Angie Woodward of Marina Shores shows customer Ryan Smith a Lund in their showroom. (Photo by Jeff Helsdon)

Boat sales have been hot since dealerships opened up again.

Rick Layzell, CEO of Boating Ontario, said he is hearing reports sales are up in May and June. This includes personal watercraft, pontoon, and fishing boats. He did stress he won’t have a definite number until Transport Canada releases official sales numbers, which he said could take some time. 

Boating Ontario is the association for marinas, boat dealerships and the boating trade. The group has 530 members.

Physically distancing with family

Layzell believes Ontario families have “realized boating is something they can get out and do,” and do it while physically distancing as a family.

The increase is being seen in most markets across the province for boats under 30 feet, and some dealers are reporting increases in used boats as well.

“That may not result in a significant annual increase because March and April were a disaster,” he said.

Marinas reopened

Boating Ontario presented the government with safe operating practices for COVID-19 that its members could use on April 16. On May 4, marinas were given permission to bring back staff to start preparing and launching boats, a process that takes about four weeks.

Customers were allowed in marinas starting May 16.

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