Boatzon, the first 100% online boat and marine retailer, today announces the launch of its secure direct marketplace, giving boat and marine enthusiasts easy and direct access to boats, engines, trailers, marine products and more. Consumers can browse, finance, insure, purchase and arrange delivery of a boat and marine products entirely online. The first of its kind in the boating industry, the platform offers buyers a new and innovative purchasing channel that caters to seasoned professional boaters and beginners alike.
Florida-based Boatzon offers real-time financing and insurance quotes and terms to consumers during the purchasing process, providing an easier, more enjoyable shopping experience. The platform allows buyers to choose from multiple finance offers from specialized marine banks and receive funding in as little as 24 hours. Additionally, Boatzon’s partner company, Boatzon Insurance Group, is a fully licensed insurance agency of top marine insurance carriers able to quote, bind and service policies in the United States and most countries worldwide.
Boatzon CEO Bryan Lenett found that the marine industry lacked the online customer experiences many other industries enjoy that consumers have come to expect. “When we set out to develop Boatzon nearly two years ago, we wanted to incorporate best in class technology for the marine industry to provide an experience that offers a drastically different customer experience from start to finish,” shares Lenett.
In addition to working with dealer’s boating inventory, Boatzon also allows users to sell any used boat, engine, trailer, or marine product for free. The company is also integrated with the largest marine retailers to offer over 30,000 new products with available Boatzon financing. Over 200 dealers nationwide currently have new and used inventory listed with Boatzon.
“Most other industries, such as the automobile segment, have embraced technology to improve user experiences. Boat dealers are not going away, but the buying and retail experience for boats are ripe for change,” said Michael Muchnick, COO and co-founder of Boatzon. “We partner with boat dealers and work with them as a hybrid ‘digital dealer,’ which innovates and improves the shopping and purchasing process for all.”
Timing is Everything
According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association, annual U.S. sales of boats, marine products and services totaled $47 billion in 2020, up 9 percent from 2019. With heightened interest in outdoor recreation activities, consumer demand for new boats is higher than ever before. The industry’s consumer forecast looks strong through 2021 and beyond as millions of Americans discover the mental health benefits and joys of being outside and on the water. Additionally, outdoor recreation activities that allow for social distancing remain in high demand.
“The boating and marine industry is stronger than ever despite the challenging sales, finance, and insurance processes. I am confident Boatzon’s new digital approach will draw dealers, manufacturers and consumers together to do business in ways they have only experienced in other industries,” adds Lenett.