Overboard Boater

Got some attendance numbers from the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) for the 2010 Miami Boat Show:

91,415 attendees this year. Down from 96,736 in 2009. The numbers, according to the NMMA, are consistent with attendance declines for boat shows so far in 2010. That said, some exhibitors reported significant sales increases over 2009, with some accessory companies reporting 20-30 percent more sales.

Consistent with the unofficial word on the docks. The foot traffic seemed pretty sparse at times but more people seemed serious about buying a boat. Whether the concrete numbers bear out the hopefulness remains to be seen going forward, but at least this year you could hear hints of optimism, a sentiment in short supply in Miami in 2009.

One expected aspect of MIBS 2010, The Great Recession Version, is the scarcity of new models being introduced by the boat companies. One reason for this is understandable–the backlog of inventory left over from the economic meltdown that put people’s plans to buy a boat on hold. You can’t push new until the dealer network clears out the old.

Those willing and able to buy a boat have benefited from this, getting great deals on boats that are essentially brand new but classified as last year’s, or yesteryear’s, models. But that wave may be cresting. A number of builders I spoke with said they have finally sold most of those boats off, with one saying went from have a 120 boat logjam to having fewer than 20 left.

If you’re looking to buy a boat, the lesson here is, strike while the iron is hot. Or if you insist on having the latest and greatest, expect more new builds to start making the scene for 2011.

Mastercraft’s new 25 won an innovation award at the show, but I was still interested in its 30 express cruiser, which debuted last year.

The 30 is in the water this year, having logged 16,000 miles of sea trials. The boat is cool because in a sterndrive world, Mastercraft stays true to the inboards. This one has twin 350-hp Cummins 4.2 QSDs. With a bow thruster and joystick control, it’s got mad maneuverability.

The styling is unique, too. It’s clearly part of the Mastercraft family but it has a European feel. Definitely one of the more intruiging boats I’ve seen at the show.

Groundbreaking news you can only find here.

Taking this photo moments ago is my first official act of the Miami Boat Show. I can live blog this mother straight from my iPhone. Will be shooting grainy phone video, too.

I apologize in advance for typos and accidental autofills. It’s not easy producing real time journalism typing with your thumbs.

The Brunswick CEO, along with the head of the boat group and Mercury Marine, are doing a little pre-Miami Boat Show headline grabbing, by staging a financial news webcast tomorrow, Wednesday the 1oth, at 11am.

If you want to here what the biggest boat company in the world has to say about financials, register for the webast at Brunswick.com by 10:45 am at the latest.