WNY boat dealers see lack of inventory as demand increases, work shortages linger
Boat sales grew during the pandemic, both locally and across the nation, as people looked to the water as a way to escape the lockdowns. Author: Heather Ly, WGRZ Staff Published: 4:41 AM EDT April 16, 2021 Updated: 9:19 AM EDT April 16, 2021
GRAND ISLAND, N.Y. There have been a number of shortages throughout the pandemic everything from toilet paper to swimming pools to computer chips.
Now you can add boats to that list.
Boat sales surged in 2020, hitting a 13-year high according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association. Sales of boats and marine products and services totaled $47 billion. That s up 9% from the year before.
Nicole Vasilaros to Depart NMMA
Author:
Apr 15, 2021
Nicole Vasilaros, senior vice president of government and legal affairs at the National Marine Manufacturers Association, is leaving the trade group for a role at Business Roundtable.
Vasilaros will depart after the American Boating Congress, which is scheduled for April 21-22, NMMA
During her 10 years at NMMA, Vasilaros oversaw advocacy work from the state to international levels, heading lobbying, stakeholder engagement and political fundraising efforts. She led the marine industry’s efforts at the Democratic and Republican national conventions, and was a key player in the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable’s maturation.
“Nicole has made a tremendous impact at NMMA and leaves a lasting legacy with countless contributions to the protection and expansion of the recreational boating industry,” NMMA president Frank Hugelmeyer said. “We are grateful for her time at NMMA, and we know she will excel at the Business Roundtabl
Apr 13, 2021
Yuki Muraoka noticed an uptick in the number of recreational anglers visiting his favorite fishing haunts in Tokyo over the past year. Whether alone or with family, those equipped with rods and reels would flock to popular spots along canals flowing into Tokyo Bay and rivers running through the city, such as the Sumida and Arakawa.
“Some bridge pilings see a gathering of over a dozen fishers at a time,” says the sculptor, who took up fishing eight years ago. “If you take a stroll by a river, even at night, you’ll likely see anglers. I’ve also met beginners on their first fishing expeditions.”
Nationwide boat shortage due to people wanting to get outside amidst pandemic
The pandemic is pushing more people to do things outside. And that desire to enjoy the outdoors, is causing a national boat shortage. Share Updated: 10:56 PM CDT Apr 11, 2021
Nationwide boat shortage due to people wanting to get outside amidst pandemic
The pandemic is pushing more people to do things outside. And that desire to enjoy the outdoors, is causing a national boat shortage. Share Updated: 10:56 PM CDT Apr 11, 2021
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Show Transcript WILL THE PANDEMIC IS PUSHING MORE PEOPLE TO DO THINGS OUTSIDE AND THAT DESIRE TO ENJOY THE OUTDOORS IS CAUSING A BOAT SHORTAGE. KETV NEWSWATCH 7’S ABBY PETERSON CAUGHT UP WITH ONE MAN. THAT WAS FORCED TO DRIVE TO ANOTHER STATE TO GET HAYES. IF YOU’RE TRYING TO HIT THE WATER IN A BOAT ANYTIME SOON. YOU’LL PROBABLY BE LEFT ON SHORE UNLESS YOU ALREADY HAVE ONE GOOD AFTER WAITING 27 YEARS TO GET THE BOAT. HE’S ALW
Photos by Katie Fyfe | The Journal Gazette
The Brunswick boat plant on Hadley Road makes more than 20 boats a day. Business has picked throughout the pandemic.
An employee at the local Brunswick plant works on a boat’s steering wheel.
Bon Fleur
Employees of Brunswick Fort Wayne Operations work on making boats on Thursday, March 11th, 2021.
Katie Fyfe | The Journal Gazette
Employees put tarp over a finished boat at Brunswick Fort Wayne Operations on Thursday, March 11th, 2021.
Katie Fyfe | The Journal Gazette
Director of Operations, Erik Bon Fleur, pictured outside of Brunswick Fort Wayne Operations on Thursday, March 11th, 2021.
Katie Fyfe | The Journal Gazette