Australia’s Boating Industry Association’s (BIA) state of the industry data report shows a 5% increase on the previous year with national turnover at $10.12 billion for 2023-24.
BIA president Adam Smith said the report demonstrates continued growth for the sector despite economic challenges over the past 12 months.
“There are now 27,500 people directly employed in the boating industry as well as 8,250 more in contractor roles supporting more than 2000 businesses across the nation,” he said.
“75% are in small, family businesses, employing local workers and supporting local communities.
“Many are based in regional areas and help deliver much-needed support for jobs and economies, including enhanced tourism-related spend of boating activities.”
The report shows that Australia has more than 2.5 million people with a licence to drive a powerboat – equating to one in ten Australians with a boat licence.
There are close to one million registered vessels with 10% of registered vessels personal watercraft which is the fastest growing segment.
There are a countless number of non-motorised craft which include small paddle and sail craft, which do not require registration or licensing and 85% of boats are under 6m.
Around 60% of boating trips are up to four hours duration. The boating industry includes designers, manufacturers, importers, brokers, insurers, retailers, charters, yacht and boat clubs, marinas, tourism, surveyors and trades from boat builders to riggers.
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