Mixed Economic Conditions Shape a Stable Start To 2026 For U.S. Recreational Boating Industry
With the winter boat show season kicking off this week, NMMA shared a state of the recreational boating industry business release with local, regional and national media outlets. The release outlines the latest industry data and market trends shaping the U.S. recreational boating market as it enters 2026.
NMMA estimates total new powerboat retail unit sales in 2025 declined an estimated 8% to 10%, to approximately 215,000 to 225,000 units. Looking ahead, mixed economic conditions are expected to result in new powerboat sales in 2026 that are on par to slightly up from last year.
Throughout 2025, volume-leading segments such as personal watercraft, aluminum fishing boats and smaller, trailerable boats drove retail activity, accounting for more than 90% of total unit sales. Freshwater fishing boats were a notable bright spot, holding steady with 2023 sales levels.
Pre-owned boats, which represent approximately 80% of total annual unit sales, remain a critical component of the market, offering a wide range of price points and access opportunities for consumers. In 2024, the most recent year of available data, pre-owned boat sales totaled nearly 860,000 units, down 6.5% from 2023.
“The mixed and uncertain economic environment that persisted throughout 2025 brought material impacts to the recreational boating market and a wait-and-see mindset for some boating consumers,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, NMMA president and chief executive officer. “While last year’s economic uncertainty and softness is expected to persist into 2026, manufacturers have adjusted and there is cautious optimism as key consumer segments engage in boating through a range of pathways, from entry-level and pre-owned boats to boat clubs and shared access options that align with their budgets and lifestyles.”
As winter boat shows get underway nationwide, the industry enters a pivotal period for consumer engagement. Winter shows can drive an estimated 30% to 60% of annual retail sales and serve as a key barometer for the year ahead, offering consumers the opportunity to compare brands, explore new technologies and, unlike auto shows, purchase boats and accessories directly on the show floor.
Click here for the full press release.
NMMA estimates total new powerboat retail unit sales in 2025 declined an estimated 8% to 10%, to approximately 215,000 to 225,000 units. Looking ahead, mixed economic conditions are expected to result in new powerboat sales in 2026 that are on par to slightly up from last year.
Throughout 2025, volume-leading segments such as personal watercraft, aluminum fishing boats and smaller, trailerable boats drove retail activity, accounting for more than 90% of total unit sales. Freshwater fishing boats were a notable bright spot, holding steady with 2023 sales levels.
Pre-owned boats, which represent approximately 80% of total annual unit sales, remain a critical component of the market, offering a wide range of price points and access opportunities for consumers. In 2024, the most recent year of available data, pre-owned boat sales totaled nearly 860,000 units, down 6.5% from 2023.
“The mixed and uncertain economic environment that persisted throughout 2025 brought material impacts to the recreational boating market and a wait-and-see mindset for some boating consumers,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, NMMA president and chief executive officer. “While last year’s economic uncertainty and softness is expected to persist into 2026, manufacturers have adjusted and there is cautious optimism as key consumer segments engage in boating through a range of pathways, from entry-level and pre-owned boats to boat clubs and shared access options that align with their budgets and lifestyles.”
As winter boat shows get underway nationwide, the industry enters a pivotal period for consumer engagement. Winter shows can drive an estimated 30% to 60% of annual retail sales and serve as a key barometer for the year ahead, offering consumers the opportunity to compare brands, explore new technologies and, unlike auto shows, purchase boats and accessories directly on the show floor.
Click here for the full press release.