Economic factors now affecting boat sales - MarineBusinessWorld North America newsletter
by Peter Rendle 23 Apr 03:00 NZST
Recreational Boating Economic Indicators © National Marine Manufacturers Association
NMMA's latest Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary, reflecting data through January 2026, indicates continued softness across the recreational boating market as elevated interest rates and cautious consumer sentiment weigh on demand.
On a rolling 12-month basis (February 2025-January 2026), new powerboat retail unit sales declined 9% year-over-year to 214,832 units. Across segments, performance remained mixed but generally down. Freshwater fishing boats, the industry's largest segment, declined by 1.7% and continue to lead in overall volume. Personal watercraft fell 10%, while pontoon and saltwater fishing boats declined 13% and 8.6%, respectively. Cruisers and runabouts saw more pronounced softness, and yacht sales declined modestly, outperforming several smaller segments.
Last week, industry leaders joined together and collectively walked hundreds of miles across the U.S. Capitol Complex, all for one cause - to advocate for the interests of the sportfishing industry and the entire recreational fishing community. Attendees of the inaugural Keep America Fishing in DC Fly-In spoke to the importance of the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Fund, the impact of tariffs on the industry, the need for sound fisheries management and many other topics.
LCI Industries (NYSE: LCII) confirmed that it is in discussions with Patrick Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ: PATK) regarding a possible merger of equals. These discussions are ongoing, and there can be no assurances that such discussions will result in a transaction or on what terms any transaction may occur. Also, Lippert (LCI Industries) will release its first quarter financial results before the market opens on May 5, and host a conference call and webcast to discuss at 8:30 a.m. ET.
Marine Products Corporation (NYSE: MPX) announced that it will release its financial results for the first quarter on May 7, before the market opens. Marine Products Corporation is a leading manufacturer of high-quality fiberglass boats under the brand names Chaparral and Robalo. Chaparral's sterndrive models include SSi Sportboats and SSX Luxury Sportboats, and the GTS SURF Series. Chaparral's outboard offerings include OSX Luxury Sportboats, the SSi Outboard Bowriders, and SSX Luxury Sportboats. Robalo builds an array of outboard sport fishing models.
The deadline for receipt of applications for the National Marine Representatives Association (NMRA) Marine Trades Scholarships has been extended to April 30. Since 2008, NMRA has actively contributed to the future of the marine industry by offering scholarships to students pursuing education in the marine trades. In 2025, three NMRA Scholarships of $1,000 each were awarded to students attending the Great Lakes Boat Building School, Marine Trades Institute and the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding.
Freedom Boat Club, the world's largest boat club and a Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC) business, announced it has acquired the Freedom Boat Club of Greater Boston & Cape Cod franchise operations, the largest current franchise in the Freedom network. The acquisition includes 21 locations across Greater Boston, Cape Cod and surrounding areas, further expanding Freedom's growing corporate club portfolio in the Northeast. The transaction also includes a Maintenance Operations Center and Dealership anchored by a 7,200-square-foot facility.
Sigrid Greven, an accomplished and inspiring offshore sailor, will be a featured speaker at the Women in Sailing Conference on April 25, in Barrington, Rhode Island. Her presentation is open to all attendees, offering a unique opportunity for sailors and adventurers of every background to learn from her remarkable journey. Sigrid is best known for her bold decision to leave behind a conventional career and pursue a lifelong dream: sailing around the world aboard her yacht Lucky Bitch. Since departing Europe in 2011, she has logged tens of thousands of nautical miles across oceans, navigating both the technical and personal challenges of long-distance and solo sailing.
More marine industry news at www.marinebusinessworld.com/NorthAmerica
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@worldmarine.media