Chanda said. “The good news is we welcomed 5.1 million Hispanic boaters, and participation among African Americans is up 8.2%. Since 2022, fishing by first-time anglers is up 10%, and 2 million anglers returned to the sport during that time.”
The organization is furthering its “Find Your Best Self” campaign, which launched in early 2023 in an effort not only to recapture anglers who have dropped out, but also to enlist newcomers to the sport. It features social media posts and videos targeted toward men and women.
“A 10% increase in the number of female anglers would mean a $1 billion return for the sportfishing industry,” Chanda added. “This is a critically important demographic.”
NMMA president and CEO Frank Hugelmeyer delivered the State of the Recreational Boating Industry address.
“There is plenty of credit available in the market, but high interest rates are an area of caution,” Hugelmeyer said. “Other headwinds include slower housing starts, fuel prices and consumer net worth and debt.”
New powerboat unit sales continue to slide but remain above the 239,000-unit-per-year average. “All unit sales by category were down in 2023 except personal watercraft,” Hugelmeyer said. “That segment continues to highlight the importance of affordable, accessible boats. This category was up 15% year-over-year in 2023.”
NMMA estimates that new-boat unit sales will decline to 269,000 in 2023 with 898,000 preowned vessels being sold. It projects further slippage in 2024, with 272,000 new-boat unit sales and 853,000 preowned transactions.
Hugelmeyer also addressed advocacy issues, highlighting the continuing work NMMA and its partners are doing to fight the NOAA’s proposed right whale speed restrictions, which would restrict boats 35 feet and larger to speeds of 10 knots along much of the Eastern Seaboard for several months of the year.
“We’re continuing to work with legislators and regulators to ensure the proposed restrictions do not take place,” Hugelmeyer said. “We know that the vast majority of fatal right whale strikes involve boats larger than 250 feet, not the 35-foot-and-over vessels the restrictions target.”
He also highlighted the work the association is doing to fight retaliatory and other tariffs that affect all areas of the industry. “We will continue to fight these tariffs and work with the countries we rely on to support the manufacturing in our industry.”
Lastly, Hugelmeyer introduced retired Major League Baseball outfielder Gary Sheffield, the organization’s latest brand ambassador. “I’ve been fishing since I was a kid and used to go out with my dad in Tampa,” he said. “I’m happy to be able to help introduce more people to boating, which has been such a great lifestyle for me.”
Darren Vaux, president of the International Council of Marine Industry Associations, briefed the industry on the Pathways to Propulsion Decarbonization report the association released in partnership with NMMA at Metstrade last year.
“Boating matters,” Vaux said. “What we do, what you do, affects people. Boating enriches people’s lives, but we have to be responsible.
“Countries from around the world agreed in Paris in 2016 to a 43% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030,” he added. “We are currently not on track to achieve this goal.”
Vaux explained that even though boats are durable products that last between 30 and 50 years and beyond, and that most are used less than 50 hours per year, that most of a vessel’s carbon impact is wrapped up in its production, before it is even used by an owner.
“Given all the facts and the short amount of time we have to meet our goals, we concluded that the use of sustainable fuels is the best way for our industry to meet its decarbonization goals,” Vaux said. “Whether it’s drop-in fuels, hydrogen [fuel cells and primary fuel] or other alternatives, we know this is how we will move forward and achieve these goals. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but this is the way forward.”
Soundings Trade Only Group vice president and general manager Michele Goldsmith was presented with NMMA’s Alan J. Freedman Memorial Leadership Award, which recognizes individuals who’ve made outstanding contributions to the marine accessories industry through leadership, creativity and personal motivation.
“Throughout her career, Michele has had the unique ability to connect people and ideas. Her passion, vision and dedication are matched with a tireless commitment to bettering the marine industry,” said Steve Tilders, nominator and sales director for Xylem. “It is an honor to present Michele Goldsmith with this well-deserved recognition, and we hope she continues to inspire and empower future generations of marine industry professionals for years to come.”
In 2018, Goldsmith joined Active Interest Media as publisher of Soundings Trade Only and in 2023 was named vice president and general manager of the Soundings Trade Only Group. During her tenure with AIM, she has pioneered programs and event series, including “Pitch the Pros,” “Women in the Industry” and the “1+1 Mentoring Program.”
Correct Craft president and CEO Bill Yeargin presented the Charles Fredric Chapman Award to industry innovator Dave Livingston, co-owner of Fluid Motion and its head of design and product development.
Livingston’s career spans more than 60 years and has helped shape the boating industry with his contributions to product innovations and spearheading pivotal company growth.
Livingston has collaborated with numerous manufacturers, including Livingston, Reinell, Bayliner, Maxum, Buccaneer, US Yacht, Trophy, Arriva, Cobra, Ski Challenger, Blue Fin, Quantum, Ranger Boat Co., Martini, Solara, Ranger Tugs, Cutwater, Force Outboards, Escort Trailers, Fountain, Wellcraft and Regal.
NMMA also announced 62 recipients of the 2023 Marine Industry Customer Satisfaction Index Awards, which honor boat and engine manufacturers who actively measure customer satisfaction and pursue continuous improvement to better serve their customers. Award recipients achieved an independently measured standard of excellence of 90% or higher in customer satisfaction during the past program year, based on information provided by customers purchasing a new boat or engine between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2023.
Click here for the full results.
Rounding out the morning, NMMA and Boating Writers International honored 13 recipients and two honorable mentions with the 2024 Miami Innovation Awards. The awards recognize manufacturers and suppliers who bring new, innovative products to market.
The judging committee comprised eight BWI members who perform product testing throughout the year and have specific expertise in products and equipment. The committee included Ben Stein (chair), Tim Murphy (co-chair), Kelsey Bonham, Kevin Falvey, Alan Jones, Adam Quandt, Gary Reich and Tony Esposito.
Click here for the full results.
The Miami International Boat Show continues through Feb. 18. The Feb. 19 Trade Only Today e-newsletter will include a final report on the five-day show.
