Exhibitors cautiously optimistic for Miami
by Media Services on 9 Feb 2010
MIAMI Show Floor MIAA
Boat dealers at a scaled-down boat show in Miami said there were signs business could pick up in 2010 after a serious sales slump in 2009.
New boat sales across the industry fell 30 percent last year, said Thom Dammrich, president of the National Marine Manufacturers Association, which organizes the Miami International Boat Show, this year 11-15 February.
Dealers said pent-up demand and less competition could help revenues.
'I'm the only boat dealer left on my street. There used to be two others but they left,' said Mike Brown, owner Dusky Marine of Dania Beach, Florida.
Several large manufacturers have also bowed out of the picture, including Genmar and Fountain Powerboats, both of which filed for bankruptcy in 2009.
The Miami boat show will have 175 fewer exhibitors than a year ago, but organizers expect more visitors.
Cathy Rick Joule, who manages the Miami boat show, predicts 100,000 visitors this year, about 4,000 more than in 2009.
More at www.miamiboatshow.com
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