Cautious optimism from marine industry leaders - MarineBusinessWorld North America newsletter
by Peter Rendle 11 Feb 08:00 PST
Boat manufacturing © National Marine Manufacturers Association
The National Marine Manufacturers Association's Q4 Marine Leadership Barometer, fielded in December 2025, shows executive sentiment strengthened among marine manufacturer members in the U.S. and Canada, with leaders reporting more positive outlooks for business conditions and revenue entering 2026.
According to the latest results, 63% of respondents to the Q4 survey said they are cautiously optimistic about the state of the recreational boating sector over the next 12 months, up 18 points over the four quarters, representing a 40% increase from the Q1 2025 survey.
A new legal challenge to the Trump administration's expanded steel and aluminum tariffs could affect how U.S. Customs values imported components used across marine manufacturing supply chains. Last week, Illinois-based Express Fasteners filed suit in the U.S. Court of International Trade, arguing that U.S. Customs and Border Protection improperly applied Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs to the entire value of imported fasteners, rather than just the value of the steel content itself.
MasterCraft Boat Holdings, Inc (NASDAQ: MCFT), a leading innovator, designer, and manufacturer of premium performance and leisure powerboats and Marine Products Corporation (NYSE: MPX), a leading manufacturer of recreation and sport fishing powerboats, announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which MasterCraft will acquire Marine Products in a cash and stock transaction valued at approximately $232.2 million, net of acquired cash.
Last year, South Florida based Altitude Water, an award-winning innovator in the development of Atmospheric Water Generator (AWG) technology, announced an innovative partnership with RM Design Pro, M2 Holistic Studio, and PHI Cubed to design the first U.S.-built vessel to generate its own drinking water directly from air using fully integrated AWGs. Now, the team is announcing the completion of the full systems conception and production-ready design of the SXR 75 XLC, purpose-built for long-range private use and global charter operations.
Suntex Marina Investors LLC, in partnership with Centerbridge Partners, L.P. and its affiliates, the nation's premier owner and operator of recreational marina properties, announced the acquisition of Eagle Point Marina in Lewisville, Texas. This acquisition is the third Lake Lewisville marina alongside Hidden Cove Marina in Frisco, Texas and The Tribute Marina, currently under construction, in The Colony, Texas.
Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC), a leading marine technology company, has been named on Newsweek's prestigious America's Greatest Workplaces for Women 2026 list, earning a four-and-a-half-star rating out of five in recognition of its commitment to fostering an inclusive and empowering environment for women. The list ranks U.S. companies based on workplace conditions, advancement opportunities, and employee experience for women, drawing on one of the largest independent studies of its kind.
Ikonic Yachts have been appointed as Exclusive U.S. Distributor for Lekker Boats to bring the LEKKER 45 and LEKKER 44 to American buyers. In partnership with Ikonic Yachts, Lekker Boats is proud to introduce the all-new LEKKER 45 to the US market. This strategic alliance marks Lekker's formal push forward into the American market, bringing European craftsmanship and cutting-edge aluminum boat design to discerning U.S. buyers.
RAD Propulsion, a global leader in high-performance electric marine propulsion systems, has announced a strategic partnership with Charged Marine to support RAD's expansion across the North American market. This follows RAD opening an office in Charleston, South Carolina towards the end of 2025. Under the partnership, Charged Marine will provide market development, business engagement, and go-to-market support to help accelerate RAD Propulsion's commercial presence in the United States and Canada as it builds its US based manufacture, product development and sales teams.
More marine business news from our region www.marinebusinessworld.com/NorthAmerica and updated daily.
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@worldmarine.media