The French Nautical Industries Federation has released its first snapshot of the summer 2026 market, pointing to a resilient boating sector despite changing consumer behaviour.
New-boat sales remain in decline, although the pace has eased, while used-boat transactions, servicing, maintenance and refit activity are proving more robust.
After a mixed start to the season, a strong August helped several sectors recover lost ground.
Marine charter operators benefited in particular from late bookings, with some reporting demand up by as much as 30% across July and August.
Small-boat sailing and outdoor watersports — including sailing, kayaking, training courses and equipment hire — also remained resilient, particularly among younger participants.
Latest recreational boating market figures
Between September 2025 and August 2026, new-boat sales fell more moderately than in the previous 12-month period with consumers remaining cautious and taking longer to commit to purchases, leaving the new-boat market subdued.
By contrast, the used-boat sector, along with servicing, maintenance and refit work, is proving more resilient.
New boats: Sales in France fell 5.2% to 7,230 units, from 7,625 a year earlier. Sailing-boat sales declined 6% from the previous year to 1,503 units, while motorboat sales were down 5% to 5,727 units.
Used boats: Transactions fell 3.8% to 57,595 over the same period, compared with 59,856 a year earlier.
Marinas: Overall visitor numbers were reasonable, however the stopovers were shorter and there is strong sensitivity to fuel prices.
Charter: Charter demand rebounded strongly in July and August after international uncertainty disrupted the spring market. The trend of later bookings continued, while September reservations are being made earlier.
Inland-waterway charter: Demand held up despite disruption from the weather, with the season beginning strongly, and demand remaining robust.
Heatwaves, drought and navigation restrictions weighed on the second half of the season, but operators responded with flexibility and agility.
High-end visitor numbers remained steady, but limited berthing for large yachts continued to add complexity and weigh on competitiveness.
The French Nautical Industries Federation says the figures point to a shift in boating habits with buyers taking a more considered approach, while enthusiasm for the activity and the desire to get on the water remain strong.
