Boat Sales Skyrocket as Baby Boomers Increase Leisure Activity

(EMAILWIRE.COM, May 15, 2007 ) Cedar Park, TX -- The number of baby boomers nearing retirement has increased, and as they are spending more time on leisure pursuits, the number of boat sales has skyrocketed, resulting in a significant and positive impact on the boating industry.The baby boomer generation, comprised of approximately 80 million North Americans born between the years of 1946 and 1964, represent a sizable portion of the consuming public, and their spending habits and lifestyle, have by sheer numbers, had a powerful influence on the economy. A big retirement spike is expected in the next couple of years as the first wave of the baby boomer generation start retiring. They will have both the time and the money to spend on hobbies, recreation, and all types of leisure activities including boating.According to industry experts, what makes baby boomers different from previous aging generations is that they see themselves as being younger than they really are. They have great enthusiasm for the future and generally plan to be as active in retirement as they were during their working lives. These retirees are a marketer’s delight - a huge demographic eager to try new experiences with plenty of money to spend. In the past, acquiring the ‘Big Toy” was most often associated with aging, older males and was deemed as financially foolish; however, this is no longer the case. While it hits some baby boomers sooner and harder than others, the yearning for a tangible reward for years of sweat and sacrifice is no longer seen as frivolous. Boomers, both male and female, feel that they deserve the objects of their desire. For some, a nice fishing rod will do, but others want something truly big: an expensive car, a large motor home, or a boat. Demographers have discovered that baby boomers like toys in all forms and that they also want the best conveniences available to support their lifestyle. Colleen Vassos, owner of Wedgewood Marine & Recreation (http://www.wedgewoodmarina.com) a busy full-service marina on Twelve-Mile Lake in the Haliburton Highlands, has seen a sharp increase in Canadian boat sales to older customers. Wedgewood Marine is one of the area’s largest marine dealers representing manufacturers such as Yamaha Outboards & Wave Runners, Mercury/MerCruiser, Volvo Penta, Starcraft Runabouts, Pontoons, as well as Deck Boats, Fishing Boats, and Grew Boats, utility boats, and pedal boats. “Over the last couple of years, Haliburton has seen a dramatic increase in the number of people who have retired to the area. Haliburton has hundreds of beautiful lakes and rivers, and retirees are moving here in droves to enjoy a relaxed life-style with all the recreational opportunities that living by the lake affords. Naturally, people who live by the water want a boat. We don’t just sell boats and boat accessories at Wedgewood Marine, we offer our customers full service for their boats, including repair and storage. Our older cliental appreciate the convenience of having someone else do all the work. Our customers can buy with confidence and boat with satisfaction,” states Vassos. Canada’s boating market is strong, reports the International Boat Industry. Bolstered by a solid economy and steady consumer demand, Canada’s $11.5 billion dollar boating market has rarely looked healthier with boat sales up every year over the past few years. According to the Canadian Marine Manufacturers Association, every indication points to continued long-term growth in manufacturing as well. Canadian boat and accessory manufacturers are almost universally reporting solid sales, with many experiencing double-digit sales increases in 2006. By representing approximately 50 percent of all discretionary spending in Canada, baby boomers will continue to drive boat sales in the years to come. To learn more about Wedgewood Marine and Recreation’s outdoor motorized recreational vehicles that they sell or rent, or additional services that they offer, please go to Wedgewood Marine and Recreation or call Colleen and Robert Vassos at 1-888-462-6286.###This press release was issued through GroupWeb EmailWire.Com. For more information on press release distribution, go to http://www.emailwire.com.

Kevin Dill

hillaryalane@yahoo.com