NMMA Releases Workforce Guide and Boating Statistics

To assist the recreational boating industry that is facing a critical shortfall of qualified workers the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) has developed the Best Practices Reference Guide, Tips and Tools to Retain and Grow Your Workforce, that includes proven hiring and retention practices successfully used within the industry.

Click here to access the reference guide and visit nmma.org/workforce to learn about marine specific training, programs, resources, career days and more.

The complete edition of NMMA’s 2018 U.S. Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract is now available in the Statistics section of NMMA.org. This report is a comprehensive collection of industry data and a source for recreational boating statistics.

Key insights from the 2018 Statistical Abstract include:

• Consumer spending on boats, related accessories and services was up 6.8 percent in 2018, to a total of $41.8 billion, outpacing the 4.8 percent growth in overall U.S. retail and food service sales reported by the U.S. Census Bureau.
• New boat sales (powerboats, sailboats and personal watercraft), rose for the seventh consecutive year in 2018, up a combined 4.4 percent to an eleven-year high of 281,800 units, up 4.6 percent over 2008 levels.
• An estimated 976,200 pre-owned boats (powerboats, sailboats and personal watercraft) were sold in 2018.

NMMA members receive unlimited complimentary access to the digital versions of the Abstract. Digital versions of the reports are available for purchase by non-NMMA members here for $4,199. NMMA members can also order copies of the print version of the full compilation report; the print version is $225 for members.