Marine Leadership Barometer: Q1 Survey Signals Steadier Industry Outlook in 2026

NMMA's Q1 2026 Marine Leadership Barometer points to improving executive sentiment across the recreational boating industry, with marine manufacturer members in the U.S. and Canada entering the year with measured optimism around revenue growth, product demand and overall business stability. While respondents continue to cite regulatory and economic uncertainty as key concerns, overall sentiment improved compared with Q1 2025.

According to the survey, which was fielded in March 2026, 43% of respondents anticipate modest improvement in the recreational boating industry over the next 12 months, while 60% expect company revenue to increase during the same period. Expectations around product demand also strengthened year-over-year, signaling increased confidence heading into the spring and summer selling season.

Short-term economic sentiment improved markedly year-over-year, with 35% of respondents holding a favorable short-term outlook, a 97% increase from Q1 2025, while negative sentiment fell 42% over the same period. Longer-term views were similarly constructive: 78% of respondents hold a neutral or positive outlook for the overall economy over the next 12 months.

Trade policy and tariff-related concerns remained the most cited anticipated business headwinds, while tax and economic policies were viewed as the leading potential positive drivers. Respondents also continued to point to boating infrastructure limitations, including marina capacity and public access constraints, as ongoing barriers to growth opportunities.

Now in its fifth edition, NMMA's Marine Leadership Barometer provides quarterly insight into executive sentiment and market conditions across the recreational boating industry. The full report includes additional segment-specific analysis and trend data across boat, engine and accessory manufacturers. Participation in the survey is open to NMMA manufacturer member executives.

Participating companies receive the full report, while NMMA manufacturer members who did not take part are provided with an executive summary and encouraged to participate in future surveys.

All NMMA members have the option to access the complete Barometer series through an annual subscription (Association/affiliate members: $3,500; Manufacturer members: $2,500) or to purchase individual quarterly reports (Association/affiliate members: $1,000; Manufacturer members: $750).

If interested in purchasing the report or to take part in the survey, contact NMMA's Business Intelligence team at [email protected].