It Takes Two to Tango The boom in boat sales weâre enjoying is a result of the combined efforts of the National Marine Manufacturers Association and the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation. Author: Feb 25, 2021 When the pandemic hit a year ago, with boat plants shutting down and dealerships closing, anyone who would have predicted the subsequent increase in boat sales would’ve been asked, What are you smokin’? Some might believe it was dumb luck that Covid-19 triggered the CDC’s recommendations to get outdoors and recreate. There’s no question that played a role. But why would people think of boats? What drew so many first-timers to dealerships, draining inventories?