Boat businesses seeing boost from larger rebates

It’s mid-February, and some people are already thinking spring.

That’s the feel at the 2023 Duluth Sport Show. “We’ve gotten a lot of floor traffic, with people cooped up. It wasn’t such a cold winter, and that gets people even more excited for spring,” shared Tony Bianchi, a salesman at RJ Sport and Cycle.

Shoppers like James Lozinski are in the market to make that big purchase. “I’m looking for a 16 or 17 foot fishing boat, so I can catch more Minnesota fish,” he told us.

Manufacturers are helping boost sales by providing larger than normal rebates.

“This year we’re seeing a little slightly larger than normal rebates, which is which is kind of good. It helps with the whole inflation deal and getting the prices down a little bit. So people are have been pleasantly surprised when they stop in,” Bianchi added.

Over in Pioneer Hall, the Link Recreational team is feeling optimistic. “From what I’ve been hearing, you know, from around the country, some of the large boat shows are doing really well. And it’s good to see,” shared Billy Webb. “We didn’t know what to expect. We’re hoping for the same thing here.”

The Duluth Sport Show runs through Sunday.