The Dusseldorf Boat Show 2023: A Burst of Colour & Positivity on a Gloomy January day!

I have just got back from the Dusseldorf Boat Show 2023 and I must say although I feel physically and mentally drained (partly after too much German beer) - I am feeling rather happier than before I arrived at City Airport the week before and here's why: The worldwide boat industry is a beacon of positivity and excitement amidst all the negativity in the world. From new pedal boats for hire operators in Benidorm, to mega yachts and the latest submarine technology, the industry is a throbbing mass of innovation and progress. Dusseldorf is the impressive shop window display of the world of boating - and it looks very good.

After a successful 2021 and 2022, many people were expecting the boat industry to slow down. However, there's a tangible feeling in the air of people wanting to get out there and explore the world after being locked down for so long. People felt robbed of two years and they want to catch up now!

What's surprising to many, is the low production of new boats. For example, the combined production of Fairline, Princess, and Sunseeker for the entire year of 2022 was under 500 boats - for the whole world!

This may increase by 10% for 2023, but even then, each brand only has 30 active dealers worldwide, meaning each dealer will only receive 5 and a half boats for the year. This proves that there's a low supply of new boats.

Despite this, the supply of parts is improving, and boat deliveries are becoming more accurate, albeit never fully on time. This means that there are some new boats available for purchase this year.

When it comes to the used market, as many of you know, we sell approximately 300 used boats a year. Although prices have dipped by 10% since their peak in October 2021, they are still 10-15% higher than pre-Covid levels. For example, we are selling a 2009 Targa 44GT for around £250k in 2023, which in 2019 was fetching around £200k.

In conclusion, let's all get out there and enjoy our boats and boating without talking the market down. The boat industry is a symbol of positivity and excitement, and the feeling of exploring the world is contagious. Have fun and let's make the most of it!