Spanish recreational boat registrations increased by 7% in the first nine months of 2026, supported by growth in motorboats and vessels over 12 metres.
A total of 4,642 boats were registered between January and September, compared with 4,339 in the same period of 2025. September alone accounted for 271 registrations, up 6.3% year on year.
The figures come from the recreational craft market report produced by Spanish marine trade association ANEN using records supplied by the Directorate General of the Merchant Marine.
Motorboats remained the largest category, with 2,004 registrations, a rise of 16.2%, and a 43.2% market share. Personal watercraft registrations increased by 1.1% to 1,319, while folding inflatables rose 8.2% to 555. Sailboat registrations were unchanged at 210 and rigid inflatable boats declined 4.1% to 473.
Favourable development
Every length category recorded growth. Boats measuring 12 to 16 metres increased by 38%, while registrations above 16 metres rose 51%. Boats up to six metres still represented 67.8% of the market, with 3,149 registrations, up 4.5%.
The charter market recorded 1,440 registrations, 8.1% more than in 2025 but still 12.9% below 2024. Charter registrations for boats from 12 to 16 metres rose 40.3%, while the over-16-metre segment increased 68.4%.
ANEN described the nine-month performance as a ‘favourable development’, although the charter comparison shows that part of the market has not returned to its 2024 level.
The Balearic Islands led the national market with 733 registrations and a 15.8% share, followed by Barcelona with 541 and Madrid with 364. The Balearics also led charter registrations, with 353 units and a 24.5% share.
