Playak News Watch: Misc.: Market Research: 2005 Recreational Boating - Statistical Abstract <br>

The 2005 Recreational Boating Abstract compiles and organizes data collected by the
National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) into a comprehensive package of
market facts and figures for the recreational boating industry. It presents detailed data on
registrations, sales, expenditures, participation, the retail market and imports/exports. It
features entirely new sections on houseboats, inflatable boats and boat trailers and enhances
existing sections with the addition of new data on participation and the economy.

so much for the myth of an exploding kayak market.... 4% growth is not what i would call an explosion.

I wonder how it compares to previous years' growth… maybe it's a significant increase in comparison with other years?

kernel wrote:

I wonder how it compares to previous years' growth… maybe it's a significant increase in comparison with other years?

A couple things from a quick overview of the abstract (the really interesting stuff, like the stats for separate branches of the industry, is not offered free of charge. You have to buy it...), anyway:

Kayaks: 349,400 units
(4 percent increase over 2004)


2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
Canoes
Total Units Sold 105,800 100,000 86,700 93,900 77,200
Increase (annual) -5.5% -13.3% 8.3% -17.8%
Retail Value $57,449,400 $56,900,000 $49,679,100 $56,809,500 $48,404,400
Average Unit Cost $543 $569 $573 $605 $627

Kayaks
Total Units Sold 357,100 340,300 324,000 337,300 349,400
Increase (annual) -4.7% -4.8% 4.1% 3.6%
Retail Value N/A $176,764,500 $157,558,900 $150,984,000 $159,542,900 $167,013,200
Average Unit Cost $495 $463 $466 $473 $478


Check out the decrease in Canoes and increase in Kayaks! what's up with that?
BUT, not to forget - this takes into consideration ALL recreational crafts. As in not just white water, sea and surf kayaks, but all the fishing, holyday, sit on top and every other kind as well. So, as far as we know, OUR kayak market could be growing fast (or not...)