The recreational boating market in Spain closed 2025 with stable growth and signs of recovery in the final stretch of the year, especially in smaller vessels.
The figures are from the 2025 Recreational Boating Market Report, prepared by ANEN (National Association of Nautical Companies) based on official data from the Directorate General of the Merchant Marine (DGMM).
During 2025, 4,992 recreational boats were registered, representing an adjustment of -0.9% compared to 2024, pointing towards market normalisation after strong growth recorded in previous years.
After a subdued start to the year, the market showed a gradual recovery trend from the summer onwards, culminating in a positive final quarter, with December closing with year-on-year growth of 14%.
Adjustment and consolidation
“2025 has been a year of adjustment and consolidation for recreational boating,” said Jordi Carrasco, CEO of ANEN.
“The positive performance of the last quarter demonstrates that the sector maintains a solid demand base and a remarkable capacity to adapt to a more demanding economic environment.”
Boats up to 6 metres in length continue to be the mainstay of the market, with 3,492 registrations, 70% of the total number of boat registrations, pretty much the same level as in 2024 (-1%).
The 6-8 metre segment showed the best relative performance, with 898 units registered and slight year-on-year growth (+0.2%), confirming its position as one of the main drivers of the recovery in the last quarter.
Motorboats continue to lead
Longer lengths maintain a lower weighting, in line with the structural market trend, with adjustments in the larger size brackets.
By vessel type, motorboats again led registrations in 2025, with 2,066 units (41.4% of the total), followed by personal watercraft, with 1,394 registrations.
Registrations of inflatable boats continued to grow, reaching 664 registrations, an increase of 47.2%.
The rental market closed the year with 1,418 registrations, representing a 19.3% decrease compared to 2024, after several years of strong expansion.
Balearics lead registrations
However, this segment also saw a significant improvement in the last quarter, with a 43.8% increase in December.
From a territorial perspective, the Balearic Islands again led registrations in the overall market, followed by Barcelona, while Murcia and Alicante saw strong growth.
The 2025 data confirms that the Spanish nautical sector is facing a period of consolidation, with more rationalised but stable demand, supported by entry-level segments, diversification of uses, and a solid business base, added Carrasco.
