NMMA Industry Data Summary Report Shows Weaker Power Boat Sales

As economic headwinds continue to shape consumer sentiment, the latest Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary report analyzes January 2025 data, offering a look at year-over-year trends and how 2025 kicked-off ahead of the tariff and trade tensions. The report, published this week, shows total new powerboat retail unit sales fell 8.2% year-over-year for the 12-month period ending January 2025, pointing to ongoing softening in discretionary purchases amid sustained concerns around inflation and interest rates.

While there was a decline for the 12-month YOY period, looking at the month of January 2025 compared to January 2024, new retail unit sales were up 1% (7,809 vs 7,765 units), the first-time sales increased during the month of January since 2021. This data reflects sentiment from early-season boat shows that consumers were buying in certain segments and markets, and that while sales were mixed, there was a sense of optimism.

Released monthly, the report is based on data from National Marine Manufacturers Association member manufacturers and state governments in partnership with Info-Link and provides the most timely and detailed wholesale and retail analysis available in the market.

The January 2025 report includes several key findings.

• Wholesale shipments saw an even sharper decline, down 23.2% over the same period, pointing to tightening inventory strategies across the supply chain.
• Despite a 1% uptick in year-to-date (January 2025) retail unit sales—driven primarily by freshwater fishing boats—the broader picture remains cautious.
• The freshwater fishing boat segment posted a 3.8% year-over-year increase in retail sales, including a 19.8% boost in January 2025 compared to the same month last year. NMMA attributes this resilience to the category’s accessibility and broad appeal among middle-income households.

Impacting this January 2025 industry sales data was January 2025’s Consumer Confidence Index, as measured by The Conference Board, which stood at 105.3, down slightly from the prior month. On the inflation front, the annual rate crept up to 3.0% in January, while the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate rose slightly to 6.9%, making borrowing more expensive across the board. Though the federal funds rate eased to 4.3%, interest-sensitive purchases like boats continue to be weighed down by financing costs.

Each NMMA monthly summary report is available on nmma.org the first week of the month. The reports feature the most up-to-date data available from members on the wholesale side and from state government on new boat registrations, as well as the most recent comprehensive look into the market available.

NMMA’s Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary report is available at no cost for members. Associate members can purchase an annual subscription for $1,800. Download the latest report here

Bookmark https://www.nmma.org/statistics/publications/industry-data-summary for direct and easy access. Visit www.nmma.org/statistics or contact bi@nmma.org for more information.