Used US boats selling well in Europe

Now this is very interesting. It seems that even though the boating industry here in the US has been hit hard by the economy. Used boat sales, especially those boats that have been used in freshwater only, are doing well via overseas buyers.

Since the dollar has declined vs many european currencies, many buyers from europe are now finding that they are able to get more for their money by buying used american boats. The article says.

The upside of the weak U.S. dollar is that American goods look better and better
to foreign buyers. Five years ago, 20,000 euros would have bought a boat worth
about $17,500. Today, it buys a boat worth more than $31,000.

This of course is great news for boat dealers that are being hit hard by the economy. It's pretty amazing though that almost half of some dealers business is now going overseas.

Rick Fulmer, vice president of sales and marketing for Cadillac-based Four Winns
boats, said about 40% of his company's sales are going abroad, including
various sizes of boats shipped to Canada, and larger models to Europe and
Australia

It seems that the week dollar is producing a boating boom not just amongst the wealthy but also the middle class. I just hope everyone can survive the economical slump and stay in business.

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080727/NEWS06/807270553&imw=Y