The boat business in Germany is getting back on course. Following encouraging results of a survey in summer by the German Boat and Ship Building Association (DBSV) on the economic situation of its member companies, the latest figures from the Federal Statistics Office on import and export of boats and yachts also give cause for optimism. “We now have strong growth, giving a boost to the whole of our industry, for an upbeat start to hanseboot,” says a delighted Claus-Ehlert Meyer, Managing Director of the DBSV.

hanseboot 2010, 51st Hamburg International Boat Show

The German Boat and Ship Building Association is a federation of 420 companies, from superyacht builders located on the coasts, and large series-built yacht constructors, to small wooden boat builders by Lake Constance. The Association also endorses the Hamburg International Boat Show.

The DBSV has compiled the latest figures of the Federal Statistics Office in a market report for the period from June 2009 to June 2010. The rise in imports of more than 22% year-on-year demonstrates the recovery of the German boat building industry. According to the DBSV, nearly 8,800 motor boats and sailing boats were imported, with a total value of just over EUR 100 million. The increase was greatest in the category of large sailing yachts at the top end of the market, with volume up 62.5% year-on-year, and an increase of 107% in terms of value.

The trend is likewise up in exports of boats and yachts. A total of 7,830 boats and yachts worth EUR 367 million were sold abroad in the period under review. There was a spectacular increase in the value of the large motor yachts (more than 12 metres). 29 yachts were exported, at a total value of EUR 235 million, that is an increase of more than 900%. That is due to the delivery of a number of superyachts.

The largest value increase in sailing yachts was in the export of boats in the 7.5 to 12 metre class, of which 48% more were sold year-on-year. The value of sales in this category was up by more than 29% to about EUR 47 million.

The economic upswing in Germany is also reflected in the sales figures of small boats. Imported numbers were up a little, increasing 6.68% to more than 7,100 boats, although their value was in fact down by a good 30%. German boat builders exporting small boats fared better, with an increase of nearly 10% to a total of 6,200 boats worth EUR 13.2 million.

“Even if the numbers are still a long way short of those of 2006/2007, when export sales totalled about one billion euros, optimism is back in the boat building industry,” said DBSV Managing Director Claus-Ehlert Meyer. He referred to the current upbeat expectations of accessories manufacturers and wholesalers, more than half of whom indicated in the DBSV business climate survey that they are expecting a substantial improvement in business.

This positive trend is also apparent at the 51st hanseboot. With more than 750 exhibitors from 25 nations, the organisers of Germany’s longest running boat show are pleased with the 5% increase over last year. The numerous new developments and boat premieres to be presented in the halls of the Hamburg Fair site give reason for optimism.

The positive mood of the boat building industry is also likely to spread to hanseboot visitors. As the DBSV business climate survey shows, prices remain largely stable this year. 66% of association members are not increasing their prices, and more than 8% are even reducing them

hanseboot 2010, 51st Hamburg International Boat Show, will be held at the Hamburg Fair site and the In-Water hanseboot show on the Elbe, open daily 10:00 to 18:00 from 30 October to 7 November 2010. “Kids go free!” – admission is free of charge for children and teenagers up to the age of 15 years. The Comeback Ticket, which costs EUR 13 (concessions EUR 11), gives the right of re-entry from 15:00 onward on any other day. For further information, please visit the website www.hanseboot.de.