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Bump's World - September 2014
September 24, 2014

STATE OF THE BOAT WORLD

I just finished the 2014 Newport Boat Show.Overall it was a good show.The people attending were upbeat, with little talk of a slow economy or state of the world. The weather was very good, not too hot or cold with only a little rain late Saturday afternoon.Attendance numbers were up about 5%.

My biggest impression was that the European invasion into the North American boat market continues to grow.I reported before that last year was the first time more European sailboat companies sold boats into our market than US sailboats manufacturers.The European influence was bigger than ever.

The Germans and the French have put the gloves on and are duking it out for market share.Last year about 385 sailboats over 30 feet were sold into the North American market. Beneteau is still number one, with Jeanneau and the Hanse Group (Hanse, Moody and Dehler) fighting for second.

Last year the Hanse Group sold 50 sailboats into the North American market.That is an increase from 32 the year before.Since the market only grew at 5% in 2014 this represents a huge increase in market share.

Why has the Hanse group been able to create such an increase in market share?Dehler accounted for six boats.As I reported before the Dehler 38 is a home run for the Hanse group.To date Hanse has built over 90 of this model which is just over one year old.To build 90 boats of any one model in this market is huge.New Wave Yachts has sold 3 new Dehlers 38s in our first year.The new Dehler 38 is fun to cruise and a consistent winner on the race course.

Dehler introduced a new 46, also a Judel/Vrolijk design, last winter.Hull number one launched in early September. She had her first presentation at the Cannes Boat Show this week in Southern France.There have been over 10 sold in Europe and 3 into North America.Not only has the Dehler 46 built on the successful design of the 38, she has added many more new features.I expect to see our first Dehler 46 here in early December.

Hanse has built more market share by adding new features to their existing models, adding new models, and increasing their promotions.In 2013 Hanse added a new 575 and 415, followed by the 505 and 455 in 2014, and the new queen of the fleet in 2015, the 675. Just like in the car business, new models create more interest.Hanse has also maintained large displays at all major boat shows, increasing their display space each year.Their boats continue to feature ease of handling with self-tacking jib systems, drop bag systems for the mainsail, control lines strategically led to electric winches at the port and starboard helm stations, and bow and stern thrusters. Many models are equipped with generators and air conditioning systems.These boats have all the comforts of home.

I was at the Hanse factory in Germany this summer delivering a new 575.The factory was operating 16 hours a day with two full shifts and will build over 700 boats in 2014.Hanse is aggressive with big fall discount packages and constant model upgrades. Hanse also continues to invest in new modern manufacturing equipment.Computer controlled 5 axis routers cut every piece to perfection.Modern wood finishing systems put a fine finish on the furniture.Hanse is investing in the future., building better boats at very competitive prices.

2014 saw a significant increase in new boat sales.Based on our reception at the Newport Show I believe this will continue.The old boats are getting older and older and the new boats are getting better and better.The US economy continues to slowly get better and the boat business is following suit.

I am proud to represent Hanse and Dehler Yachts.I am happy to report the future is looking very good.

Please mail comments to me at Bump@newwaveyachts.com
Bump Wilcox