The SWFMIA Board has agreed to participate in a consumer survey being sponsored by the National Marine Manufacturers Association and conducted by Foresight Marketing Research.  The survey will include recent boat buyers and will be an in depth evaluation of what influenced their buying decision.

Several Marine Trade Associations around the country have agreed to partner with NMMA on the project. According to NMMA President Tom Dammrich, “the study calculates the total “share of sales” from:  boat shows, the internet, social networks, radio, TV and print advertising, print and electronic articles, word of mouth, dealer personnel and sponsored events.”  

The final report will break down the data on both a national and regional level.  Foresight Research has also agreed to consider breaking down the data just for the state of Florida.  Foresight Marketing Research has conducted a similar study annually for the last four years for the auto industry and it is used by nearly every major automotive brand.   

This study will give SWFMIA very valuable and very current information on consumer’s boat buying habits.  It will help us make more informed decisions on advertising and marketing for our boat shows and will give us the opportunity to share other pertinent information with our membership. 

It is hoped that the report will be available to participants by the end of August.