New US powerboat retail unit sales declined 7.4% year-over-year to 233,737 units for the 12-month period ending February 2025.
Wholesale shipments saw a steeper drop, down 13%, reflecting continued inventory recalibration by manufacturers and dealers.
The latest Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary report from the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) shows the broader trend points to a softening demand, but that the picture is not uniformly negative.
Early 2025 year-to-date retail sales (January–February) fell 4.8% compared to the same period in 2024.
Freshwater fishing boats saw a 6.6% increase over 2024’s sales.
Personal watercraft (PWC) sales were nearly flat year-on-year (+0.1%), which the NMMA says demonstrates resilience in more accessible, lower-cost segments.
Outboard powered
Outboard powered boats dominated retail sales accounting for almost 66% of total sales.
The NMMA report points to February’s macroeconomic backdrop which adds context to the latest sales figures.
“The early part of 2025 continues to show the effects of a cautious consumer facing inflationary pressures, however, the job market remained relatively healthy, and we were seeing signs of a return to growth in February, ahead of the early April ‘Liberation Day’, tariff announcements,” said Ellen Bradley, NMMA’s chief brand officer.
“With the mixed category sales and macroeconomic picture year to date, consumers and industry alike probably found themselves in a bit of ‘watch and wait’ mode.
“Still, demand for wellness-driven, outdoor experiences remains strong and as consumers prioritise time with family, nature and their well-being, boating continues to offer unmatched opportunity that can be a strategic advantage to lean into, with everything from marketing to new product innovation to customer engagement.”
The NMMA says the report paints a complex picture defined by ongoing retail softness, cautious optimism, and a watchful eye on economic indicators that continue to shape consumer behaviour.
