Yesterday was spent helping out some friends up in Laconia NH near Lake Winnipesaukee.
The Lake is in central NH and was formed by the glaciers back when they retreated from New England.
It's a huge tourist area surrounded by camp sites to multi-million dollar homes. Boating ranges from
paddle boards to cigarette boats. One of the guys that was helping out works for a boat dealer
that sells ski boat and cruisers. I inquired as to how busy they were. His response:
"I've sold 43 boats already, all over $100,000 and all cash sales" " we can't keep up"
Me: "Holy shit"
Him "Ya, I don't get it and I have no idea where all this money is coming from"
I am surprised when I here this type of comment regarding boats, and also RV's. I have read that
the RV's are a hot commodity and sales are crazy. Now add in the real estate boom where houses are
selling for more than asking and there are bidding wars. A couple weeks ago there was an open house
for a home that is down the street. It sits on 4 acres , is rather dated and the yard is filled with old junk
all around the garage.
There must have been 20 cars lining the side of the road at 4:30pm on a Wednesday when I drove by.
Going back to the boat sales this year. The local news had this story that I read this morning. It confirms
the boat craze which will be even more expensive a hobby with gas prices going up.
LACONIA, N.H. —
New Hampshire marinas are reaping the benefits from a nationwide
boom in boat sales.
Boat interest and purchases have increased since the beginning of
the pandemic when vacation destinations changed for the summer.
Sales at Winni Marine in Laconia reflect the national phenomenon.
Executive Director Julie Marsh said these sales remained steady
through last summer, the winter and this spring.
"Typically this time of year, we should have a stock of about
150. Currently, we have 2," Marsh said. "We do have a lot
more scheduled for the summer."
Marsh said people want to enjoy the Lakes Region.
"They're not traveling, and boating is a great
social-distanced activity," Marsh said.
The same pattern is occurring at Meredith Marina, with orders
coming in "non-stop."
Sales Manager Travis Williams said the marina has just four boats
left for 2021 and is switching to focus on next year's inventory.
"I mean if supply could meet demand, I would break all
records in terms of sales for the marina," Williams said.
Supply meeting demand has proved difficult for both marinas,
partly due to a February ice storm in Texas.
"Manufacturers had a hardtime manufacturing in COVID. Then in
Texax, there's a foam shortage and resin shortage a little bit,"
said.
Winni Marine and Meredith Marina said they have more boats coming.
They still have boat rentals available for those wanting to stay on
the lakes as temperatures climb.
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As I noted earlier, Things just don't make sense. Even the reason they throw out there for the boat sales.
"people aren't going away on vaction and a boat is great for social distancing"?? So your gonna spend
30-40-50-100 thousand dollars on a boat ? How much do people spend on vacations? I also have a
feeling that once the real nice New England weather gets here, the lake will be a clusterfuck of
humanity. So much for social distancing.
I think the orgy is ramping up, the balloon is showing stretch marks and Nero is tuning his fiddle.
Maybe I'm wrong.
