With many families canceling vacation plans this summer due to the pandemic, local boat dealers are seeing more people buying watercraft. According to a Marine Retailers Association of America report, 70 percent of new boat retailers surveyed reported an increase in sales last month. Dean Simonar, a salesperson from Simonar Sports in Luxemburg, says boat interest has been stronger than usual, especially with younger people.

Simonar notes that boat sales are up well over 20 percent this year compared to 2019. The average fishing boat can reportedly range between $25,000 and $100,000. Other factors in attracting more boat buyers this summer are the lower fuel prices and insurance costs.