NMMA - National Marine Manufacturers Association Inc.

08/11/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/10/2025 23:14

Economic Pressure Maintains Grip on Boating Demand in May

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NMMA's latest Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary, which highlights data on a 12-month rolling basis, June 2024 through May 2025, reflects ongoing headwinds in retail powerboat sales as economic pressures remain a key concern. New powerboat retail unit sales declined 10.2% year-to-date (Jan.-May 2025), with 98,065 units sold compared to 109,212 in the same period last year.

Data in the latest report includes:
  • Segment level softness was broad-based with new pontoon boat sales down 15.7%, new jet boat sales declined 20% and new wake sport boat sales dropped 14% year-to-date.
  • Segments showing relative stability year-to-date were freshwater fishing boats (-2.9%) and yachts (-2.6%).

Macroeconomic indicators in May painted a mixed picture. Inflation remained at 2.4%, gas prices averaged $3.15 per gallon, and interest rates, both for mortgages (6.8%) and the Federal Funds Rate, continued to challenge consumer financing. Meanwhile, consumer confidence stood at 98.0 and consumer sentiment at a low 50.8, signaling apprehension around near-term financial conditions.

These dynamics continue to weigh on big-ticket discretionary purchases. While the job market remains relatively stable and inflation is moderating, durable goods such as boats are seeing softened demand due to a combination of high borrowing costs, rising housing expenses and persistent economic uncertainty.
As the industry looks to the second half of the year, NMMA encourages members to monitor evolving consumer behaviors closely and adjust marketing and retail strategies accordingly.
NMMA's Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary report is published at the beginning of each month and is available at no cost to members. The full report includes comprehensive retail and wholesale data, engine and segment breakdowns, and key economic indicators relevant to marine businesses. 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 https://www.nmma.org/statistics or contact [email protected] for more information.

NMMA - National Marine Manufacturers Association Inc. published this content on August 11, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on August 11, 2025 at 05:14 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]