Boats bring in big bucks

Idaho's economy is bolstered by its ample outdoor pursuits, powerboating being among the foremost money-makers.

According to a Boise State University study, the Gem State generated $335.3 million in powerboating-related products and services in 2015 alone.

Unsurprisingly, lake-heavy Kootenai County had the most revenue of Idaho counties after raking in $89.8 million.

Hagadone Marine general manager Craig Brosenne, whose business took in more than $12 million in boat sales alone that year, pointed to an improved local economy and a geographical edge.

"There's many lakes in this region, so we have a bit of an advantage over the other counties and have out-of-state buyers coming here," Brosenne said Wednesday. "The local economy has also been strong."

Ada County checked in at No. 2 with $60.3 million in sales and Bonner County was No. 3 at $39.2 million.

BSU's extensive 33-page report noted Kootenai County had 14,454 boat registrants in 2015, second to Ada County (14,716). A sizable portion of the boaters on North Idaho waters are registered out of state.

“It’s clear that recreation is big business in Idaho,” said David Langhorst, Idaho Department of Parks and Rec director. “Understanding the economic impacts assists our agency in making the best management decisions possible when it comes to providing and maintaining recreation access in our state.

The $335.5 million in 2015 increased state employment by 3,088 jobs, labor income by $88 million, and the output of locally produced goods and services by $227.9 million.  

According to Brosenne, business didn't taper off in 2016 for Hagadone Marine. In fact, he said, revenue soared to $16 million in boat sales. With the new expansion of the Hagadone Marine facilities, he believes sales could vault to $20 million in 2017.

"We're the 800-pound gorilla in the community," Brosenne said. "And when we do well, it pushes the competition in the area to also do well."

John Sitter, owner of Specialty Recreation and Marine in Coeur d'Alene, also said 2015 and 2016 were good years for business.

"The general citizenry is on an upward swing, mentally," Sitter said, "And I think a lot of that has to do with the changes that are happening in Washington, D.C."