According to one attendee, the prices were about as low as they were five years ago. A Raleigh newspaper reported many saltwater boats for sale were made more than a year ago.
C.W. Hamilton of Anglers Marine Inc. said the industry is fighting to survive. The Brunswick County dealer says he made several sales and more people were serious about buying.
Dealers hope lower gasoline prices and interest rates will help.
Robbie Wooten of Wooten's Marine in Rocky Mount says the ripple effect of housing industry problems are simple. Wooten says if plumbers, electricians and carpenters don't have jobs, they can't buy boats.
