As you prepare for model year transitions and inventory decisions, the latest MRAA/Baird/Trade Only Marine Retailer Pulse Report (MRAA embers have full access) reveals several common themes to be aware of. Chances are, you’re dealing with them, too. Among the biggest concerns dealers shared were too much new inventory, pressure from floorplan costs, uncertainty about MY2027 commitments and growing concerns about affordability.

The data from the July 2026 Pulse Report show that marine retailers are increasingly focused on managing inventory strategically rather than simply stocking more boats.

Let’s take a closer look at these concerns and some new MRAA resources that can help provide clarity and solutions:

Too Many Non-Current Units

A significant concern for several dealers is aging inventory and non-current units.

• Dealers note:
  • “Too many non-currents. Not interested in ordering MY2027 at this point.” “Moving non-current fiberglass.”
  • “Maintaining proper stocking levels to ensure that we do not get stuck with an influx of non-current inventory heading into 2027.”

Spotlight Resource: Dealers looking to evaluate inventory exposure and clearance strategies may benefit from the inventory financing, model-year transition and inventory visibility articles featured in the August 2026 Spotlight.

Floorplan Expense Is Driving Decisions

Inventory is sitting on lots AND carrying cost.

• Dealers noted:
  • “We have been keeping inventory at absolute minimum. Interest rates on the floor planner still very high and the expense is just money flowing out the door unnecessarily.”
  • “Trying to bring floorplan costs down while pushing more to order.”

Spotlight Resource Connection: Jared Zimlin’s article on financing aged inventory explores how lender classifications, valuations and financing strategies can help dealers make informed decisions on older inventory.

What Should We Order for MY2027?

One of the clearest themes from the survey was uncertainty around future commitments.

• Dealers noted:
  • “Figuring out what to order for fall shows and 2027 spring.”
  • “2027 commitments with our current inventory levels.”
  • “What to stock as the manufacturers really aren’t changing anything for 2027.”

Spotlight Resource Connection: Edward MacFawn’s article on model year transition management outlines operational best practices for evaluating aging inventory, aligning departments and preparing for incoming model-year products.

Finding and Reaching Qualified Buyers

While inventory management remains a challenge, dealers also emphasized lead generation, marketing effectiveness and customer engagement.

• Dealers noted:
  • “Staying on top of leads.”
  • “Individual marketing of aged units.”
  • “Social media and ensuring a strong recommended AI presence.”

Spotlight Resource Connection: Kevin Hanselman’s article on website architecture explores how website performance, SEO, AI visibility and conversion-focused design can help dealerships improve discoverability and lead generation.

Buyers Are Increasingly Payment-Focused

Affordability remains a dominant theme across the survey.

• Dealers noted:
  • “Customers are much more payment-focused, rather than price focused.”
  • Others cited:
    • high interest rates
    • rising boat prices
    • affordability pressures
    • shrinking middle-market participation

Spotlight Resource Connection: Across all four Spotlight resources, a common thread emerges: improving visibility into inventory, customer demand and operational decision-making so your dealership can respond strategically rather than reactively.

Protect Your Margin — Before Curtailments Turn it Into Cost 

The July 2026 Pulse Report suggests that dealers are entering MY2027 with a greater emphasis on inventory discipline, clearance planning and operational efficiency. This month’s Spotlight resources were selected to address many of the same challenges dealers identified in the survey, offering practical guidance on inventory strategy, financing, model-year transitions and digital visibility.