U.S. Boating Boom Continues

Consumer interest and demand for boating continue to reach near record-highs as more Americans seek out boating as an outdoor activity.

Recreational boat, marine engine and accessory manufacturers show that U.S. new powerboat retail unit sales are expected to surpass 300,000 units for the second consecutive year, closing 2021 an estimated 4% to 6% below record highs in 2020 and 7% above the five-year sales average, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA).

2022 is expected to be another strong year for new boat sales, which are projected to surpass 2021 totals by as much as 3%, according to the association.

Recreational boating and fishing are the highest contributors to the $689 billion outdoor recreation economy, surpassing RVing, hiking, and several other outdoor recreational activities, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis. The economic contribution from boating and fishing was up nearly 30% in 2020, compared to 2019.

“We expect strong momentum for boating and new boat sales to endure through 2022 as Americans from all walks of life explore the great outdoors and turn to the unique joys of being on the water,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, NMMA president.

The NMMA reported that:

Annual U.S. sales of boats, marine products and services totaled $49.3 billion in 2020, up 14% from 2019.

It’s not just new boats being sold; an estimated 1.1 million pre-owned boats were sold in 2021.

The recreational boating industry supports more than 690,000 jobs and 35,000 U.S.-based businesses.

61% of boat owners have an annual household income of $100,000 or less.

Leading the nation in sales of new powerboat, engine, trailer and accessories in 2020 were: Florida, Texas, Michigan, North Carolina, Minnesota, Wisconsin, New York, California, and South Carolina.