Industry News: Top tends for 2024

With the 2024 season fast approaching, excitement fills the air as innovations percolate throughout the industry. Here are some of the hottest trends – and new challenges – facing recreational boating today.

• Big vs. Small Boat Sales: Crowds at 2023 boat shows were solid, yet most sales involved large, expensive yachts purchased by boaters paying with cash as opposed to financing. While the big boat market is red hot, it is quite a different ballgame in the sub-30 foot category. Since most boats in this size range are financed, and consumers have been spooked by incessant media coverage over interest rates, the small boat segment has widely become a buyer’s market.

• Inventory Pipeline: The simple fact is that with interest rates dampening sales, there is still far more 2023 inventory in the pipeline right now than anyone would care to see. The top priority for dealers exhibiting at this winter’s boat shows will be to get rid of it – especially since they are now paying higher interest rates on said inventory. If you are serious about getting a new boat, this is the time to get out there and haggle. Dealers and builders alike are beyond motivated.

• Technological Advancements: Developments in marine technology are sure to change the recreational boating experience for years to come. Among these is on-board software that leverages cameras, GPS and lidar to dock your vessel for you at the push of a button. Gensets will soon be history for day boats and cruisers under 40 feet as lithium-ion battery packs and inverters render them largely obsolete. Advances in battery technology and electric motor design are making electric boats a viable option for a wider range of vessel sizes.

• New Boating Regulations: There has been talk as of late with regards to boating regulations on the East Coast and Gulf of Mexico, specifically the NOAA recommendation to have slow-speed zones in coastal areas to protect the Atlantic right whale. It remains a hot topic with many in the industry concerned about the potential negative impacts on recreational boating.

Reminder: Join us for monthly service seminars starting tomorrow

Haven Harbour Yacht Services' Erik Lostrom will be leading educational seminars beginning tomorrow. These sessions will be held from 9:00 a.m.–12:00 noon at Haven Harbour South and are free and open to roughly 35 attendees per class on a first come, first served basis. Seminar topics and their corresponding dates are as follows:

Saturday, Jan. 20 (Session I) – Engines, drivetrains and running gear. Guest speakers to include Haven Harbour Yacht Services' Hank Middleton and Mike Cichocki.

Saturday, Feb. 17 (Session II) – Charging systems, solar, wind and genset battery technology.

Saturday, March 16 (Session III) – Coatings, caulks, fasteners and fiberglass.



Interested in staying the night before or after your seminar? Call to book the Inn at Haven Harbour and receive 20%-off your stay. Seminar discount available to session attendees only, and may not be applied to existing reservations.