Registrations of new boats in Finland fell by 23% in 2025, however there was growth in the registered fleet as older stock was cleared along with strong trading activity in used boats – up by as much as 12%.
The decline in new boat sales has been put down to consumer uncertainty and the economy’s slower-than-expected turnaround but Finnboat, the country’s boating association says there is a a shift towards improvement and a cautious optimism for 2026.
At the end of 2025, the register contained almost 3,000 more watercrafts than a year earlier.
Finnboat member companies’ reported wholesale delivery statistics for small boats and outboard-powered boats were up during the first three quarters of 2025 in both domestic deliveries and exports.
Purchasing power in Finland and neighbouring markets has improved for a second year in a row.
Jarkko Pajusalo
Wholesale deliveries of outboard engines totalled 6,819 units, representing growth of as much as 14%.
“Despite turbulence in global politics, activity in several key export markets has been on the rise, and as inventories have been cleared, the situation for manufacturers has also improved somewhat,” explained Jarkko Pajusalo, CEO of Finnboat.
“The pace at which demand for boats — like all durable consumer goods — returns will now depend on consumers’ confidence in the global political situation and in their own finances.
“Purchasing power in Finland and neighbouring markets has improved for a second year in a row, but the recovery in confidence has been slower than expected, especially in Finland.”
Clearing older inventory
In 2025, 2,021 new watercrafts of various types were registered (2,631 in 2024) – a 23% decline – with 1,594 motorboats registered (1,895), and 26 RIBs (31).
The number of PWCs registered dropped sharply to 353(653).
Despite the decline in new boat registrations, the registered fleet grew in 2025 by a total of 2,927 units.
The difference compared with first registrations was driven by the clearance of older inventory, especially in motorboats and personal watercraft.
For motorboats, the gap was as much as 730 units, and for personal watercraft 195 units.
Domestic brands dominate
The top ten list for first registrations of motorboats was dominated by domestic brands. Buster remained number one (333 registered boats). Silver rose to second place (170), Suvi was third (153), and Faster fourth (143).
Near the top of the overall first-registration rankings for all watercraft types was also the personal watercraft brand Sea-Doo (279 units).
A total of 17 new sailboats were registered – the same number as in the two previous years.
According to the boat register maintained by the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom, a total of 26,323 ownership transfers were recorded for used boats, corresponding to 12% growth in second-hand sales.
Boats changed owners as much as 20% more actively than in the pre-pandemic peak year 2019.
Value of boat exports fails
According to Finnish Customs statistics, the value of Finland’s boat exports in January–November 2025 fell by around 12% compared with the previous year.
More than 3,267 boats were exported to 49 different countries. Measured by units, however, boat exports increased by 9%.
By value, the UK became the largest export destination, with boats exported worth EUR 43 million.
The US was the second-largest destination: the number of boats exported there increased by 22%, while the value fell by 28% to EUR 32 million.
Sweden was the third-largest export destination; export value rose by 5%, and more than 1,200 boats were delivered there, with a total value of EUR 29 million.
Imports are down
The most significant country of origin for imported watercraft remained Mexico with 773 PWCs imported , most of which were cleared into the EU via Finland and then re-exported to other parts of Europe.
The second most important country of origin was Poland; imports in January–November 2025 decreased by 21% to EUR 6.2 million and 86 boats. Imports from Sweden decreased by 28%.
Business cycle barometer signals a cautiously positive year
Despite temporary layoffs in manufacturing, overall employment in the boating industry is expected to remain at a good level, reflecting confidence in the sector’s future.
Headcount expected to remain unchanged
More than 70% of companies estimate that headcount will remain unchanged, and 25% estimate that it will increase in 2026.
Only 3% of companies estimate that staffing levels will decrease.
Nearly 50% of companies estimate turnover will increase in 2026.
Temporary layoffs were implemented in 2025 by 17% of the 77 companies that responded to the barometer (15% in 2025).
The Finnish boat register includes all boats longer than 5.5 metres or fitted with an engine of more than 15kW (20hp).
The boating industry employs around 3,500 people in Finland, and the combined turnover of Finnboat member companies was, according to a preliminary estimate, approximately EUR 800 million, in line with recent years.
