Mixed sales data from latest industry association data- MarineBusinessWorld North America newsletter
by Peter Rendle 15 Jul 08:00 PDT
Latest NMMA Data Summary provides insight into shifting market conditions © NMMA
NMMA's latest Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary, featuring data through April 2026, shows the recreational boating market continues to navigate elevated interest rates and cautious consumer sentiment.
The report analyses a rolling 12-month period, providing members with a broader view of long-term market trends. New powerboat retail unit sales were down 7.1% to 214,292 (May 2025-April 2026). Despite softer overall demand, unit sales of new freshwater fishing boats posted a slight 0.4% increase in retail sales year-on-year.
NMMA also launched the Waterways Access Initiative, a multi-year advocacy campaign focused on protecting and expanding access to America's public waters. For more than 85 million Americans each year, boating and fishing are a way to spend time with family, enjoy the outdoors, and connect with America's rivers, lakes, harbors, and coastlines.
Registration is now open for BoatUS Foundation's Turning the Tide Summit, scheduled for December 6-9, in New Orleans. The in-person event will focus on exploring existing and emerging technologies and best practices for responsible and sustainable disposal of abandoned and derelict vessels. This event will focus on topics pertaining to fiberglass and composite recycling as well as subjects related to shrink-wrap and other boating-related waste.
Caudwell Marine has strengthened its North American presence with the appointment of two US-based Product Support Engineers, marking the latest step in the company's ongoing investment in the region ahead of the commercial launch of the AX300 Diesel outboard later this year. The appointments expand Caudwell Marine's regional technical capability and reinforce its commitment to supporting commercial operators, distributors and boat builders across North America as customer validation programmes continue.
PORT 32 Marinas and Acme Marinas this week announced a combination that creates one of the largest and strategically positioned marina platforms along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts. The transaction brings together a portfolio of premier waterfront assets in some of the nation's most sought-after coastal destinations, enhancing scale, geographic diversification, and long-term growth opportunities for the combined organization.
Revolution Marine Group (RMG) and Yacht Sales International (YSI) announced an dealer agreement naming YSI the Exclusive U.S. & Caribbean Dealer for the Oceanwalker S60 and S60e power catamarans. An S60 Revolution Edition is already in Fort Lauderdale and available for immediate sea trials and delivery — the first Oceanwalker available for purchase in the Western Hemisphere.
Marine electronics specialist A+T Instruments has launched the HFD5. Designed as a direct, drop-in replacement and upgrade to the B&G H5000 display, the HFD5 addresses an important gap in the market for those who rely on this display size. Like all A+T displays, the HFD5 is tougher and better than the competition.
American Sailing Association (ASA) and marine navigation app Savvy Navvy announced a partnership that will embed digital navigation tools into ASA's sailing and powerboat education network. The announcement coincides with American Sailing's development of a new Electronic Navigation Course, which will incorporate Savvy Navvy as a primary digital navigation tool.
Groupe Beneteau announces with deep sadness the passing of Dieter Gust on July 8, after a courageous ten-year battle with illness. Founder of Construction Navale Bordeaux (CNB) in 1987 alongside Olivier Lafourcade, Dieter Gust left a lasting mark on the history of shipbuilding and Groupe Beneteau. A great sailor, visionary entrepreneur and hands-on leader, he was one of the notable figures in the boating world.
More news at www.marinebusinessworld.com/NorthAmerica updated daily.
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@worldmarine.media