From January to December 2024, new powerboat retail unit sales in the US fell by 9.1%, with a total of 231,576 units sold.
Wholesale shipments fell by more than 20%. Boats powered by outboard engines were the largest category of units sold.
The figures from the National Maine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) are from the assocation’s latest report which is based on data from member manufacturers and state governments in partnership with Info-Link Technologies which provides data and market intelligence services.
The latest stats show the significant year on year decline was influenced by economic pressures and fluctuating consumer confidence.
As the recreational boating industry manages lower retail sales, Info-Link also reports that as of year end 2024, the median age of current boat owners in the US is now 60 years old, with more boat owners in their 70s than in their 40s.
Many of the people who owned boats 25 years ago are the same people who own boats today.
Jack Ellis
“Many of the people who owned boats 25 years ago are the same people who own boats today, but they’re 25 years older,” said Info-Link’s Jack Ellis.
The report states that from the close of 2024 to the first quarter of 2025, economic volatility has had a noticeable impact on consumer sentiment.
The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index has declined for the third month in a row bringing the Index to the bottom of the range that has prevailed since 2022.
And the report states that broader economic indicators affecting the boating industry remain in the ‘caution’ category with continuing concerns over market stability and continued uncertainty.
“The latest economic news, coupled with the median age milestone, reinforce the importance of industry-wide efforts to generate category awareness and excite potential boaters and watersports enthusiasts while retaining existing boaters through Discover Boating and related efforts from Take Me Fishing, especially in down cycles as this is key to maintaining our momentum and sustaining long-term growth,” said Ellen Bradley, NMMA chief brand officer.
