The weak purchasing power of consumers and the prolonged uncertain economic situation were reflected in a downturn in Finnish boating sales in 2024.
A report from the Finnish Boating Federation, Finnboat, shows the number of new boats sold decreased by almost 20% from the previous year, and the turnover of boating companies decreased by around 10% according to the latest registration and wholesale delivery statistics.
The statistics cover boats over 5.5m long or equipped with an engine of over 15kw (20hp).
“The year 2024 was still very challenging for the boating industry, but a survey conducted among Finnboat members at the turn of the year already predicts a turnaround,” said Jarkko Pajusalo, Finnboat CEO.
“Another promising sign is that significantly more boats are coming to the Helsinki Vene Båt fair, which kicks off preparations for the upcoming boating season, than last year.”
A survey conducted among Finnboat members at the turn of the year already predicts a turnaround.
Jarkko Pajusalo
Consumer caution and weak purchasing power have been particularly evident in sales of smaller outboard motor boats, but the recovery of purchasing power is gradually correcting the situation and companies are predicting a turnaround in 2025.
The Finnboat figures show more than 90% of new boats sold in Finland are up to 7m in length.
Last year, 1,161 new boats under 7m were registered, and 41 boats over 10m were registered.
Registrations of new watercraft – motorboats, RIBs and personal watercraft – decreased by almost 20%.
The most popular motorboat registrations were domestic brands and Sea-Doo personal watercraft remained the number one seller of all watercraft (569 units).
Sales of used boats continued to be ‘lively’. According to the boat register maintained by the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom, a total of 23,506 boat ownership changes were recorded, 100 fewer than the previous year.
Exports
The value of Finnish boat exports decreased by approximately 24% in January-November 2024 compared to 2023 and the number of units fell by 39%
The USA was the largest export country in terms of value, with boats worth 45 million euros.
The second largest export country was Norway, where the number of boats exported decreased by 42% and the value decreased by 44% to 32 million euros.
The third largest export country was Sweden where the value of exports decreased by 58%.
Imports
Imports of boats fell by 35%, with the majority coming from Mexico, which still saw a decrease of 46%.
The second most important import country was Poland, from which imports in January–November 2024 decreased by 34% to 7.8 million euros and 107 boats.
Sales of used boats continued to be ‘lively’. According to the boat register maintained by the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom, a total of 23,506 boat ownership changes were recorded, 100 fewer than the previous year.
