The boat makers, particularly the "new" owners of bankrupt brands, have definitely taken a different approach this year. The dealers are probably in about the worst positions possible in decades. If you don't have big bucks and capital, it will be a rough road indeed.
It's especially surprising that Cobalt would now require a large inventory, being a relatively small builder. My dealer won awards for CSI and was a top 100 dealer as well. Worst dealer experience in my life, and many others share the same feeling, as does the manufacturer
Floor plan costs are sky high now, with limited competition. Capital is key. Boat makers are holding all the cards now, and want maximum profit on bare bones costs. Dealers don't have much choice or say. Customers will have fewer choices as to good service and brand availability, not to mention model choice.
These things go in cycles, and this was a particularly bad one.