Despite a slight decline in the accessories and services segment, economic uncertainty and new tariff rules, recreational boating remains a strong and competitive market segment within the wider US yacht market.
Recreational boating is an important sector for American industry, generating an annual economic impact of $230 billion and 812,000 jobs nationwide. The marine industry in the USA continues to represent a strategic pillar of the national economy. According to the NMMA, the National Marine Manufacturers Association, considering that 95% of boats sold in the United States are domestically manufactured and 93% of marine manufacturers operate as small businesses, timely infrastructure improvements are essential to sustaining a strong and competitive manufacturing sector.
Recent researches confirm the US yacht market to be a steadily growing segment in 2025, driven by the need to value new technologies, environmentally friendly materials in new and advanced boats that are also chosen for their sustainability and ability to consume less fuel.
Trends in Recreational Boating
Today’s buyers are more informed and selective, while sellers face a very competitive market in the recreational boating industry. In the second-hand sector, high costs and economic factors lead many owners to leave the market, while new buyers are more cautious and attentive to offers. Alongside this trend, however, the luxury segment remains constant, with increases in value driven by innovation, high performance and ecological design.
Boat Sales in the USA – Purchase Data
Retail spending on boating accessories and services reached $55.6 billion in 2024, down 2.6% from 2023. Spending on boat use was $12.1 billion, while spending on aftermarket accessories was $12.4 billion, unchanged from 2023.
New boat sales in the USA reached 238,117 units in 2024, led by outboard models with 141,590 units. Used boat sales accounted for 858,798 boats, or 78.3% of transactions, compared to 21.7% of new boat sales.
The largest number of purchases occurred between late spring and early summer, while only 3% of annual sales took place in December. NMMA reported continued weakness in new boat sales through June 2025, due to rising costs and economic uncertainty.
According to DWY Marketing Intelligence data, although down 35%, the sailboat market is holding up. In October 2025, prices were stable even though there had been an increase in selling times. Stable prices, accurate and convincing information, alongside quality opportunities are the elements influencing buyers’ choices in the evolving US yacht market.
Materials
Last August, the US Department of Commerce expanded duties on aluminium and steel imports. Over 400 Harmonised Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes, used by the US to classify imported goods, were added to the list of aluminium and steel products now subject to duties. As of 18 August, products with metal content are subject to a 50% duty. The National Marine Manufacturers Association has advised its members, active in the production of boats and marine products, to review imported components, parts or products and confirm the relevant HTS codes.
In 2026, the boat show season has already begun.
The Discovery Boating New England Boat Show took place between 7 and 11 January, in partnership with Progressive, a US insurance company that sponsors and collaborates with various events and is a key player in the marine insurance industry. Held at the Thomas Michael Menino Convention & Exhibition Centre in Boston, this indoor show, the largest of its kind in New England, featured over 550 boats of various types and brands, as well as accessories for recreational boating, including marine electronics, to enhance and make the boating experience even more enjoyable.
The Discovery Boating Atlanta Boat Show was held between 8 and 11 January at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, again in partnership with Progressive. This boating event, which has been running for over 60 years, features hundreds of new boats for sale, recreational activities, training sessions, safety seminars, and the latest innovations to make boating easier.
Finally, between 11 and 15 February it is time for Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show 2026, which was created by merging the Miami International Boat Show and the Miami Yacht Show to create one of the world’s largest events dedicated to yachting. The land-based part of the event will take place at the Miami Beach Convention Center and Pride Park. The aquatic part of the show will be held at the Miami Beach Yacht Collection at Collins Avenue & Sailors Cove. Space will be given to boats of different kinds, from kayaks to superyachts.
Regulations for more efficient facilities
NMMA welcomed the news of the US House of Representatives’ passage of H.R. 3898, the Promoting Efficient Review for Modern Infrastructure Today (PERMIT) Act, which is a significant step towards modernising federal permitting processes and reducing delays for critical infrastructure projects across the nation.
For the recreational boating industry, the efficiency and predictability of permitting is linked to the implementation of projects to improve harbours and marinas, also affecting subsequent vessel access. Projects such as dredging small harbours, maintaining canals, improving marinas and upgrading waterfront infrastructure are crucial for safe boating and creating healthy ecosystems and vibrant economies related to recreational boating. For too long, many projects have been delayed, not least because of restrictions on access to public waters, slowing down local investment.
The PERMIT Act modernises the permitting processes of the Clean Water Act, the primary US federal law regulating water pollution, by establishing clearer timelines for permit review and improving how permits are renewed and maintained. These updates are designed to reduce administrative backlogs, protecting water quality and helping communities pursue infrastructure investments that support outdoor recreation and economic growth. Timely infrastructure improvements are essential to support recreational boating.
(Source: ICOMIA)
USA – STATISTICS & FACTS
ECONOMIC INDICATORS
GDP growth (Q3 2025)
- +4,3%
(source: Bureau of Economic Analysis)
GDP growth per capita (2024)
- + 2.8%
(source: Trading Economics)
High Net Worth Individuals (HNWI)
- With more than six million high net worth individuals (HNWIs) with investable assets of $1 million or more, the US holds o 34% of global liquid private wealth and is home to 37% of the world’s population of millionaires.
(Source: USA Wealth Report 2025)
USA Retail spending (October 2025)
- 3,5%
(source: Trading Economics)
Consumer Confidence (December 2025)
- 89.1 index points
(source: The Conference Board)
Unemployed (November 2025)
- 4,4%
(source: Trading Economics)
New cars sold
- 16.27 million units sold in 2025 (1.9% more than the previous year)
(source: Marklines)
NAUTICAL MARKET INDICATORS (2024)
US global marine industry turnover
- US$ 230 billion
Revenues from boating accessories and services
- $55.6 billion
Spending on boat use
- $12.1 billion
Spending on aftermarket accessories
- $12.4 billion
People working in the nautical sector
- 812 thousand
New boats sold in 2024
- 238,117 units (21.7%)
Of these 141,590 units are outboard models
Used boats sold in 2024
- 858,798 units (78.3%)
(source: NMMA)
US registered boat fleet
- sailboats 1,328,813
- eb or efb motor units 2,550,402
- motor fb or rigid units 7,475,250
- PWCs 1,200,816
- other units 2,625,793
Distribution of pleasure craft along the coastline
- km of coastline 133,342
- total boating fleet 15,181,074
- recreational units per 100 km of coastline 11,585
(source: ICOMIA)
