Industry stats reflect economic financial pressures - MarineBusinessWorld North America newsletter
by Peter Rendle 14 Jan 16:00 UTC
NMMA's latest Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary © National Marine Manufacturers Association
NMMA's latest Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary, covering data through October 2025, showed economic pressures persisted as elevated borrowing costs and mixed household outlooks continued to influence marine market activity.
Year-to-date (January-October 2025), new retail powerboat unit sales decreased by 8.7% from the same period last year, with 202,994 units sold.
NMMA also shared a state of the recreational boating industry business release with local, regional and national media outlets. The release outlines the latest industry data and market trends shaping the U.S. recreational boating market as it enters 2026. NMMA estimates total new powerboat retail unit sales in 2025 declined an estimated 8% to 10%, to approximately 215,000 to 225,000 units. Looking ahead, mixed economic conditions are expected to result in new powerboat sales in 2026 that are on par to slightly up from last year.
The American Boat & Yacht Council, a nonprofit organization that develops voluntary safety standards for boat design, construction, maintenance and repair, kicked off its 17th annual Standards Week, taking place this year in Charleston, South Carolina. Running January 12-15, Standards Week brings together marine industry professionals to contribute to the development and revision of ABYC standards that support safer recreational boating.
The boat show season is under way, with events in two key markets — Boston and Atlanta — kicking off the year for new boat sales and consumer engagement nationwide. The Discover Boating New England Boat Show, in partnership with Progressive, opened at the Thomas Michael Menino Convention and Exhibition Center, ahead of the the Discover Boating Atlanta Boat Show, in partnership with Progressive, at the Georgia World Congress Center. Both shows were sold out, and featured hundreds of NMMA member companies, dealers, engine manufacturers, and accessory brands showcasing the latest boat models and marine innovations.
Submissions are now open to speak at the in-person conference on removal and disposal of abandoned & derelict vessels (ADVs) and boating-related debris. The BoatUS Foundation is now seeking speakers for its Turning the Tide Summit in New Orleans on December 6-9. The summit will bring together government agencies, environmentalists, marine professionals, and recycle and waste management experts nationwide to explore best practices for responsible and sustainable removal and disposal, along with sharing emerging technologies and innovative recycling programs.
The application period is now open for the National Marine Representatives Association (NMRA) Marine Trades Scholarship program. The deadline is April 15. Since 2008, NMRA has actively contributed to the future of the marine industry by offering scholarships to students pursuing education in the marine trades.
Luxury performance boat builder MJM Yachts is proud to announce a strategic partnership with European luxury yacht dealer Mr. Blu Yacht & Ship. Headquartered in Udine, Italy, Mr. Blu Yacht & Ship will collaborate with the team at MJM Yachts to customize the builder's range to meet the needs and preferences of European owners while preserving MJM's design and engineering DNA. "The MJM 38 and MJM 47 perfectly embody the idea of advanced boating, where performance, comfort, and lasting value coexist without compromise," said Laura Passavinti, CEO of Mr.Blu Yacht & Ship.
Remigo d.o.o. proudly announces that the RemigoOne Neo electric outboard has been named Design of the Year at the 2025 European Product Design Awards (EPDA), one of Europe's most prestigious honors recognizing excellence in industrial design. "This recognition reflects our commitment to designing products that are not only technically excellent, but a joy to use," said Ajda Bertok, Lead Designer of RemigoOne Neo. "Winning among so many talented entries across diverse categories is a tremendous honor."
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@worldmarine.media