Same problem everywhere, and no silver bullet answer I'm afraid.
As far as kids go, getting them interested can be real tough. as a kid I was one who had a keen interest in model boats and would build my own from scratch. 35+ years later I still enjoy building and racing. There are few kids today that will do that sadly, and in our consumer driven, I want it now world, most just want to take some thing out of a box and be the winner! For the ones that are interested, they need parents that will support them in the hobby, and with all the other things that is out there it is a hard road that one.
Building club membership can be really tough but you have to continue to run regularly, talking to those who come visit/watch and I think try and build a good club culture that is friendly and inclusive. Any model displays or events where you can have a club display can be a good way to up the profile.
It can be tough also, especially when it comes to racing, there are always those who will spend a lot of money and take model boats a bit too seriously! There is always some natural attrition with membership as peoples lives change, families, jobs, change of interest etc.
Die hard model boaters are quite rare, take some pictures of them when you see them in the wild!
You could be right, maybe us gen x'ers are about the last, but let's hope not!
NZMPBA 2013, 2016 Open Electric Champion. NZMPBA 2016 P Offshore Champion.
2016 SUHA Q Sport Hydro Hi Points Champion.
BOPMPBC Open Mono, Open Electric Champion.
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