Boat sales in Oklahoma reach pre-2008 level

Chaw · Jul 2, 2017

A bit surprising to me, considering all the laid off oil/gas workers over past two years.

Eriech Tapia Published: July 1, 2017 5:00 AM CDT Updated: July 1, 2017 5:00 AM CDT
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Boat sales in Oklahoma are on the rise after dipping to their lowest levels in 2014, a good sign for boat sellers and state revenue.

Sales are up nearly 30 percent for Dan Brown, a sales consultant for Tracker Boats at Bass Pro Shops in Oklahoma City. He was the top salesman in his department last year with more than $2 million in sales.

"The last two years have been crazy with sales," Brown said. He doesn't know why sales are up or how long they will continue.

He saw a large dip in sales in 2013-14, but now his department is selling about 10 to 15 boats a week, even more than last year.

The result is more boat traffic on the lakes, said Brown, who often spends time at Lake Thunderbird.

"Boat season seems to be picking up all year long," said Jamie Sikes, a title consultant with the Oklahoma Tax Commission.

For several years, boat titles slipped to under 10,000 per year, but that number is back up to nearly 38,000, according to the most recent numbers released by the Tax Commission.

This means added revenue. Buyers must get a title for both new and used boats.

People are making smarter financial decisions and saving up for a boat instead of buying it on a loan, said Keith Owen, group sales manager at Bass Pro Shops for Tracker Boats.

"We used to have ups and downs, but now it seems like people are saving up for this purchase," Owen said.

Boating has become more of a year-round activity, but the summer continues to be the busiest time, said Sikes, who has been at the Tax Commission for 37 years.

"Boats are not just a seasonal thing anymore," Sikes said. "People seem to be getting more interested in boating."

In 2006, revenue from boat titles was about $91,000, but it dipped to nearly $21,000 in 2014.

Although more boat titles are being issued in Oklahoma, the number of boat registrations in the state remains at the 2000 low point of about 210,000.

A 2012 state law gave canoe and paddleboat owners the option not to register or purchase a title.

Funding for the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Marine Division is impacted by registration numbers across the state. Boat title fees do not provide funding for the division.

Trooper Danny Proctor of the Marine Division said not every lake in the state has a trooper assigned. He has been assigned at Lake Thunderbird for 11 years.

Only 26 troopers are assigned to the division, which has to patrol 39 lakes across the state. Several troopers are stationed at larger lakes, including Eufaula and Tenkiller.

"My main concern is to make sure that they have their life vests," Proctor said. "All I do is sell safety and sell life jackets."
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http://newsok.com/boat-sales-in-oklahoma-are-on-the-rise/article/5554869

BCB · Jul 2, 2017

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Wizard · Jul 6, 2017

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BCB · Aug 2, 2017

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Boat sales in Oklahoma reach pre-2008 level

Chaw Well-Known Member

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Wizard Well-Known Member

BCB Off Staff

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