Does anyone think the decline in cat purchases and the ensuing production of less new cats might at least in part, be due to the state of the general economy?
A lot of small boat dealers are having pretty good years so far, and if it's been like this so far the spring and summer will only get better. I know several small boat guys that are having record sale years so far.
One trend that I see is that the big(er) boat sailors are downsizing their racing budget. I just sold a pair of 16's to some Melges 24 sailors that were tired of the expense, finding crew etc. I think as fuel costs increase this trend will continue.
