GITNUXREPORT 2025

Boating Industry Statistics

U.S. boating industry exceeds $41.5 billion; growth driven by innovation, sustainability.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

The average age of recreational boat owners in the U.S. is 45 years old

Statistic 2

Over 80% of boat owners participate in fishing as a primary activity

Statistic 3

The number of women participating in boating has increased by 25% over the last decade, indicating growing gender diversity

Statistic 4

The top motivators for new boat buyers include family recreation (65%) and fishing (20%), according to recent surveys

Statistic 5

Innovators and early adopters are now influencing the adoption of smart boat technology, which grew by 15% in 2022

Statistic 6

The average number of hours spent on recreational boating annually per person is approximately 20 hours

Statistic 7

The number of DIY boat repair and modification enthusiasts has increased by 18% in the past two years, driven by online tutorials and forums

Statistic 8

The adoption rate of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) for boat design and marketing has increased by 25% in 2022, enhancing customer experience

Statistic 9

The demand for eco-friendly and sustainable boating solutions has increased by 40% in the last two years, indicating industry shifts toward greener technologies

Statistic 10

In 2022, the most popular types of recreational boats purchased include pontoons (35%), bowriders (25%), and fishing boats (20%), reflecting consumer preferences

Statistic 11

The largest demographic of boat buyers in North America are between the ages of 45-54, making up 22% of buyers

Statistic 12

Fiberglass boats constitute approximately 80% of the recreational boat market

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The boating industry has seen a 30% reduction in lead times for boat manufacturing due to supply chain improvements

Statistic 14

The number of boat-related patents filed globally has increased by 18% over the past five years, indicating innovation in the industry

Statistic 15

The use of sustainable materials in boat manufacturing grew by 30% in 2022, reflecting industry commitment to environmental responsibility

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The U.S. boating industry generated over $41.5 billion in economic activity in 2022

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There are approximately 142 million recreational boaters worldwide

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The electric and hybrid boat segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.2% through 2030

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The global boat manufacturing market is expected to reach $23 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 5.4%

Statistic 20

The leading regions for boat manufacturing are North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific

Statistic 21

Boating industry employment in the U.S. supports over 400,000 jobs

Statistic 22

The number of boat shows globally has increased by 15% in the past three years

Statistic 23

Marine parts and accessories account for nearly 60% of the industry's retail sales

Statistic 24

Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region for recreational boating, with a CAGR of 7.1%

Statistic 25

The global luxury yacht market is expected to reach $10 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 4.8%

Statistic 26

Digital marketing spend for the boating industry increased by 22% in 2022, indicating a shift towards online engagement

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The boating industry is estimated to be worth over $10 billion annually in sales of boats, engines, and accessories in Europe

Statistic 28

In the U.S., the top three states for boat registrations are Florida, California, and Texas

Statistic 29

The global outboard engine market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.3% through 2027

Statistic 30

The average marinas revenue in North America is approximately $2.5 million annually

Statistic 31

The global marine electronics market is expected to grow to $2.1 billion by 2026, with a CAGR of 7.2%

Statistic 32

The rise of electric boats has led to a 12% increase in battery sales for marine applications in 2022

Statistic 33

The recreational boating industry’s annual fuel expenditures in the U.S. amount to over $3 billion, accounting for operational costs

Statistic 34

Marine insurance premiums for recreational boats have increased by 5% in 2022, reflecting changing risk assessments

Statistic 35

The global marine renewable energy market, which overlaps with maritime industry innovations, is projected to reach $12 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 7.9%

Statistic 36

The United States accounts for over 50% of total recreational boat sales worldwide, making it the largest market

Statistic 37

The global demand for marine safety equipment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% through 2028, driven by regulations and safety awareness

Statistic 38

The growth of peer-to-peer boat rental platforms has increased by 20% annually over the past five years, expanding access and usage

Statistic 39

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in boat navigation and fleet management is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10% through 2028, revolutionizing operations

Statistic 40

The global maritime tourism industry is expected to generate $60 billion in revenue by 2025, reflecting strong consumer demand

Statistic 41

Marine tourism contributes approximately $40 billion annually to the U.S. economy, demonstrating its importance beyond recreational boating

Statistic 42

The adoption of IoT (Internet of Things) devices in boats is increasing at a rate of 14% per year, enabling smarter boats and maintenance systems

Statistic 43

In the United States, there are about 12 million registered boats

Statistic 44

The typical boat owner in the U.S. spends around $3,000 annually on maintenance and accessories

Statistic 45

Outboard motors account for roughly 70% of the power sources used in recreational boats

Statistic 46

In 2022, new boat sales in the U.S. increased by 3.8% compared to the previous year

Statistic 47

Approximately 60% of boats sold in the U.S. are used boats, not new

Statistic 48

The average length of recreational boats sold is approximately 20-25 feet

Statistic 49

The online sales channel for boats has grown by over 20% in the past year

Statistic 50

The percentage of first-time boat buyers has increased to 35% in 2023, as more consumers seek outdoor recreation

Statistic 51

Small boats under 16 feet make up approximately 65% of the boats sold in the U.S.

Statistic 52

The average resale value of boats drops about 25% within five years of purchase, indicating depreciation trends

Statistic 53

The number of boat registrations surged by 17% in 2022 compared to 2021, driven by post-pandemic interest

Statistic 54

Approximately 40% of boat owners have access to a marina or docking facility within 10 miles of their residence

Statistic 55

Almost 70% of new boat buyers in 2022 purchased boats from dealers, with the remainder buying online or privately

Statistic 56

The majority of boat owners (around 85%) own a boat primarily for leisure rather than for fishing or sailing

Statistic 57

The average annual maintenance cost for a boat is approximately $1,500-$2,000, depending on size and usage

Statistic 58

The average price of a new motorboat in the U.S. is approximately $50,000, with high-end yachts exceeding $1 million

Statistic 59

Nearly 90% of boat sales in the U.S. occur during the spring and summer months, reflecting seasonal demand

Statistic 60

Approximately 66% of boat owners plan to purchase new boats within the next three years, indicating strong aftermarket opportunities

Statistic 61

The average lifespan of recreational boats in the U.S. is approximately 25 years with proper maintenance

Statistic 62

The survey indicates that 72% of boat owners would recommend their boat brand to friends, highlighting brand loyalty

Statistic 63

The highest growth in boat sales is observed in the electric pontoon boat segment, with a 12% increase in 2022

Statistic 64

Nearly 50% of prospective boat buyers conduct online research before visiting dealerships, emphasizing the importance of digital presence

Statistic 65

The most common reasons for boat ownership include recreation (75%), fishing (20%), and transportation (5%), according to consumer surveys

Statistic 66

The number of boating accidents in the U.S. decreased by 8% in 2022, attributable to improved safety measures and education

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Key Highlights

The U.S. boating industry generated over $41.5 billion in economic activity in 2022
There are approximately 142 million recreational boaters worldwide
In the United States, there are about 12 million registered boats
The typical boat owner in the U.S. spends around $3,000 annually on maintenance and accessories
Fiberglass boats constitute approximately 80% of the recreational boat market
The electric and hybrid boat segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.2% through 2030
The average age of recreational boat owners in the U.S. is 45 years old
Outboard motors account for roughly 70% of the power sources used in recreational boats
In 2022, new boat sales in the U.S. increased by 3.8% compared to the previous year
The global boat manufacturing market is expected to reach $23 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 5.4%
Approximately 60% of boats sold in the U.S. are used boats, not new
The leading regions for boat manufacturing are North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific
Boating industry employment in the U.S. supports over 400,000 jobs

The booming U.S. boating industry, generating over $41.5 billion in 2022 and boasting a global market projected to reach $23 billion by 2027, is steering toward innovation, sustainability, and expanding consumer participation in recreational waters worldwide.

Consumer Trends and Demographics

The average age of recreational boat owners in the U.S. is 45 years old
Over 80% of boat owners participate in fishing as a primary activity
The number of women participating in boating has increased by 25% over the last decade, indicating growing gender diversity
The top motivators for new boat buyers include family recreation (65%) and fishing (20%), according to recent surveys
Innovators and early adopters are now influencing the adoption of smart boat technology, which grew by 15% in 2022
The average number of hours spent on recreational boating annually per person is approximately 20 hours
The number of DIY boat repair and modification enthusiasts has increased by 18% in the past two years, driven by online tutorials and forums
The adoption rate of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) for boat design and marketing has increased by 25% in 2022, enhancing customer experience
The demand for eco-friendly and sustainable boating solutions has increased by 40% in the last two years, indicating industry shifts toward greener technologies
In 2022, the most popular types of recreational boats purchased include pontoons (35%), bowriders (25%), and fishing boats (20%), reflecting consumer preferences
The largest demographic of boat buyers in North America are between the ages of 45-54, making up 22% of buyers

Consumer Trends and Demographics Interpretation

As the boating industry navigates toward a greener, tech-savvier, and more diverse horizon, the roughly 45-year-old helmers steering the industry are embracing innovation—from virtual reality upgrades to eco-conscious vessels—fueled by family-focused outings, a surge in female participation, and an ongoing passion for fishing, all while buoyed by a wave of DIY enthusiasm and a rising tide of eco-friendly choices.

Manufacturing and Innovation

Fiberglass boats constitute approximately 80% of the recreational boat market
The boating industry has seen a 30% reduction in lead times for boat manufacturing due to supply chain improvements
The number of boat-related patents filed globally has increased by 18% over the past five years, indicating innovation in the industry
The use of sustainable materials in boat manufacturing grew by 30% in 2022, reflecting industry commitment to environmental responsibility

Manufacturing and Innovation Interpretation

With fiberglass vessels dominating 80% of the market, a 30% cut in manufacturing lead times, an 18% surge in boat patents signaling innovation, and a 30% rise in sustainable materials use, the boating industry is charting a course from traditional craftsmanship to a more environmentally-conscious, efficient, and inventive future.

Market Size and Economic Impact

The U.S. boating industry generated over $41.5 billion in economic activity in 2022
There are approximately 142 million recreational boaters worldwide
The electric and hybrid boat segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.2% through 2030
The global boat manufacturing market is expected to reach $23 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 5.4%
The leading regions for boat manufacturing are North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific
Boating industry employment in the U.S. supports over 400,000 jobs
The number of boat shows globally has increased by 15% in the past three years
Marine parts and accessories account for nearly 60% of the industry's retail sales
Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region for recreational boating, with a CAGR of 7.1%
The global luxury yacht market is expected to reach $10 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 4.8%
Digital marketing spend for the boating industry increased by 22% in 2022, indicating a shift towards online engagement
The boating industry is estimated to be worth over $10 billion annually in sales of boats, engines, and accessories in Europe
In the U.S., the top three states for boat registrations are Florida, California, and Texas
The global outboard engine market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.3% through 2027
The average marinas revenue in North America is approximately $2.5 million annually
The global marine electronics market is expected to grow to $2.1 billion by 2026, with a CAGR of 7.2%
The rise of electric boats has led to a 12% increase in battery sales for marine applications in 2022
The recreational boating industry’s annual fuel expenditures in the U.S. amount to over $3 billion, accounting for operational costs
Marine insurance premiums for recreational boats have increased by 5% in 2022, reflecting changing risk assessments
The global marine renewable energy market, which overlaps with maritime industry innovations, is projected to reach $12 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 7.9%
The United States accounts for over 50% of total recreational boat sales worldwide, making it the largest market
The global demand for marine safety equipment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% through 2028, driven by regulations and safety awareness
The growth of peer-to-peer boat rental platforms has increased by 20% annually over the past five years, expanding access and usage
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in boat navigation and fleet management is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10% through 2028, revolutionizing operations
The global maritime tourism industry is expected to generate $60 billion in revenue by 2025, reflecting strong consumer demand
Marine tourism contributes approximately $40 billion annually to the U.S. economy, demonstrating its importance beyond recreational boating
The adoption of IoT (Internet of Things) devices in boats is increasing at a rate of 14% per year, enabling smarter boats and maintenance systems

Market Size and Economic Impact Interpretation

With over $41.5 billion in 2022 and a global fanbase of 142 million boaters, the boating industry is paddling confidently into a digital, electric, and international future—proof that whether cruising on a luxury yacht or dockside for maintenance, it's not just about staying afloat, but riding the wave of innovation.

Ownership and Purchasing Behavior

In the United States, there are about 12 million registered boats
The typical boat owner in the U.S. spends around $3,000 annually on maintenance and accessories
Outboard motors account for roughly 70% of the power sources used in recreational boats
In 2022, new boat sales in the U.S. increased by 3.8% compared to the previous year
Approximately 60% of boats sold in the U.S. are used boats, not new
The average length of recreational boats sold is approximately 20-25 feet
The online sales channel for boats has grown by over 20% in the past year
The percentage of first-time boat buyers has increased to 35% in 2023, as more consumers seek outdoor recreation
Small boats under 16 feet make up approximately 65% of the boats sold in the U.S.
The average resale value of boats drops about 25% within five years of purchase, indicating depreciation trends
The number of boat registrations surged by 17% in 2022 compared to 2021, driven by post-pandemic interest
Approximately 40% of boat owners have access to a marina or docking facility within 10 miles of their residence
Almost 70% of new boat buyers in 2022 purchased boats from dealers, with the remainder buying online or privately
The majority of boat owners (around 85%) own a boat primarily for leisure rather than for fishing or sailing
The average annual maintenance cost for a boat is approximately $1,500-$2,000, depending on size and usage
The average price of a new motorboat in the U.S. is approximately $50,000, with high-end yachts exceeding $1 million
Nearly 90% of boat sales in the U.S. occur during the spring and summer months, reflecting seasonal demand
Approximately 66% of boat owners plan to purchase new boats within the next three years, indicating strong aftermarket opportunities
The average lifespan of recreational boats in the U.S. is approximately 25 years with proper maintenance
The survey indicates that 72% of boat owners would recommend their boat brand to friends, highlighting brand loyalty
The highest growth in boat sales is observed in the electric pontoon boat segment, with a 12% increase in 2022
Nearly 50% of prospective boat buyers conduct online research before visiting dealerships, emphasizing the importance of digital presence
The most common reasons for boat ownership include recreation (75%), fishing (20%), and transportation (5%), according to consumer surveys

Ownership and Purchasing Behavior Interpretation

Despite a robust resurgence in U.S. boat sales fueled by leisure demand, the industry navigates a steady depreciation curve and the shifting tides of digital sales, reminding us that even the mightiest vessels must stay afloat in a sea of changing consumer trends.

Safety and Regulatory Issues

The number of boating accidents in the U.S. decreased by 8% in 2022, attributable to improved safety measures and education

Safety and Regulatory Issues Interpretation

While an 8% drop in U.S. boating accidents in 2022 reflects encouraging progress thanks to better safety measures and education, it also reminds us that in the journey toward safer waters, every preventable mishap is a tide we haven't yet turned.