Economy Is Boosting Boat Sales

The cold weather may have slowed down traffic to the Tulsa Boat, Sport and Travel Show. But, the hot economy is boosting boat sales. <br><br>James Easton of Tulsa is going to get 115 mph out of his

Sunday, January 30th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

The cold weather may have slowed down traffic to the Tulsa Boat, Sport and Travel Show. But, the hot economy is boosting boat sales.

James Easton of Tulsa is going to get 115 mph out of his new boat, the fastest one here at the boat show. What Easton likes best though is the cruising speed is around 80.

"It's a beautiful speed and a wonderful speed," says Easton.

Easton may have the fastest boat, but the big boats are the ones selling.

"I think the market is better than it has ever been," says Professional fisherman Jimmy Houston.

Houston and other boat dealers say there are two reasons why boat sales have set record numbers the last three years. Number one, the economy is great baby boomers are buying boats bigger and faster, and new buyers are starting to play the boating game.

"I don't see anything short of a catastrophe, that is going to slow down our market," says Jeff Thacher, Harbors view marina.

And Houston says secondly, new technology makes boats a better buy.

"The old joke. I heard years and years ago was... the happiest days in my life is when I bought my boat and when I sold my boat, and that's certainly not true anymore," says Houston.

The Tulsa Boat and Travel Show's last day is Sunday at Expo Square.