Cautious business attitude as we approach Q4 - MarineBusinessWorld North America newsletter
by Peter Rendle 9 Sep 08:00 PDT
Marine Leadership Barometer © NMMA
NMMA's Q2 2026 Marine Leadership Barometer points to a more cautious outlook among recreational boating industry executives, as expectations around revenue, product demand and the broader economy moderated from the first quarter.
While key business fundamentals remained broadly stable, the results suggest industry leaders are taking a more watchful approach heading into the second half of the year.
Exhibition space at the African Boating Conference is nearing capacity, with a diverse line-up adding a strong commercial dimension to the gathering in Cape Town. Taking place on 20-21 October, the Conference will bring together marine businesses, government representatives, industry bodies, investors, manufacturers, boatbuilders, marina and waterfront interests, service providers and international industry stakeholders.
NMMA released new national survey findings from 2,000 active U.S. recreational boaters, offering a clear picture of how access challenges are shaping Americans on the water experience. The results show that congestion at ramps and marinas, limited storage availability, and waterway maintenance issues are widespread and already impacting how often Americans go boating.
Bay Rider Boats, an independent boatbuilder with a more than 50-year history in producing inshore/offshore bay boats, skiffs, and center consoles, recently added Gregg Orr Marine Destin to its dealer network. Located in Destin, Florida, this a family owned and locally operated boat dealership. With four total marine locations in Florida, Texas, and Arkansas, Gregg Orr brings years of extensive experience to their sales and service initiatives.
OceanWorld Group and Denison Yachting announced the formation of a strategic joint venture, bringing together two established names in the global yachting industry with a shared vision to accelerate growth, invest in people, and build a truly international yachting platform spanning the United States, Europe and the Middle East. Together, the two companies will focus on further strengthening market presence and investing in the people, expertise and infrastructure required to support the next phase of growth.
The new Grand Banks 65, like all Grand Banks models, begins with a simple premise: a long-range cruising yacht should never force you to choose between speed and efficiency or performance and comfort. Built with Grand Banks' proprietary V-WARP Technology, the GB65 moves effortlessly and efficiently throughout the speed curve. At a 50-percent engine load, she cruises effortlessly at 20 knots while burning just 37 gallons per hour. Pull the throttles back further to 10 knots and the range extends to 2,344 nautical miles.
Building upon the strong pre-construction sales success of the new 540 Adventure Series, Outer Reef Yacht Group has introduced the new 540 Adventure Sport Yacht, designed to broaden the appeal of long-range cruising to a generation of active boating enthusiasts. This combines contemporary design, exceptional accommodations, substantial toy-carrying capacity, and long-range capability in a remarkably versatile platform. The new model remains true to Outer Reef Yacht Group's more than 25-year heritage of building capable, comfortable, and seaworthy long-range cruising yachts.
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Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@worldmarine.media