Cedar Rapids Weather
Crowds Return to CR/IC Sportshow as National Sales Rebound
CORALVILLE - After a 2009 that saw a dramatic drop in boat sales, is it safe to go back in the water?
"It was pretty scary," said Brian Menge of Scales Point Marina in North Liberty, when looking back on 2009 boat sales. "People were afraid to spend money for a while. Everywhere you turn, you hear how bad it is out there." Menge and dozens of other boat and RV dealers met with hundreds of outdoors enthusiasts on Saturday morning at the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City Sportshow at the Coralville Marriott Conference Center. The anticipation of moving more big-ticket items, such as boats, recreational vehicles and charter fishing tours is up but with some caution. The National Marine Manufacturers Association reports a 28% decline in new powerboat sales for 2009, even sharper than the 24% loss reported in 2008. Bob and Marge Wysong drove to Coralville from Jefferson County to look for their next boat. For them, the time is right to spend money. "A new fishing boat, a new trailer, new motor, new boat would be great," said Marge Wysong of Libertyville. Her husband said, after working for 40 years, it is time to have some fun. "We'll have that boat right there," Bob Wysong said, pointing to a new boat after being asked if he was going to buy. Charter fishing tour vendors, from here in Eastern Iowa north to Minnesota, WIsconsin and even Ontario dotted a nearby exhibition hall, battling discount fishing poles and supplies for the attention of show goers. "It seems they have a few more discretionary dollars," said Bill Harris of Fishing Charters of Racine (WI). "We're happy to get on the trail of a strong economy." Harris said he believes some of the younger families are more ready to get out there while some of the older customers may be a "little more cautious" when it comes to spending major dollars. The push for the recreationary and discretionary dollar seems to be picking up far beyond boats and fishing tours. Stock prices of RV companies have risen strongly in recent weeks as they ride out a wave of improved sales. Randy Slaughter of Lone Tree said that people are "starting to buy again", although he admits to having already made his major purchase, a new trailer, in 2009. All in time for his son Aaron, 10, and his daughter Emma, 5, to be ready for warmer months ahead. Until the spring thaw hits, other children also spent plenty of time just steps from the show's entrance, taking the rod in a small fishing tank. Even for the kids, $3 for ten minutes of indoor fishing is enough to kickstart the dreams of summer. "This is the cure for cabin fever, regardless of the economy," said show producer John Bunge. "People want to get out and do things." More Good Stuff |
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