Although 2007 was a tough year for both powerboat and sailboat builders, sailboats are weathering the tough times better than powerboats. While powerboat sales dropped a painful 13 percent last year in terms of unit sales—and 10 per cent in dollar terms—the sailboat industry was only 5 percent down in unit sales, a better performance than in 2006, when production fell 7 percent.

Boat sales have been declining since 2000. With their smaller volumes and hence lesser inventory, sailboat builders have not felt the pinch as much as powerboat companies. Last month Sea Ray laid off 350 workers.

 

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