What a crazy year 2020 has been for all of us. Who would have guessed that our world would look so different today than it did just 10 months ago. With vacations canceled, baseball and soccer seasons postponed, graduation parties and weddings virtually eliminated, people thorough out the world were looking for new, safe ways to spend their time. Outdoor activities being one of the few allowable activities had many people heading to the lake with their family to enjoy the summer months. If you had a working boat or bought a boat before they sold out in 2020, you likely enjoyed a lot of time out on the water.
Those who were not that lucky found that the disrupted supply chain might prevent them from getting out there. New boats and loose outboard motors quickly sold out. Boat parts from manufacturers were placed on back order due to rising demand and disrupted manufacturing and shipping. Boat repair shops were months out to complete service jobs. Yet, with all the chaos one retailer came to the rescue for many boaters. The US Boatworks team stepped up and provided support for thousands of shoppers who otherwise could not have gotten back on the water. You see, we stock over 2 million boat parts from Mercury, Mercruiser, OMC, Evinrude and Volvo. If you own a boat motor from one of these manufacturers and need replacement boat parts, chances are that we have what you need. Some other retailers simply drop ship your parts order directly from the manufacturer. The problem with that in 2020 was the manufacturer simply did not have the parts available to send.
“Even those who have never considered buying a boat are now looking for the safety, value, and freedom that comes with being out on the water with family.“
So what will it look like out on the water next season? Industry experts indicate that growth in the boating segment will continue to rise. Demand for replacement parts will be high again as parts will be needed to keep boats running. The same will hold true for service departments since families are looking to keep their investment in top running shape. As for new boats and loose motors, the manufacturers we represent are still behind in production. The average wait time for an outboard motor is 60 – 90 days at the moment. Patience will be rewarded for those that place an order now for a new motor. Boaters who wait until spring or summer to look for that perfect motor may find themselves on the sidelines for 2021. Don’t let this be you if you are looking to repower. Mike Tracy, our Co-Founder, advises customers to “Get your motor ordered today if you want to be out on the lake in 2021”. Buy a boat motor early with help from US Boatworks!
