It has been a difficult few years for boat builders and OEMs. Boating was one of the first industries to tank at the beginning of the recession, and is now one of the slowest to recover. However, things are starting to look up. In 2011, the recreational boating industry saw the first increase in retail sales since 2006, and 2012 has continued in the right direction. While the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) have not released their annual Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract, the indicators are good.

Unofficial reports from NMMA point to a sharp uptick in powerboat sales, and boat shows in 2012 have had strong attendance and activity. Traffic at this year’s Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show was down only 2% from 2011, an incredible number when you consider the first two days of the show were a washout because they fell during the early stages of Hurricane Sandy.

And that might not be the only good that comes from Sandy for the boating industry. The New York Boat Show, which runs through Sunday, is expecting boaters who lost their vessels in Sandy to buy big this year.

So to all those marine companies that have been able to hold on and weather the storm, 2013 is the year to seize opportunity. A happy and very prosperous New Year to you!