While driving through Ballard the other day, I was somewhat shocked to see that Seaview Boatyard East was full of boats!
I stopped and spoke with Rick Hagaman, who confirmed that although January and February were pretty quiet around the boatyard, business has really picked up recently.
“We’re full now,” he said.
Wow. I thought there was a big economic crisis on. Rick mentioned a few different elements that might help explain the situation.
- First, Seaview is offering half-price haulouts until April 30th, so that has been an incentive to boat owners.
- Second, more boat owners may be investing money in boats they currently own rather than thinking about changing boats.
- Third, more families may be selecting regional boating vacations instead of flying somewhere farther away, to keep costs under control.
Paradoxically, some combination of uncertainty and frugality may mean business is good for boatyards and other service providers clever enough to spot the trend and accommodate it.
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