Being in the boating industry for a number of years, I have seen many changes to boats, engines and trailers. Remembering back to the days as a kid, my father had a wood lapstrake 16-foot boat with a Johnson 18hp outboard that we thought was powerful and fun. Those days have definitely changed with powerful very large boats with 600hp outboards.

As a dealer for some great boat lines and engine lines, the technology has really taken a step forward. To keep up with the advancements, Riverfront has put a great amount of effort into training of the technicians in the shop. Problems that are plaguing the boating industry like so many other hands-on industries are the lack of new technicians coming out of school to replace the attrition of the industry.

Now, it is not all bad news. We do have very capable people to handle our customer base and care for their vessels. As a consumer, folks will do their due diligence to find a boat that will fit their needs but make sure that the dealer will support you and back you after delivery. We see customers go long distances to save a few bucks, but the selling dealer is waving at you as you drive down the road towards home. This is where the industry lacking help comes in. We as a dealer make sure that customers that support us and purchase from us get the highest priority. There are very economical new boats to get into and very clean used boats out there as well, just make sure to establish a relationship with a local dealer. People often compare the boating industry to the car industry, but I am here to tell you that they are not the same having worked in both.

Bottomline, work with your local dealer on a boat sale, establish a relationship and get on the water and enjoy life. Get that piece of mind that someone is there to back you up!