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Economic Pressure Maintains Grip on Boating Demand, NMMA’s May Report Finds

| Statistics

NMMA’s latest Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary, which highlights data on a 12-month rolling basis, June 2024 through May 2025, reflects ongoing headwinds in retail powerboat unit sales as economic pressures remain a key concern. New powerboat retail unit sales declined 10.2% year-to-date (Jan.–May 2025), with 98,065 units sold compared to 109,212 in the same period last year.
 
 
Data in the latest report includes:
  • Segment level softness was broad-based with new pontoon boat retail unit sales down 15.7%, new jet boat retail unit sales declined 20% and new wake sport boat retail unit sales dropped 14% year-to-date.
  • Segments showing relative stability year-to-date were retail unit sales of freshwater fishing boats(-2.9%) and yachts (-2.6%).
Macroeconomic indicators in May painted a mixed picture. Inflation remained at 2.4%, gas prices averaged $3.15 per gallon, and interest rates, both for mortgages (6.8%) and the Federal Funds Rate, continued to challenge consumer financing. Meanwhile, consumer confidence stood at 98.0 and consumer sentiment at a low 50.8, signaling apprehension around near-term financial conditions.
The NMMA report highlights that these dynamics continue to weigh on big-ticket discretionary purchases with durable goods such as boats seeing softened demand due to a combination of high borrowing costs, rising housing expenses and persistent economic uncertainty.
As the industry looks to the second half of the year, NMMA encourages members to monitor evolving consumer behaviors closely and adjust marketing and retail strategies accordingly. Ensuring members have the latest pulse on the consumer and what's driving demand is a key benefit of NMMA membership. In fact, the Ipsos consumer market research currently being conducted by NMMA and MRAA as part of their work with the Market Expansion Advisory Group, will be shared in the fall and shed light on the consumer of today and tomorrow, addressing what's both driving and inhibiting boat ownership.
NMMA’s Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary report is published at the beginning of each month and is available at no cost to members. The full report includes comprehensive retail and wholesale data, engine and segment breakdowns, and key economic indicators relevant to marine businesses. Associate members can purchase an annual subscription for $1,800. 
Bookmark https://www.nmma.org/statistics/publications/industry-data-summary for direct and easy access. Visit www.nmma.org/statistics or contact [email protected] for more information. NMMA members have direct access to the NMMA Business Intelligence team to answer questions about NMMA data, insights and reporting.