<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
consolidated statements of income and consolidated balance sheets and is
qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0000021212
<NAME> COACHMEN INDUSTRIES, INC.
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-1997
<CASH>                                          72,124
<SECURITIES>                                       500
<RECEIVABLES>                                   37,205
<ALLOWANCES>                                     1,007
<INVENTORY>                                     61,300
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               176,040
<PP&E>                                          73,104
<DEPRECIATION>                                  30,664
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 241,828
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           50,483
<BONDS>                                         13,291
<COMMON>                                        70,904
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<OTHER-SE>                                     100,578
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   241,828
<SALES>                                        158,106
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               158,106
<CGS>                                          137,771
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  152,109
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                   739
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                    80
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                 356
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  6,736
<INCOME-TAX>                                     2,317
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              4,419
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     4,419
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .26
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .26