After the recession hit, cautious Americans were not exactly running to break out the fishing tackle box and shell out cash for a new boat. In fact, new boat sales plunged about 55 percent as boaters scaled back their spending and bought pre-owned models instead.

But as the winter boat show season began in New York City on Jan. 4, manufacturers and dealers have reason to be optimistic. Consumers appear to be testing the boat-buying waters again, and industry officials predict new boat sales will have ended 2011 higher for the first time in five years.

Because industry sales are still slow, this could be an ideal time to take a dip in the market.

Click ahead for highlights from this year's New York boat show.

By Katie Little
Posted 6 January 2012

Suggested Price: $1.1 million
Length: 48 feet
Manufacturer: Azimut Yachts

Sales of yachts have dipped since the recession, but dealers are offering discounts and factory rebates to entice buyers to make a purchase.

The Aziumt 48 boasts some of the largest side windows in its category, and has a salon that is integrated with its outdoor cockpit. The design emphasizes natural light and has a considerable amount of deck room in the sun.

Suggested Price: $900,000 to $1 million
Length: 43 feet
Manufacturer: Tiara Yachts

This deepwater-ready model features a wet bar for the parched boating enthusiast and two private staterooms. The yacht, the flagship of the Tiara Open Series, also includes an optional 30-inch or 42-inch swim platform, with a built-in ladder and an optional cruising hardtop or tournament hardtop.

Suggested Price: $564,000
Length: 42 feet
Manufacturer: Regal Boats

With a convertible hardtop, this yacht features a windshield walk-thru and an aft sun lounge. The galley comes stocked with nautical silverware and plates, while the salon includes a Bose home theater system and a 36-inch Samsung TV.

Suggested Price: $1.8 million with additional amenities, $1.4 million as shown at the New York boat show
Length: 54 feet
Manufacturer: Sea Ray

This year's “Queen” of the New York Boat Show, the 540 Sundancer is a luxury yacht that boasts many amenities. With room to sleep six, this yacht has “skyhook” technology to stabilize it on the water without dropping an anchor, a joystick docking mechanism, and an electric sunroof. Cruisers on this yacht may feel as if they never left land, since the model is available with a 32-inch flat-screen TV, washer, dryer, iPod dock, and surround sound system.

Suggested Price: $98,000
Length: 23 feet
Manufacturer: MasterCraft

With an optional built-in refrigerator and sink, this model could keep guests cool and comfortable over a long weekend with its wrap-around seating. The x35 model has the deepest deadrise of the MasterCraft line.

Suggested Price: $800,000
Length: 48 feet
Manufacturer: Cruisers Yachts

Designed with entertaining in mind, this yacht is equipped with a grill, ice-maker, and refrigerator. Its U-shaped seating also converts to a sun lounge. For the captain, this model has joystick maneuvering for its twin engines. The boat also features two salons for guests to relax in after a day of cruising, as well as two bedrooms and bathrooms.

Suggested Price: $300,000 to $500,000
Length: 31 feet
Manufacturer: Tiara Yachts

This dayboat features an oversized single-level cockpit and seating for more than 10 fellow boaters. The model also has two aft-facing lounge seats and an entertainment center with a refrigerator, sink, and electric grill.

Suggested Price: $149,000 to $199,000
Length: 31 feet
Manufacturer: Formula Boats

Featuring an entertainment center with a cherry finish and a Corian countertop, this model has one of the lower price points in this gallery. The yacht also comes with a six-month subscription to Sirius Satellite Radio and a 10-year structural warranty.

Suggested Price: priced upon request
Length: 20 feet
Manufacturer: Chris Craft

“Twilight: Breaking Dawn” movie buffs may recognize this boat from the film’s honeymoon scenes. Able to cruise at speeds in excess of 60 miles per hour, this model is built with optional 300 horsepower Mercury or Volvo engines. But there is one feature that is not optional — the color. All 150 of the limited-edition boats produced will be silver.

Suggested Price: $640,000
Length: 42 feet
Manufacturer: Sabre Yachts

Featuring a deep-V hull design, the yacht features two staterooms with cherry hull ceilings and can sleep six people. In the main salon, the boat has a flat-screen TV in addition to a bottle storage locker.