SPANISH—Recent production statistics from the boat manufacturing industry are proving a mixed bag for the North Channel Marine Tourism Council. The statistics are indicating a solid rebound in boat manufacturing, figures reinforced by both Manitoulin’s own Henley Boats and Legend Boats of Sudbury, but the devil is in the details it seems.
“Most of the increase seems to be coming in the 20-foot and under categories,” said NCMTC Chair Stan Ferguson. “The jump is in what they refer to as multi-purpose boats.”
These are the smaller fishing boat type vessels that a family might tow behind their vehicle on a day or weekend outing.
“The question is ‘should we be rethinking our marketing strategy to take that segment of the market into account’,” said Mr. Ferguson. Currently, the NCMTC generally targets its North Shore and Manitoulin marine marketing efforts on attracting the larger boats to what the organization promotes in its brand as “the best freshwater boating in the world.”
“Do we go after this market? Do our members want to go after this market,” asked Mr. Ferguson, who noted that segment of the market has been identified in the NCMTC’s recent marketing plan as having significant potential for marine communities along the North Shore and Manitoulin.
Following a lively debate, the NCMTC board decided to research those questions and the best routes to reach the small boat market.
“Our job is to market this region to the boating community,” said Mr. Ferguson, adding that the NCMTC has an obligation to stay abreast of developments in the boating industry and the marine tourism market.
The NCMTC marketing committee will be chaired by NCMTC director Michael Erskine and includes directors Gloria Fischer of Hilton Beach and Mal Clarke of Iron Bridge.
