Newport International Boat Show Sees Increase in Exhibitors, Attendance and Buyer Optimism
The Newport International Boat Show in Newport, Rhode Island, returned this year with a noticeably brighter atmosphere as dealers and visitors alike expressed renewed optimism about the marine market. Held Sept. 17-20 along the scenic Newport waterfront, the four-day exhibition drew more than 650 exhibitors and showcased over 500 boats ranging from 16 to 92 feet.
Attendance rose by more than 12 percent compared with the previous year, with show director Nancy Piffard reporting approximately 40,000 visitors versus about 30,000 the prior year. Piffard attributed part of the turnout to unseasonably sunny weather, which tends to encourage boaters, families and prospective buyers to spend more time exploring boats, gear and services on display. “Best of all, some dealers sold boats,” she said, summarizing the overall sentiment among exhibitors.
Many visitors arrived with practical goals—some looking to buy new vessels, others to update electronics and accessories. Karen Sumner of Falmouth, Maine, for example, explained that after selling her Saga 43 a few years ago and spending time chartering a Sabre 402, she and her husband are now ready to return to sailing. “We haven’t found anything that has caught our interest at this show, but we’ll probably be looking to purchase in the near future,” Sumner said, reflecting the cautious but renewed interest among buyers.
Local boat owners also found value at the show for upgrades rather than full replacement. Eric and Sydney Fisher from Jamestown, R.I., came aboard their 1995 36-foot Catalina, which they’ve owned for five years, to shop for accessories and electronics. “Some of these newer models are intriguing, but we’re thinking about just updating her smaller electronics, such as the VHF,” Eric said. Sydney noted the show’s friendly atmosphere and non-aggressive sales approach, adding that while they might someday trade up, the Catalina still meets their needs for now.
Piffard said she hopes the buoyancy observed at Newport will carry into the fall boat shows and beyond. After more than a year of financial conservatism among many consumers, she believes buyers who are in a position to spend are now doing so more confidently. That cautious optimism was echoed by several industry professionals who spoke during opening-day events and press briefings.
Steve Anderson, president of J&J Marine of Somerset, Massachusetts, told attendees that the industry is beginning to show signs of recovery and that Americans continue to desire quality boats and marine experiences. “We are starting to see a slight uptick,” Anderson said, capturing the hopeful tone adopted by many dealers at Newport. Brokers and dealers reported tangible results at the show: Peter Galvin, a certified professional yacht broker with Eastern Yacht Sales in Hingham, Massachusetts, confirmed the sale of three new boats—a Mainship Pilot 34, a Jeanneau 36i and a Catalina 309—during the event.
Michael Myers, owner of Boston Yacht Sales in Weymouth, Mass., which represents brands such as Back Cove, Hatteras and Sabre, described the show as the company’s best experience to date. Posting about the event on the company’s Facebook page, Myers noted strong buyer enthusiasm and left the show with three confirmed orders and a long list of promising leads to follow up on.
Overall, the Newport International Boat Show this year combined solid exhibitor participation, healthy attendance gains and a perceptible pick-up in buyer interest. The mix of new and pre-owned boats on display, along with a wide selection of electronics, accessories and marine services, provided something for long-time boaters, newcomers and industry professionals. As dealers continue to gauge demand at fall events and into the next boating season, the positive indicators from Newport offer hope that the marine market may be stabilizing and preparing for gradual improvement.
This article originally appeared in the New England Home Waters Section of the December 2009 issue.