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  2020-08-29

  Demand for Boating

  The pandemic has lasted a lot longer than initially expected and has consumed the entire summer while putting restrictions on many summertime activities. One of the few summertime activities to be preserved despite the pandemic is boating. Many people wanted to get their hands on a boat as it was one of the few things you could do. I have been working at my dad’s boatyard for countless summers, and this past year, 2020, was one of the busiest I’ve seen. To start, we were set back by a few weeks as in late March and early April, businesses that weren’t deemed essential were closed. When we did open up, there was a high demand. Every customer wants their boat serviced first; this year there was an extra-long waiting list. Not every customer of ours uses their boat every year, but this year most did. Due to the social distancing restrictions, many saw this year as the perfect time to get their own boat. The place I work does not sell boats, we only service, fix, and store for the winter, but when driving by and there are countless boats parked in the yard, occasionally people will stop to inquire about purchasing a boat. Unfortunately, we have to direct them elsewhere. This year, I felt these visits were more frequent, reflecting the nationwide demand. Lastly, there were a few parts and products we used that were hard to get hold of this year. Our dealers had less stock, and often parts took longer to arrive. COVID-19 has affected a multitude of industries, some for the better.