Any upturn couldn't come quick enough though. The Irish Marine Federation (IMF) is counting the cost of recession that has reduced its membership by up to two thirds as marine firms closed their doors.
"For the first time in three years I'm seeing fresh enquires and importantly new blood coming into Irish boating, said Bernard Gallagher of BJ Marine in Malahide, north Dublin.
Boat dealers are offering substantial discounts
The new confidence in Irish boat buyers is primarily being seen in the sailing boat market.
One of the most accurate barometers of marine leisure activity, some dealers are reporting a return business levels not seen for three or four years.
"We've just sold a lovely 38-footer in to Howth and we've more sales in the pipeline said" Gallagher.
Other dealers confirm the same saying there is definitely a positive mood among buyers to go the extra step in the sales process.
It's quite a turnaround because up until very recently, dealers admit there was 'no boat buying mood at all'.
Ironically though after such poor sales at home there's now a real shortage of boats for sale here because over the past few years a lot of Irish boat stock was sold abroad.
"We badly need boats for our brokerage listings", says Gallagher who also operates branches in Belfast and Malta.
Many say sales will never get back to the dizzy heights of 2006 but for now good product ranges at the right place plus a splash of Easter sunshine is helping to move things at least a step in the right direction.
Irish dealers have been resourceful in finding markets abroad and an example of this is Dun Laoghaire dealer MGM boats who has just returned from the Portuguese boat show where there was positive vibes in Villamoura despite the recent bailout there too!
The MGM Boats Stand at the recent Villamoura Show
