Outlook 'encouraging' for French boating
By IBI Magazine
French marine industry federation FIN has reported 'encouraging' signs for French boating, but warns that caution is still necessary ahead of this autumn's boat show season.
New boat registrations for September 2009-July 2010 have stabilised, registering a drop of 3.7 per cent compared to a drop of 17.46 per cent the year previous.
Engine sales are up, which FIN says can be generally be taken as an indication of future boat sales. Outboard sales are up 4.5 per cent for the period compared to a drop of 29.6 per cent the year before, Z-drive and stern drive sales are up 10.5 per cent compared to a drop of 45.2 per cent the year previous, and inboard sales are up 4.4 per cent compared to a drop of 47.4 per cent the year before.
France's boatbuilders, distributors and equipment suppliers have historically low stock levels and report a stabilisation of the market.
Results for boat hire and chandlers are in line with 2009, when business amounted to €184m for boat rental and €260m for chandlers. The number of reservations for charters in autumn/winter are already ahead of the number recorded for the same period last year. Numbers are also up at sailing clubs and schools.
The numbers of boats using French marinas remains constant, but with the duration of visits reduced.
FIN says that the tendencies point towards a continued strong interest in boating in France. However, the federation underlines that there remain reasons to be cautious.
"Even if the 2010/2011 season seems to be opening on an encouraging note, there's a lot riding on the autumn shows, which will this year more than ever play a determining role," read a statement from FIN.
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(6 September 2010)
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