<p>The Swedish boat industry is considered quite conservative and subject to only limited development. The purpose of the study is to explain the structure of the boat industry, to analyze and evaluate ways of competing and provide recommendations for developing a competitive strategy. The aim of this thesis is to explain how to be competitive in the Swedish boat industry. To be able to do so three areas are used to deepen as well as broaden the understanding. The three areas within competitiveness we have chosen to highlight are differentiation, individualization and distribution. Different theories on branding, differentiation strategies and generation Y are studied. Qualitative interviews within the boat industry were used to collect empirical data. The result of theories and empirical data combined is that customer satisfaction is a major factor for success. To be able to serve the customer the right product to the right price is crucial. To do so firms can either choose to deliver an additional value through interactive or physical ways. The environmental issues will also have an impact on the boat industry and therefore actions within this area can be considered as success factors.</p>

The Swedish boat industry is considered quite conservative and subject to only limited development. The purpose of the study is to explain the structure of the boat industry, to analyze and evaluate ways of competing and provide recommendations for developing a competitive strategy. The aim of this thesis is to explain how to be competitive in the Swedish boat industry. To be able to do so three areas are used to deepen as well as broaden the understanding. The three areas within competitiveness we have chosen to highlight are differentiation, individualization and distribution. Different theories on branding, differentiation strategies and generation Y are studied. Qualitative interviews within the boat industry were used to collect empirical data. The result of theories and empirical data combined is that customer satisfaction is a major factor for success. To be able to serve the customer the right product to the right price is crucial. To do so firms can either choose to deliver an additional value through interactive or physical ways. The environmental issues will also have an impact on the boat industry and therefore actions within this area can be considered as success factors.