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Interesting. I noticed that smaller boats disappeared from the boat shows just about 2010-2015. Other than dinghies, I think the last Annapolis show had maybe three boats smaller than 30 feet, and two of those were folding trimarans.
Another challenge is that fiberglass lasts. Bad for manufacturers, but good for beginning sailors … except that manual fix-it skills and the requisite interest, I think, are in decline.
But I honestly think the difference is a fundamental change in how we approach adventure. We want fake adventure on the internet. My other hobby is rock climbing/ice/climbing/mountaineering. The climbing gyms and some of the roadside crags are busy. There are classes, which there did not used to be. But the number of climbers in the mountains is way down from 90s. It seems that the people who take the classes have had their little taste of adventure and are done with it. The itch is scratched. I don’t think classes and programs actually lead to long-term interest. Almost the opposite, based on my experience with climbers.
There are many adventure sports in decline. The idea of tying up money in a boat or house, and the pride in ownership that comes with that, are declining. You can’t fix the old boat with AI.
Change is OK. It will happen anyway.
Good points, Drew. Small boats are still out there. At the Annapolis show Marshall Marine had a 23’ Sakonnet and, I believe, a 15’ or 18’ Sandpiper cat boat. J/Boats had the 22’ J/7. Flying Scot had their (19’) daysailor there. Aero had the Sunfish and Sole (both 13.5’). Saffier had at least two high-end small boats there.
Many smallish one-design classes (e.g., Melges and Lightning) are going strong, but you don’t see those at shows. They’re in yacht club and boat club fleets.
I see cost as the real limiting factor for sailing, but there’s a pretty vibrant trailerable scene. You can work on them in the garage or driveway and avoid the marina costs. It’s a K economy with the few rich folks buying the new and bigger boats and the masses opting for affordable used and trailerable boats.
The younger generations income potential has been plummeting for twenty years. Cannot sell boats to a economic class that no longer exists.
I totally agree. You are echoing my point on the “K” economy in my response to Drew, though with an emphasis on the plight of up-and-coming generations.