Recreational Boating Industry Statistics 2026

The recreational boating industry remains one of the world’s largest and most resilient leisure sectors in 2026, encompassing everything from kayaks and personal watercraft to luxury motor yachts and sailing catamarans. With an estimated 30 million recreational boats on the water worldwide, total US boating expenditure exceeding $55 billion annually and an estimated 85 million Americans going boating each year, the industry continues to serve as a major economic engine, employer and driver of outdoor recreation. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the key statistics and trends shaping recreational boating in 2026 and beyond.

Key Takeaways

• The global recreational boating market is valued at approximately USD 35–48 billion in 2026, with projections to reach USD 55–93 billion by 2032–2035, representing a CAGR of 5–10% depending on market definition.
• An estimated 85 million Americans go boating each year, with 61% of boaters earning less than $100,000 annually and 95% of boats on the water under 26 feet in length.
• Pre-owned boats account for approximately 80% of total unit sales, with nearly 860,000 pre-owned boats sold in the US in 2024.
• The US recreational boating industry generates $230 billion in annual economic impact, supports more than 812,000 jobs and over 36,000 businesses.
• The electric boat market is valued at approximately USD 6–8 billion in 2026, forecast to reach USD 15–22 billion by 2033–2035 at a CAGR of 8–13%.

Global Recreational Boating Market Size & Growth (2026)

Market size estimates vary depending on how “recreational boating” is defined (boats only vs. boats plus engines, accessories and services), but all sources confirm strong long-term expansion.

Market Value and Forecasts

• The global recreational boating market is estimated at approximately USD 35–48 billion in 2026, reflecting growth from 2024 baseline values of USD 24–47 billion across different market definitions.
• Recent forecasts place the market at USD 23.27 billion in 2026 (boats only, narrower definition), rising to USD 35.72 billion by 2032 (CAGR 7.35%)
• Broader leisure boats market estimates value the sector at USD 46.6 billion in 2024, growing to USD 92.8 billion by 2034 (CAGR 7.3%).
• Other projections include growth from USD 38.39 billion (2025) to USD 65.03 billion by 2034 (CAGR 6.03%) and from USD 48.0 billion (2025) to USD 124.6 billion by 2035 (CAGR 10.0%)

Overall trend: Regardless of definition, the global recreational boating market is experiencing consistent growth at a CAGR of 5–10%, driven by rising disposable incomes, growing interest in outdoor leisure, expanding HNWI populations and technological innovation.

Regional Breakdown

• North America is the largest regional market, accounting for approximately 46% of global revenue, driven by strong boating culture, extensive waterways and well-developed marina infrastructure.
• Europe follows as the second-largest market, valued at approximately USD 17–18 billion in 2026, with projections to reach USD 24–25 billion by 2031–2033 at a CAGR of 6.5–6.8%.
• Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region, driven by rising tourism, coastal development, growing participation in recreational water activities and increasing disposable incomes.
• The Middle East & Africa is also showing strong growth, with a CAGR of approximately 8%, fuelled by luxury marine tourism and waterfront development.

US Recreational Boating: The World’s Largest Market

The United States is by far the world’s largest recreational boating market, with a vast fleet, high participation rates and substantial economic impact.

Fleet Size & Registrations

• There are approximately 16 million boats in the United States, including both registered and unregistered vessels.
• 11.8 million boats are registered or documented, representing more than three-quarters of the US fleet. An estimated 3.6 million additional boats are non-registered (including kayaks, canoes and small craft that don’t require registration in many states)
• Florida leads the nation with 1.2 million boat registrations (10% of all US registrations), followed by the Great Lakes states which collectively represent nearly one-quarter of the fleet.
• The South Atlantic region grew 12.4% year-over-year to 2.2 million boats, reinforcing its position as the second-largest boating region.

Sales & Expenditure

• Total US recreational marine retail expenditure reached $55.6 billion in 2024, down slightly (2.6%) from 2023 but remaining near record highs.
• This includes spending on new and pre-owned boats, outboard engines, trailers, aftermarket accessories, as well as boat use spending (fuel, financing, insurance, docking and maintenance).
• Aftermarket accessories accounted for $12.4 billion and boat use spending totalled $12.1 billion, both flat compared with 2023.
• New boat sales totalled 238,117 units in 2024, led by outboard boats at 141,590 units.
• Pre-owned boat sales reached 858,798 units in 2024, representing 78.3% of all transactions compared with 21.7% for new boat sales.
• In 2025, total new powerboat retail unit sales were estimated down 8–10% to approximately 215,000–225,000 units, reflecting economic headwinds and softer discretionary spending.
• For 2026, new powerboat unit sales are expected to be on par with or slightly up from 2025, with cautious optimism supported by anticipated tax refunds and easing interest rates.

Economic Impact

• The US recreational boating industry generates $230 billion in annual economic impact.
• It supports more than 812,000 American jobs and over 36,000 businesses.
• 93% of US boat manufacturers are small businesses.
• 95% of boats sold in the US are made in America, making recreational boating a uniquely American-made industry.
• Boating and fishing are the leading driver of the $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy, which contributes 2.3% of US GDP and accounts for 5 million jobs.

European Recreational Boating Market

Europe is the world’s second-largest recreational boating market, with deep maritime heritage, extensive coastlines and a strong manufacturing base.

Market Overview

• The European recreational boating market is valued at approximately USD 17–18 billion in 2026, with projections to reach USD 24–25 billion by 2031–2033 at a CAGR of 6.5–6.8%.
• The European boating industry encompasses approximately 32,000 companies, directly employing over 280,000 people.
• 97% of these businesses are SMEs, with 3,600 boatbuilding companies employing over 82,000 people.
• 48 million European citizens regularly participate in recreational marine activities, of whom 36 million are boaters.
• Over 6 million boats are kept in European waters, served by 10,000 marinas providing more than 1 million berths.
• Europe has more than 37,000 km of inland waterways and 70,000 km of coastline, providing extensive cruising grounds.

Leading European Markets

• Italy leads the European market with approximately 19% revenue share, driven by its superyacht and luxury boat manufacturing base.
• France boasts over 1.5 million registered recreational vessels and is a major manufacturing and sailing hub.
• Germany, the UK and Spain are also significant markets, with strong demand across both coastal and inland boating.

Boat Types & Segment Performance

By Propulsion and Type

• Outboard boats are the largest segment, accounting for over 38% of the market by revenue, with 141,590 new outboard boats sold in the US in 2024.
• Engine-powered boats show the highest growth overall, with a CAGR of approximately 6.8%.
• Inboard boats hold approximately 33% of the global market share, favoured for performance, watersports and premium leisure.
• Personal watercraft (jet skis) represent a market of approximately USD 5.5 billion in 2026, growing at a CAGR of 4–6%, with 70,000–75,000 new units sold annually in the US.

Pontoon Boats

• The global pontoon market is valued at approximately USD 8–9 billion, growing at a CAGR of 7–10%, reflecting strong demand for versatile, family-friendly recreational boats.
• Pontoons are popular among first-time buyers, rental operators and multigenerational users due to their spacious layout, stability and adaptability for leisure, fishing and watersports.

Fishing Boats

• Freshwater fishing boats are a consistent bright spot, with steady annual sales in the US.
• 57.9 million Americans went fishing in 2024, an all-time high representing 19% of the US population.
• 5.1 million Americans tried fishing for the first time in 2024, up from 7% to 9% of total participants.
• After hitting 15 million anglers for the first time in 2023, saltwater fishing participation grew slightly to 15.1 million in 2024.
• Fly fishing topped 8 million participants for the second consecutive year.

Paddlecraft

• Nearly 30 million Americans went paddling in 2024, up 22% since 2019 and an all-time high
• Standup paddleboarding (SUP) continues to lead growth, averaging 4.4% annual growth over the last five years and a 6.6% increase between 2023 and 2024.

Boating Demographics & Participation

Who Boats?

• An estimated 85 million Americans go boating each year, making it one of the most popular recreational activities in the country.
• 61% of boaters have an annual household income of $100,000 or less, busting the myth that boating is exclusively for the wealthy.
• Approximately 11.9% of US households own or co-own a recreational boat, translating to roughly 14.5–15 million boating families.
• The median age of boat owners is approximately 54 years, though the average age of first-time buyers has dropped to about 46.
• Millennials make up 31% of boater demographics, representing a significant and growing share of the market.
• Women now captain nearly 1 in 5 boats, with female participation rising steadily and reshaping industry marketing and design.
• 95% of boats on the water in the US are less than 26 feet in length—boats that can be trailered by a vehicle to local waterways.

Generational Shifts

• Gen X currently makes the most boat purchases, followed by Baby Boomers who spend the most on average per sale.
• Millennials are increasingly embracing boating, driven by desires for experiences, adventure and social connection rather than traditional ownership.
• The next generation of boating prospects (91 million potential boaters in the US alone) are younger, more educated and more ethnically and racially diverse than current owners.
• Today’s boat owners are 92% white and predominantly male, but demographic trends show the future of boating will be significantly more diverse.

Boat Clubs & Shared Access Models

One of the most significant trends in recreational boating is the growth of shared access models, which are lowering barriers to entry and broadening participation.

Freedom Boat Club (World’s Largest)

• Freedom Boat Club, a Brunswick Corporation brand, recorded a record-breaking 640,000+ member boating trips in 2025, representing over 5% year-over-year growth.
• This marks the third consecutive year the club has surpassed 600,000 member trips.
• The club operates across 400+ locations in North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
• In 2025, 18 Freedom Boat Club locations recorded 10,000+ trips each, an increase of two clubs year over year.

Broader Market Trends

• The boat subscription/club market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 12.4%, reaching approximately USD 2.47 billion by 2033.
• Pre-owned boat sales represent approximately 80% of total annual unit sales in the US, remaining key to meeting consumer demand across all boat types and price points.
• Growing consumer demand for boat clubs, peer-to-peer rentals and charter options is helping spur participation spending, which reached $24.5 billion in 2024 (aftermarket accessories plus boating outings combined).
• Shared access models are particularly appealing to younger, budget-conscious consumers who want on-water experiences without the full commitment of ownership.

Safety Statistics (2024 US Coast Guard)

The US Coast Guard’s 2024 Recreational Boating Statistics Report recorded the fewest boating fatalities since data collection began more than 50 years ago.

Key Safety Figures

• 3,887 incidents recorded in 2024, resulting in:
  • 556 deaths (down 1.4% from 564 in 2023)
  • 2,170 injuries (up 2.1% from 2,126 in 2023)
  • $88 million in property damage
• The fatality rate was 4.8 deaths per 100,000 registered recreational vessels, a 2% decrease from 2023 and the lowest rate on record. For comparison, the rate was 20.6 per 100,000 when the Safe Boating Act was passed in 1971.
• 76% of fatal boating victims drowned, and of those, 87% were not wearing a life jacket.
• 69% of deaths occurred on boats where the operator had not received boating safety instruction.
• Alcohol was the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents, accounting for 20% of deaths.

Top Contributing Factors in Accidents

1. Operator inattention
2. Improper lookout
3. Operator inexperience
4. Machinery failure
5. Navigation rules violations

Electric & Sustainable Boating

Sustainability and electrification are among the fastest-growing segments of the recreational boating industry, driven by environmental regulations, consumer demand and technological innovation.

Electric Boat Market Size

• The global electric boat market is valued at approximately USD 6–8 billion in 2026, with forecasts ranging from USD 15–22 billion by 2033–2035 at a CAGR of 8–13%.
• North America dominates the electric boat market with approximately 47% of global revenue, while Europe holds around 37%.
• Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region for electric boats.

Key Trends

• Hybrid and electric propulsion systems are moving from niche to mainstream, with major manufacturers investing in battery-electric boats, hybrid marine systems and electric outboard motors.
• Battery technology advances (particularly lithium-ion) are improving range, reliability and performance, making electric boats increasingly viable for recreational use.
• Silent propulsion is a major selling point for electric boats, offering a quieter, more peaceful on-water experience.
• Marina charging infrastructure is expanding, with operators investing in electric hookups and renewable energy installations.

Technology & Innovation

• AI-powered navigation and docking systems are becoming standard features, assisting with route planning, collision avoidance and autonomous docking.
• Remote vessel monitoring allows owners to track fuel levels, battery health and security from smartphones.
• Integrated digital helm displays centralise navigation, entertainment and system controls.
• Forward-facing sonar, joystick piloting and multifunction displays are making boating and fishing easier and more accessible to novice users.
• Online booking and sales platforms are growing rapidly, with platforms like Click&Boat and GetMyBoat reshaping how boats are rented and chartered.

Industry Outlook for 2026 and Beyond

Near-Term (2026)

• The US recreational boating market enters 2026 in a position of relative stability, supported by steady participation and continued demand in entry-level and accessible segments.
• Entry-level categories (personal watercraft, aluminium fishing boats, small trailerable boats) continue to account for more than 90% of retail unit activity.
• Boat shows remain a critical sales channel, driving an estimated 30–60% of annual retail sales for the industry.
• 40% of NMMA member executives hold a positive 12-month outlook, up from 32% in the previous quarter.

Medium to Long-Term

The global recreational boating market is forecast to reach USD 55–93 billion by 2032–2035, driven by:

• Rising disposable incomes and HNWI population growth
• Expanding interest in outdoor and water-based leisure
• Technological innovation (electric propulsion, smart navigation, AI)
• Growth of shared access and subscription models
• Marina infrastructure investment and expansion
• Increasing participation from younger, more diverse demographics

Electric and hybrid propulsion will become increasingly standard, supported by improving battery technology and expanding charging infrastructure. Shared access models (boat clubs, P2P rentals, fractional ownership) will continue to grow faster than traditional ownership, making boating accessible to a broader demographic.