NMMA’s latest Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary, covering data through October 2025, showed economic pressures persisted as elevated borrowing costs and mixed household outlooks continued to influence marine market activity. Year-to-date (January–October 2025), new retail powerboat unit sales decreased by 8.7% from the same period last year, with 202,994 units sold.
Across major boat segments, retail performance remained mixed through October. While most categories posted year-over-year declines, some segments, like freshwater fishing boats, continued to demonstrate relative stability compared to higher-priced and more discretionary categories.
Key economic indicators reflected continued consumer caution in October.
The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index declined again, signaling ongoing caution among households, while the Consumer Sentiment Index remained subdued. Broader manufacturing and housing indicators continued to shift, with the U.S. Manufacturing PMI edging lower to 52.3, pointing to moderating factory activity as economic uncertainty persists.
With October data now confirmed, it helped paint a clearer picture of how 2025 will close out the year, as noted in NMMA’s state of the recreational boating industry business release distributed last week. Conditions influencing consumer confidence, such as softening jobs data and persistent inflationary pressures, are expected to continue weighing on demand into 2026, creating a mixed environment for new boat sales.
NMMA will continue to track these
economic indicators and their relationship to consumer behavior and retail activity.
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 buy an annual subscription for $2,400 or a monthly copy for $250. Non-members can purchase an annual subscription for $3,500.
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