NMMA - National Marine Manufacturers Association Inc.
09/04/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/03/2026 23:14
Marine Leadership Barometer: Softer Expectations, Stable Fundamentals in Second Quarter
NMMA's Q2 2026 Marine Leadership Barometer points to a more cautious outlook among recreational boating industry executives, as expectations around revenue, product demand and the broader economy moderated from the first quarter. While key business fundamentals remained broadly stable, the results suggest industry leaders are taking a more watchful approach heading into the second half of the year.
Short-term economic sentiment softened, with 30% of respondents holding a positive outlook, compared with 35% in Q1. Still, nearly three-quarters of respondents maintain a neutral or positive view of the economy over the next 12 months. Industry expectations also became more measured, with fewer respondents anticipating improvement and more expecting conditions to remain largely unchanged.
Business planning reflects a similar steady-handed approach. Most respondents expect capital investment and workforce levels to remain stable, while expectations for revenue growth and rising product demand moderated from Q1. Boat manufacturers reported the strongest long-term outlook among the core manufacturing segments.
Trade policy remained the most frequently cited potential headwind, followed by geopolitical instability, while tax and economic policy continue to rank as the leading potential positive driver. Fuel prices also emerged as a notable pressure point in Q2, with respondents citing impacts on consumer boating activity as well as freight and input costs.
Now in its sixth edition, NMMA's Marine Leadership Barometer provides quarterly insight into executive sentiment and market conditions across the recreational boating industry. The survey is administered online each quarter, with fielding in March, June, September and December over an approximately two-week response period.
Participating companies receive the full report, while NMMA manufacturer members who did not participate receive an executive summary and are encouraged to take part in future surveys. All NMMA members may also purchase individual quarterly reports or access the complete Barometer series through an annual subscription.
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].
NMMA - National Marine Manufacturers Association Inc. published this content on September 04, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on September 04, 2026 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]