IBI Country report
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Italy
RIB and dayboat builders hit premium throttle
Despite slowdown in the small boat sector, Italy’s top-end RIB and dayboat builders continue to outperform market
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UK
Innovation paying dividends for manufacturers
Innovative products, value for money and quick delivery prove recipe for success for the UK’s legion of marine equipment and accessories suppliers
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UK
Industry cautiously optimistic despite challenges ahead
Activity is settling back after post-pandemic highs and consumer facing businesses have had a more difficult year, but there are reasons to remain cheerful with at least some of the lock-down generation of new owners staying in the market
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Deck hardware
Back to the future as manufacturers get to grips with the new normal
Sweden’s equipment manufacturers are adapting to the new normal; we take a look at the latest developments at the key players and gauge the outlook for the year ahead
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Sweden
Falling krona gives shot in arm to boost slowing market
The Covid-market bounce and a weakening Swedish krona has given the industry a boost but the major players are braced for a much tougher year ahead
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Deck hardware
Mechanical equipment: The floodgates open on innovation
After two or three years of relative quiet, a more competitive boat market is driving a surge of innovation among manufacturers of mechanical equipment
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USA
Seating: It’s all about creature comforts
Automotive-inspired features like seat cushion and backrest heating and cooling, along with suspension systems to soften the ride, provide an opportunity for differentiation in a competitive market
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Decking
Form and function
For two US decking manufacturers, the best OEM design influences come from what’s hot in the aftermarket
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Galley equipment
New recipes mix size and compatibility
Energy management has become key for galley equipment manufacturers in an increasingly electrified onboard environment
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USA
An avalanche of ingenuity from US equipment manufacturers
A return to a more normalised boat market has driven innovation in the equipment sector, as boatbuilders increasingly look for means to differentiate in a more competitive market
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Spain
Despite market cooling, Spanish industry remains optimistic for 2024
With the market returning to pre-Covid levels, Spain’s legion of niche builders are still managing to carve out sales
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Electrification
Electric boating on a roll, but significant hurdles remain for boatbuilding sector
While exact figures are unavailable, an estimated 30,000 electric vessels are already present on Dutch waters – and the mood these days is jubilant
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Spain
Confidence holds as big boat sector proves resilient
While Spanish boat registrations have increased year-on-year in the first eight months of 2023, many local dealers say the looming economic downturn in Europe could lower the demand for smaller craft. However, demand for mid- and large-sized boats is likely to remain strong.
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Spain
Dealers remain confident 2024 will deliver despite rate rises
Despite more protracted sales negotiations and rate rises forcing a wait-and-see attitude from some buyers, Spanish dealers are quietly confident 2024 will deliver
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Netherlands
Superyacht builders collaborating for the greater good
Dutch superyacht sector targets fast tightening deadlines to deliver genuinely green vessels
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Deck hardware
Profile | Vetus: New products, new partnerships
Veteran manufacturer on the success of its edgy new brand targeting young, active watersports enthusiasts
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Product Launch
Profile | DMS: Targeting global expansion
At the end of the year, DMS plans to launch its latest development, the AiO, which it believes will give the company an enormous boost
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Lithuania
Unlocking potential as vital infrastructure work gets underway
It is early days for sure, but the country appears finally to be opening up to leisure boating
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Asia Pacific
Road to recovery as China looks to build on boating interest post Covid
The Chinese leisure marine sector is bouncing back post-Covid, as key regions look to build on growing boating interest
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Asia Pacific
Chinese hit full throttle with electric outboard development
IBI reviews the latest developments at China’s key electric outboard and inboard manufacturers