NMMA - National Marine Manufacturers Association Inc.

09/10/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/10/2025 10:36

June Data Shows Continued Softness in New Boat Sales

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NMMA's latest Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary, covering data through June 2025, shows continued pressure on retail sales as economic uncertainty and elevated borrowing costs weigh on consumer demand. Year-to-date, new powerboat retail unit sales fell 9.7% compared to the same six-month period in 2024, with 130,956 units sold. Looking at the rolling 12-month period from July 2024 through June 2025, total retail powerboat sales declined 7.3% to 220,662 units.

Data in the latest report through June 2025 includes:
  • Segment-level softness remained widespread year-to-date, with notable declines in retail unit sales of pontoons (-10.9%), jet boats (-14.4%), wake sport boats (-9.9%), and stern drives (-20.1%).
  • Yachts were the only segment to post modest growth, up 1.8% over the same period.
Macroeconomic indicators continued to reflect mixed signals in June. The Consumer Confidence Index registered 95.2, with the Expectations Index sitting well below the 80-point threshold that typically signals weaker outlooks. Inflation held at 2.7% while 30-year mortgage rates remained elevated at 6.8%. The U.S. Manufacturing PMI came in at 52.0, suggesting modest expansion.
These dynamics are translating into softer demand for big-ticket, discretionary items. Elevated borrowing costs, higher housing expenses, and ongoing economic uncertainty are making consumers more cautious, which directly affects purchase decisions for boats and other durable goods.
As the industry advances through the latter half of the year, NMMA encourages members to keep a close eye on shifting consumer behaviors and adapt marketing and retail strategies as needed. Providing members with timely insights into what drives, and hinders, demand remains a core benefit of NMMA membership. This fall, findings from new Ipsos consumer research, conducted in partnership with MRAA through the Market Expansion Advisory Group, will offer a deeper look at today's boating consumer and the factors shaping future ownership.These insights will be shared across NMMA and MRAA membership as well as the broader industry throughout 2026.
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
Visit https://www.nmma.org/statistics or contact [email protected] for more information. NMMA members have direct access to the NMMA Business Intelligence team to answer questions about NMMA data, insights and reporting.
NMMA - National Marine Manufacturers Association Inc. published this content on September 10, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on September 10, 2025 at 16:36 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]