British boatbuilding is evolving rather than contracting according to a new report published by British Marine.
The UK Boat Production Estimates 2021–2024 has been compiled by industry analyst Phil Draper of Phil Draper Associates, covering four key product areas: all sailboats, inboard and sterndrive motorboats, other rigid boats (including outboard motorboats), and all RIBs.
Key report findings show the production of small sailboats less than 7.49-metres in length surged during the Covid outdoor leisure boom, but volumes have steadily eased since 2021.
By 2024, production levels had fallen to less than two-thirds of their peak, reflecting a return to pre-pandemic levels.
World-class expertise
RS Sailing and Topper International remain the country’s biggest player.
However, while mass-market dinghy volumes have recalibrated post-pandemic, the UK maintains world-class expertise across luxury motor yachts, high-end tenders, and inland cruising craft.
The 12.5–23.99-metre motor yacht category, led by Princess and Sunseeker, has remained stable at around 300 units per year, demonstrating sustained international demand for British craftsmanship.
At the top end of the market, UK production of motor yachts greater than 24-metres in length has risen from around 40 units in 2021 to just over 60 in 2024.
Both Princess and Sunseeker have announced their intention to enter the 30-metre-plus segment from late 2026, showing renewed ambition in the superyacht market.
It’s a globally significant industry.
Phil Draper
The report also shows that RIB building remains strong in the UK. Driven largely by Williams Jet Tenders, the UK continues to be a leading producer of high-quality tenders and compact RIBs. While production dipped mid-period, 2024 shows a modest recovery.
Although harder to quantify due to the dispersed nature of the sector, inland waterway craft production remains steady and continues to benefit from strong domestic tourism and the UK’s unique inland waterways network.
“These datasets deliver a useful topline snapshot of leisure boatbuilding in the UK over the past four years,” says Draper.
“And it’s a globally significant industry. Several British brands – namely Princess, Sunseeker, Oyster, RS Sailing, Topper International and Williams – number among the world’s leading players in their respective segments.”
Industry adapts to changing demand
British Marine says the report highlights that future opportunity lies increasingly in value, innovation, and specialist capability, rather than volume alone.
And although these figures reflect historic production, they show an industry adapting to changing demand and shifting market conditions.
And she added that while demand in entry-level and smaller craft has naturally settled since the post-pandemic surge, other segments, particularly luxury motor yachts, high-end tenders and inland cruising craft, continue to demonstrate strong capability and resilient output.
