Question:
Can you see the number GDP per capita increase in the next year and subsequently cause an increase in commercial boat ownership within the United States?Answer:
Let me start by saying that I have expertise in the economics of commercial fishing. I cannot speak to whether GDP will increase next year. If GDP does rise, there may be channels by which commercial boat building and therefore boat ownership within the U.S. could increase. I doubt that a rise in GDP would substantially increase commercial fishing boat building and ownership. This is because most commercial fisheries in the U.S. and throughout the world are currently overcapitalized due to years of open access or controlled access management which has allowed (encouraged) over-investment in vessel capital.
An increase in GDP could increase recreational boat building, since recreational watercraft is a luxury good. A higher GDP could increase commercial shipbuilding through increased trade, much of which is transported across oceans. I should emphasize that I am speculating about the latter two channels.
