Australian motor yacht manufacturer, Maritimo’s team in the Americas reports that in the past six weeks the market for both new and pre-owned boats in the region has experienced a resurgence in activity as they see sales and enquiry beginning to eclipse pre-Covid-19 levels.
Maritimo’s Americas’ President, Dave Northrop, said across the board dealers have experienced building enquiry rates and many had only a limited amount of stock inventory available.
“The market has improved and is only growing in strength, as boat buyers see boating as the perfect investment for time away with their families ” he said.
“Considering the environment where the major boat shows are cancelled – we are experiencing sales levels that are extremely positive,” he said.
“Talking to my colleagues who are experiencing the same high levels of sales we are all in agreement on what is driving the increase in interest.
“During the Covid-19 inspired lock-downs and restrictions the group of people who have not had a boat before have started to looking at boating as a safe and enjoyable way to spend with their families.
“And those already with a boat have been spending more time on their vessels and have started to look to upgrade to something bigger or newer. “Many people have been tired of being confined to their homes amidst social distancing restrictions and with international travel off the agenda for the foreseeable future they are looking at boating as a safe and enjoyable alternative.”
Northrop said enquiries for new Maritimo’s were above pre Covid-19 levels.
He said with boat show cancellations Maritimo’s company employed team in the Americas were adopting marketing strategies which saw them showcasing boats with smaller VIP events and showings for targeted customers around various cities and ports.
“Our promotional mantra has been ‘don’t worry about boat shows being cancelled we will bring the boats to you’,” he said.
He said the Maritmo range had broad appeal to the region with the climate controlled flybridge models being particularly popular.
“Maritimo has always had a strong following in the Americas and our brand recognition increases year on year,” he said.
“Buyers recognize the exceptional seakeeping capability of the models in our range and married up with the design quality and superior build we offer a unique package compared to the competition.”
