Please select your home edition
Edition
Maritimo M600

NMMA confirms 9% decline in 2024 new boat retail sales

by National Marine Manufacturers Association 10 Mar 15:27 PDT
Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary report © National Marine Manufacturers Association

Amid last week's news on tariffs and the subsequent potential economic and industry impacts, NMMA has released its Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary report, offering a comprehensive analysis of recreational boating powerboat unit sales and key economic indicators through December 2024. While these monthly NMMA reports cover a rolling 12-month period, this latest version for December offers a full look at calendar year 2024, confirming estimates for retail and wholesale sales declines.

Released monthly, the report is based on data from NMMA member manufacturers and state governments in partnership with Info-Link and provide the most timely and detailed wholesale and retail analysis available in the market.

Key findings from the December 2024 report include:

  • Declining Retail Sales: From January to December 2024, new powerboat retail unit sales fell by 9.1%, totaling 231,576 units—a significant year-over-year decline influenced by economic pressures and fluctuating consumer confidence.
  • Growth in Single-Family Construction: Despite elevated mortgage rates and tight lending standards for construction and development loans, new single-family construction ended 2024 on a strong note. As the new year progresses, the construction industry is seeing an easing in the regulatory environment and tax cuts as tailwinds and tariffs and higher deficits as dampening momentum. NMMA monitors single-family housing starts given correlations to boat buying consumers.
Continue reading the full article here...

Related Articles

June data shows continued softness in boat sales
NMMA's latest Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary NMMA's latest Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary, covering data through June 2025, shows continued pressure on retail sales as economic uncertainty and elevated borrowing costs weigh on consumer demand. Posted on 10 Sep
U.S. Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract
The latest report on cruiser, watersport, fishing boat and trailer sales trends The latest report on cruiser, watersport, fishing boat and trailer sales trends, part of NMMA's 2024 U.S. Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract, is now available for member download. Posted on 9 Sep
U.S. Exports and Imports 2024 Report
Examining recent and historical trade data on the different categories The Boat and Engine Exports and Imports section of NMMA's 2024 U.S. Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract is now available for member download, with a comprehensive look at marine trade flows and shifts in global demand for American-made products. Posted on 4 Sep
NMMA launches refueling safety task force
Composed of a diverse group of industry experts NMMA has launched a dedicated task force focused on fuel system inspection education and refueling best practices. Posted on 4 Sep
Adam Gray tours Centurion & Supreme Boats
NMMA organized a tour for the Congressman of their operations in Merced NMMA recently organized a tour of Centurion & Supreme Boats' operations in Merced, California with Rep. Adam Gray (D-CA-13) and his staff. Posted on 29 Aug
Michigan Boating Technology Day
NMMA Member Ilmor Marine showcases innovation NMMA member manufacturer Ilmor Marine welcomed Michigan state policymakers, legislative staff, marine industry leaders, and NMMA members to its new marine technology and manufacturing facility in New Hudson, Mich. last week. Posted on 26 Aug
IBEX Education lineup announced
IBEX has announced its 2025 Education Conference lineup The International BoatBuilders' Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) has announced its 2025 Education Conference lineup. Posted on 21 Aug
President Trump expands Section 232 Tariffs
CBP has issued Cargo Systems and Message Service guidance for steel products and aluminum products On Aug. 15, the U.S. Department of Commerce significantly expanded its Section 232 tariffs on aluminum and steel imports, adding more than 400 HTS codes to its existing list of tariffs on aluminum and steel derivative products. Posted on 19 Aug
Core U.S. Inflation hit five-month high
Pressuring discretionary spending U.S. inflation picked up in July, with the Consumer Price Index rising to 2.7% year-over-year, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Posted on 15 Aug
Economic pressure maintains grip on boating demand
NMMA's latest Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary NMMA's latest Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary, which highlights data on a 12-month rolling basis, June 2024 through May 2025, reflects ongoing headwinds in retail powerboat unit sales as economic pressures remain a key concern. Posted on 15 Aug
RS Sailing 2021 - FOOTERCyclops Marine 2023 November - FOOTERSelden 2020 - FOOTER