[TackBoston]

Melrna and others raise good points about changes in materials, and it is sad to see. However, the builders only other option is to raise their prices, and I think many of us would be equally, if not more so, disappointed in that. For example, the price of lead has risen 4x over the last couple of years, making lead keels very expensive. Changed to interior laminates are the result of people not wanting to spend as much time maintaining their boats. And teak has also become very expensive and is not a renewable resource.

As for sales, I think it will vary greatly depending on brand and dealer. We sold 3 new boats at the recent Boston In-Water Show, which was huge. I think people still want to escape (maybe even more so now) and may cut harder elsewhere to be able to enjoy the sea. Used boats are selling very well too.

Wish I could have made it to Annapolis this year...