Tariff Uncertainty Affects Boating Season Kickoff in Minnesota

WAYZATA, Minnesota — Tariff uncertainty is impacting the boating season as it kicks off this Memorial Day weekend. Professionals in the boating industry are expressing concerns about recent tariff increases on raw materials used in boat manufacturing.

Your Boat Club rental service representatives told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS that the 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, announced by President Donald Trump in March, have created hesitation among potential boat buyers. Bryan Delorme, COO of Your Boat Club, noted they have observed a slow down in boat purchases due to the tariff situation.

“We’ve already seen consumers sort of pull back a little bit,” Delorme said during an interview at a Lake Minnetonka location on Monday. “Doesn’t mean they’re not going to make that purchase, but they’re waiting to see what happens.”

Katy and Trent Nady, enjoying the water at the same location, shared that this marked their second season as members, now joined by their one-month-old baby. “We can just kind of hop on and hop off, and it’s minimal work that goes into it,” Trent Nady explained.

The family chose to rent rather than buy because it was easier and cheaper. “We pay less for the membership than they do, just for a year of the slip,” added Trent Nady, referring to friends with boats.

Delorme described the industry’s current state as cautious. He explained, “If aluminum and other product prices go up, the cost of manufacturing goes up, and they will have no choice but to pass some of those costs onto customers.”

Even though discussions about price increases with manufacturers are too early, Delorme stated that this year’s fleet was already purchased, so current membership costs would remain stable. “Now, will that be impacted as we go into next year? Again, too early to know,” he said.

In response to potential price increases for members, Delorme assured they are not implementing any changes at the moment. Trent Nady noted, “If the dues have to go up a little bit, we’ll be a little sensitive to that, but it’ll definitely make us think twice about it.”

Despite the challenges, Delorme mentioned a positive trend: membership at Your Boat Club is up approximately 20% this year. The impact of the tariffs on the industry is expected to become clearer by late summer or fall.