Owning the Moment

Soundings Trade Only

Wanda Kenton Smith

As the recreational marine industry continues to navigate difficult conditions, top retailers are already adjusting course for the traditionally slower months ahead. I asked a group of them — including some of the industry’s most experienced and highest-performing dealers — nine questions covering sales trends and marketing strategy, staffing, budgets and manufacturer support.

Two questions were open-ended for attribution; the remainder were confidential to encourage candid responses.

The group reported mixed but generally resilient results: 12.5% said sales improved

over 2025; 62.5% were on pace with the previous year; and 25% reported... [read more]