Sellers claim increased sales at annual Mobile Boat Show

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - The annual Mobile Boat Show docked in Mobile this weekend showing off state-of-the-art boats to buyers.

Retailers said it’s one of their biggest sales years yet.

“Last year we experienced a 5-10 percent growth and they’re forecasting about 5-10 percent more growth this year so we’re very excited about that,” said general manager of Legendary Marine, Drew Wilson.

For people along the Gulf Coast, boating is part of the lifestyle and retailers are glad people are planning on getting back out on the open sea to enjoy themselves.

What are people shopping for?

Wilson said fishing boats are top sellers, but he’s concerned about the shortness of red snapper season this year. The season will last only 27 days.

He said it’s going to have an impact on his business and various businesses across the coast.

“The red snapper season — or lack thereof — has far reaching effects into our economy,” said Wilson.

Still, that’s not discouraging sellers who believe this year’s going to reel in some money.

They said there is a lot of early interest and people are already making deposits and orders at the start of this selling season.