Impact of slow boat sales shows up at NC show

RALEIGH -- The economic downturn has hurt boat sales in North Carolina and that was evident at the Bass and Saltwater Fishing Expo in Raleigh. J. L. Benson says the prices he saw Sunday were about as low as those five years ago. The News & Observer of Raleigh reported that many of the saltwater boats for sale were made more than a year ago. C.W. Hamilton of Anglers Marine in Supply said the industry is fighting to survive. But 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. (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)