A value of $59.3 billion, up 4.4% from the previous year. These are the figures for recreational boating in the USA in 2022, released by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), which represents 85% of the country’s manufacturers of recreational boats, marine engines, and accessories.
Boating and fishing are among the main drivers of the outdoor recreational economy, a $1.1 trillion industry that contributes 2.2% of US GDP (Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis).
According to a 2023 NMMA study, the US boating industry market includes over 36,000 local businesses and provides more than 812,000 jobs. It is a true “Made in America” industry, with 95% of boats sold in the United States built domestically.
Around 85 million Americans go boating each year. 61% of boaters have an annual household income of $100,000 or less. 95% of boats used in the US are under 26 feet; these boats can be towed by a vehicle for use on local waterways.
Different States
Florida, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, is, according to NMMA, the national leader in recreational boating. In 2022, it generated $6.3 billion in sales of new boats, engines, trailers, and marine accessories, up 16.6% year-on-year.
Texas ranked second in boat marketing with $2.5 billion (+8.1%), followed by Michigan ($1.65 billion, +6.8%), which borders four Great Lakes, and North Carolina, located on the Atlantic Ocean ($1.37 billion, +10.4%).
Minnesota came fifth with $1.26 billion (+6%), known as the land of 10,000 lakes—actually closer to 12,000. It also has 6,500 streams and rivers including the Mississippi. Other strong boating states include New York ($1.2 billion, +4.3%) and Wisconsin ($1.1 billion, +5.6%).
Florida is also the top US market for the sale of marine engines, trailers, and accessories. It leads in boat registrations too, with over 959,000 boats—followed by Minnesota, Michigan, California, and Wisconsin.
Nautical Trade Fair Events
Florida is a top state for organizing nautical trade shows. The Palm Beach International Boat Show hosted over 600 brands and 800 boats in its last edition.
The Tampa Bay Boat Show, held this year from September 27–29, focused on local dealers and boat manufacturers showcasing everything from yachts and cruise ships to kayaks and fishing accessories.
From October 30 to November 3, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show will return. Owned by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF) and produced by Informa Markets, the event connects a vast area via land and water transport. In 2022, it attracted over 100,000 attendees and 1,000 exhibitors from 52 countries, with more than 1,300 boats on display. The show contributed $1.79 billion to Florida’s economy.
Toward Sustainable Marine Fuels
Sustainability and safety are crucial for the American yachting industry and beyond.
To support decarbonization, the NMMA has launched a pilot project on sustainable marine fuels at St. Andrews Marina in Panama City, Florida. For the first time, boaters can access a high-performance, ethanol-free premium fuel directly from a local marina.
Given the diverse boating uses and fleet, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for lowering emissions. But with over 12 million recreational boats in the US today, many lasting up to 50 years, sustainable marine fuels offer immediate reductions in carbon emissions without modifying current engines. They’re made from waste oils, animal fats, and plant-based materials.
Over the past 20 years, the NMMA and partners have reduced recreational boating emissions by more than 90% and improved fuel efficiency by over 40%.
Improving Safety
The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC), a promoter of safe and reliable boating, recently shared results from a major study conducted with Industrial Economics and ITA International.
Findings show that compliance with ABYC standards—incorporated into NMMA certification—significantly improves boating safety. NMMA-certified boats following these standards are 43–47% less likely to be involved in certain accidents, with fatalities dropping by 26–58%.
The NMMA certification program requires yearly inspections of boat models and proof that any issues found have been addressed. As the leading certification authority in the US recreational boating industry, its impact is now global, ensuring safer, higher-quality boats.
ECONOMIC INDICATORS
- GDP growth
- 2.8% (in the second quarter of 2024)
- (Source: Reuters)
- GDP growth per capita (2023)
- 2.0%
- (Source: Worldbank)
- High Net Worth Individuals (2021)
- 7,4 million high net worth individuals. High net worth individuals are those with financial assets worth at least one million U.S. dollars.
- (Source: Statista)
- Retail spending (June 2024)
- +2,3% above june 2023
- (Source: Census.gov)
- Consumer Confidence (June 2024)
- 100.4 index points
- (Source: The Conference Board)
- Unemployment (June 2024)
- 4,1%
- (Source: Statista)
- New car sales (June 2024)
- 1.344.312 units (-3% from June 2023)
- (Source: Marklines)
BOATING MARKET INDICATORS
- 2022 Retail Spending on Boating
- USD 59.3 billion, up 4.4% year-on-year
- 2021 2021 US global marine industry turnover
- USD 170,3 billion
- (Source: NMMA)
- US Marine Park
- 15,926,892 units
- Distribution of pleasure craft along the coast
- km of coastline: 133,342
- Pleasure craft per 100 km of coastline: 11,944
- Marinas
- 11.220
- Boat places
- 2.070.000
- Pleasure craft per berth
- 8
- (Source: Icomia)
US states leading the nation in sales (2022 data):
- Florida $6.3 billion +16.6%
- Texas $2.5 billion +8.1%
- Michigan $1.65 billion +8.6%.
- North Carolina $1.37 billion +10.4%.
- Minnesota $1.26 billion +6%.
- New York $1.2 billion +4.3%.
- Wisconsin $1.1 billion +5.6%.
- California $1.0 billion – 4%.
- Georgia $1.0 billion +7.4%.
- Alabama $964 million +7.4%
| US – REGISTERED BOAT FLEET | Number of Units |
| Sailing units | 1.511.530 |
| eb or efb motorised units | 2.629.434 |
| fb motorised and rigid units | 7.778.009 |
| Pneumatic Units | 72.493 |
| PWCs | 360.891 |
| Other Units | 2.848.179 |
| TOTAL | |
| Source: ICOMIA |
