Boat transport news - South coast firms hopeful as sailors head to Spain
The British Maritime Federation (BMF) has released figures which suggest that the small boat and leisure-craft industry is relatively healthy – this is good news for boat builders and companies specialising in boat transport. South coast traders can be buoyed by news that 2010 London Boat Show posted a seven per cent increase in numbers on the previous year's figure.
The success of the show's Used Boat Marina has been noted, with boat transporters bringing craft from all over the UK to the capital.
Organisers reported that more than half of the pre-owned boats available at the show had been bought and many happy customers are now awaiting boat delivery.
Visitor figures at the Birmingham Boat and Caravan Show were up by four per cent.
According to the BMF's Autumn Report, the final half of 2010 revealed increased turnover for 43 percent of companies in the boat and marine industry and hopes are high for an early upturn in sales in readiness for the 2011 holiday season.
A spokesperson for a boat transport comparison website said, "Following on from the successful shows, we're expecting an increase in demand for boat delivery quotes.
"We are also finding that boat owners are increasingly keen to use road transport as the best value way to move their boats around the UK, or more popularly to marinas in warmer climes.
"We've seen demand for boat deliveries to Spain increase in 2010 as water lovers seek the sunshine and we're expecting that trend to continue in 2011."
Despite the rise in VAT and ongoing harsh financial climate, it appears that boat builders and boat transport companies, in the south Coast and further afield, can hopefully look forward to a good year ahead.
