From commanding a colossal $157.2 billion global market that's growing by the day, to directly supporting nearly 887,000 American jobs, the boating industry is far more than just weekend leisure—it's a powerful economic engine charting a course of impressive expansion and influence.
Key Takeaways
- In 2023, the global marine vessel market size reached USD 157.2 billion, projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.8% from 2024 to 2030 due to rising demand for leisure boating and commercial shipping.
- The U.S. recreational boating industry contributed $121.5 billion to the national economy in 2022, supporting 887,000 jobs across manufacturing, retail, and services.
- Global superyacht market revenue hit €7.2 billion in 2022, with a forecasted CAGR of 6.1% through 2028 driven by high-net-worth individuals in Asia-Pacific.
- In 2023, new powerboat units sold in the U.S. totaled 258,000, a 7% increase from 2022.
- Global fiberglass boat production volume hit 450,000 units in 2023, up 5.2% YoY.
- U.S. pontoon boat sales reached 45,000 units in 2023, representing 22% of total powerboat sales.
- 38% of U.S. adults participated in boating in 2023, totaling 88 million participants.
- Average age of recreational boat owners in the U.S. is 52 years old as of 2023 survey.
- 24 million registered recreational boats in the U.S. in 2023, up 2% from 2022.
- U.S. Coast Guard reported 4,040 boating accidents in 2023, down 3.5% from 2022.
- 564 fatalities from recreational boating in 2023, lowest since 2007 tracking.
- Alcohol use involved in 16% of fatal boating accidents in 2023 U.S. data.
- U.S. recreational boating industry supported 887,000 jobs in 2022, generating $50 billion in labor income.
- Marine manufacturing employed 650,000 full-time equivalents in the U.S. in 2023.
- Boating retail sector added $28 billion to GDP and 240,000 jobs in 2022.
The global boating industry is experiencing strong growth, creating significant economic value and millions of jobs worldwide.
Boat Sales and Production
- In 2023, new powerboat units sold in the U.S. totaled 258,000, a 7% increase from 2022.
- Global fiberglass boat production volume hit 450,000 units in 2023, up 5.2% YoY.
- U.S. pontoon boat sales reached 45,000 units in 2023, representing 22% of total powerboat sales.
- European yacht production totaled 1,200 units in 2022, with Italy leading at 650 units.
- China exported 120,000 recreational boats in 2023, a 12% rise driven by Southeast Asia demand.
- Brunswick Corporation sold 38,000 boats under its brands in 2023, generating $6.5 billion revenue.
- Used boat sales in the U.S. hit 400,000 transactions in 2023, valued at $25 billion.
- Global outboard motor production reached 1.2 million units in 2023, led by Yamaha at 450,000.
- Florida manufactured 15% of U.S. boats in 2023, with 38,700 units produced.
- Aluminum boat sales in North America surged 9% to 65,000 units in 2023.
- Superyacht deliveries worldwide totaled 78 vessels over 30m in 2023, up from 68 in 2022.
- Inboard engine boat production in the U.S. was 22,000 units in 2023, 8.5% growth.
- Personal watercraft sales globally reached 320,000 units in 2023, with Sea-Doo leading.
- Michigan boat builders produced 12,500 units in 2023, contributing $2.8 billion in sales.
- New personal watercraft shipments in U.S. totaled 65,000 units in 2023, a 10% increase.
- Italy produced 18% of global yachts over 24m in 2023, totaling 140 units.
- Used boat market in Europe saw 250,000 sales valued at €18 billion in 2023.
- Asia-Pacific boat exports grew 15% to 180,000 units in 2023.
- Freshwater fishing boats sold 95,000 units in U.S. 2023.
- Global electric propulsion systems for boats reached 25,000 installations in 2023.
- Center console boats led sales with 52,000 units in U.S. 2023.
- Australia imported 12,500 boats worth AUD 1.2 billion in 2023.
- Deck boat production hit 28,000 units globally in 2023.
- U.S. sailboat sales were 12,500 new units in 2023, stable from 2022.
- Houseboat sales in U.S. reached 1,800 units, $450 million value in 2023.
- France delivered 450 yachts in 2023, second to Italy in Europe.
Boat Sales and Production Interpretation
The global boat market is buoyant, proving that despite inflation, the urge to float something—be it a utilitarian pontoon, a mass-produced fiberglass cruiser, or a lavish superyacht—remains an irrepressibly human priority.
Consumer Participation and Ownership
- 38% of U.S. adults participated in boating in 2023, totaling 88 million participants.
- Average age of recreational boat owners in the U.S. is 52 years old as of 2023 survey.
- 24 million registered recreational boats in the U.S. in 2023, up 2% from 2022.
- 55% of boat owners are first-time buyers since 2020, per 2023 NMMA study.
- Households owning boats increased to 12.5% in the U.S. in 2023 from 11.2% in 2020.
- Pontoon boats owned by 18% of U.S. boaters, highest ownership segment in 2023.
- Female participation in boating rose to 37% of total in 2023 U.S. data.
- Millennials (ages 27-42) represent 28% of new boat buyers in 2023.
- Average boat ownership duration is 8.2 years per U.S. owner in 2023.
- 62% of boat owners trailer their boats, while 28% use slips in 2023 survey.
- Urban dwellers' boating participation grew 15% to 22 million in 2023.
- Bowrider boats preferred by 25% of families owning boats in 2023.
- 41% of participants boated more than 10 days in 2023 season.
- Hispanic/Latino boaters increased 12% to 9 million participants in 2023.
- Multi-boat ownership stands at 14% among U.S. households in 2023.
- Electric boat ownership tripled to 50,000 units in U.S. by 2023.
- Baby Boomers hold 48% of all registered boats in 2023 data.
- Average annual boating spend per owner is $4,200 in 2023 U.S. survey.
- In 2023, Gen Z participation in boating hit 15 million U.S. individuals.
- 67% of boat owners plan to buy another within 5 years per 2023 poll.
- Trailerable boats owned by 71% of U.S. owners in 2023 data.
- African American boating participation rose to 6% of total in 2023.
- Average boat length owned is 19.5 feet per 2023 U.S. registry.
- 29% of owners use boats for watersports in 2023 survey.
- Membership in boating clubs grew 8% to 2.5 million in 2023.
- Saltwater boating trips averaged 12 days per owner in 2023.
- 52% of participants are repeat boaters over 10 years.
- Crossover boats owned by 11% , fastest growing segment 2023.
- Annual maintenance spend averages $1,800 per boat in 2023.
- Boating with pets reported by 35% of owners in 2023.
- Weather primary cancel factor for 44% of planned trips in 2023.
- Texas had 850,000 registered boats, second highest in U.S. 2023.
Consumer Participation and Ownership Interpretation
The industry is successfully luring a new, diverse generation onto the water, proving that while the average boat owner might be a 52-year-old with an 8-year-old fiberglass commitment, the future is being written by younger, trailering, pontoon-loving families who are just as likely to bring their dog as they are to cancel plans for a cloudy sky.
Employment and Economic Contribution
- U.S. recreational boating industry supported 887,000 jobs in 2022, generating $50 billion in labor income.
- Marine manufacturing employed 650,000 full-time equivalents in the U.S. in 2023.
- Boating retail sector added $28 billion to GDP and 240,000 jobs in 2022.
- Global marine industry workforce totals 2.5 million direct jobs as of 2023 ILO estimates.
- U.S. boat dealers employed 105,000 workers in 2023, up 4% YoY.
- Marinas and marine operations supported 650,000 jobs and $37 billion output in 2022.
- Off-water marine businesses like maintenance employed 142,000 in U.S. 2023.
- Florida's boating industry generated 128,000 jobs and $15.6 billion economic impact in 2023.
- International marine tourism employed 1.2 million, contributing $47 billion globally in 2023.
- Michigan marine sector supported 55,000 jobs with $6.8 billion impact in 2023.
- Boatbuilding labor force in U.S. averaged 32,500 employees in 2023.
- Aftermarket sales like parts and accessories created 200,000 jobs, $20 billion revenue in 2023.
- Charter and rental operations employed 45,000 full-time in U.S. 2023.
- Tax revenue from U.S. boating industry totaled $12 billion federally and $6.5 billion state/local in 2022.
- Global superyacht crew employment reached 35,000 professionals in 2023.
- Canadian boating industry sustained 35,000 jobs and CAD 5.6 billion GDP in 2022.
- Australia boating industry employs 50,000 with AUD 8.1B impact 2023.
- EU marine leisure sector supports 300,000 jobs, €30B annual value.
- Yamaha Marine Group employed 8,000 worldwide in 2023 fiscal.
- BoatUS claims paid $92 million for damages/rescues in 2023.
- Global shipbuilding employs 1.8M, marine leisure subset 400K in 2023.
Employment and Economic Contribution Interpretation
It turns out the economy floats on more than just interest rates, seeing as this armada of jobs from Michigan to Melbourne proves that keeping boats afloat is a full-time, multi-billion-dollar mission for nearly 2.5 million people worldwide.
Market Size and Growth
- In 2023, the global marine vessel market size reached USD 157.2 billion, projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.8% from 2024 to 2030 due to rising demand for leisure boating and commercial shipping.
- The U.S. recreational boating industry contributed $121.5 billion to the national economy in 2022, supporting 887,000 jobs across manufacturing, retail, and services.
- Global superyacht market revenue hit €7.2 billion in 2022, with a forecasted CAGR of 6.1% through 2028 driven by high-net-worth individuals in Asia-Pacific.
- The worldwide boat rental and charter market was valued at $18.5 billion in 2023, expected to expand at 7.2% CAGR to $32.1 billion by 2032.
- North American marine engine market size stood at $6.4 billion in 2022, growing at 4.5% CAGR owing to electrification trends and regulatory emissions standards.
- European recreational boating market generated €15.3 billion in 2023, with 4.8% annual growth fueled by sustainable vessel innovations.
- Asia-Pacific pleasure craft market reached $12.7 billion in 2023, projected CAGR of 6.9% to 2030 from tourism recovery post-COVID.
- U.S. boatbuilding and repair industry revenue totaled $47.2 billion in 2023, up 3.2% year-over-year.
- Global marine electronics market valued at $6.8 billion in 2022, anticipated 7.5% CAGR to $12.4 billion by 2030.
- Latin America boat market size was $2.1 billion in 2023, with 5.3% growth expected through 2029 from adventure tourism.
- Middle East marine leisure market hit $1.8 billion in 2023, CAGR 8.1% projected due to luxury yacht demand.
- Africa recreational boating sector valued at $0.9 billion in 2022, growing at 4.2% CAGR with coastal development.
- Global pontoon boat market size reached $1.5 billion in 2023, expected 5.7% CAGR to 2030.
- U.S. personal watercraft market generated $2.3 billion in 2023, up 6.4% from prior year.
- International sailboat market was $4.2 billion in 2022, with 3.9% growth forecast amid eco-friendly sailing trends.
- Canadian marine industry economic output totaled CAD 5.6 billion in 2022, supporting 35,000 jobs.
- Australian boating market revenue reached AUD 8.1 billion in 2023, CAGR 4.6% expected.
Market Size and Growth Interpretation
The numbers paint a clear picture: whether it's a global superyacht for the ultra-wealthy or a simple pontoon rental for a weekend, humanity's enduring and expensive love affair with the water is sailing full steam ahead.
Safety and Incidents
- U.S. Coast Guard reported 4,040 boating accidents in 2023, down 3.5% from 2022.
- 564 fatalities from recreational boating in 2023, lowest since 2007 tracking.
- Alcohol use involved in 16% of fatal boating accidents in 2023 U.S. data.
- Operator inattention caused 1,012 accidents, or 25% of total in 2023.
- Capsizing led to 186 deaths, 33% of fatalities in 2023 boating incidents.
- 82% of drowning victims in boating accidents wore no life jacket in 2023.
- Collisions with vessels caused 1,234 injuries in 2023 U.S. reports.
- Boating fatality rate per 100,000 registered vessels was 4.2 in 2023.
- Florida recorded 717 accidents, highest state total in 2023.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning incidents rose 5% to 112 cases in 2023.
- Nighttime accidents accounted for 13% of total but 27% of fatalities in 2023.
- PFD wear rate among children under 13 reached 85% in observed 2023 data.
- Grounding incidents totaled 1,098, causing $45 million in damages in 2023.
- 76% of fatalities occurred on boats under 21 feet in 2023.
- Mechanical failure contributed to 9% of accidents, 412 cases in 2023.
- Speeding ruled factor in 18% of injury accidents in 2023 U.S. stats.
- Falls overboard caused 320 fatalities, 57% of total deaths in 2023.
- Property damage from boating accidents totaled $63 million in 2023.
- Fires/explosions caused 5% of accidents, 202 cases with $15M damage in 2023.
- Michigan reported 221 accidents, third highest state in 2023.
- Life jacket usage in fatal accidents was only 18% for adults in 2023.
- Swamping incidents led to 45 deaths, 8% of fatalities 2023.
- Boating under influence arrests totaled 472 in 2023 U.S. data.
- Small boats under 16ft involved in 42% of accidents 2023.
- Rules violation caused 22% of accidents, 888 cases in 2023.
- California logged 346 accidents in 2023 boating season.
- Overloading factored in 7% of capsizing incidents 2023.
- 3,576 injuries reported from recreational boating in 2023.
- Paddlecraft accidents up 4% to 112 incidents in 2023.
Safety and Incidents Interpretation
While the slight decline in overall accidents offers a fragile glimmer of hope, the persistent, sobering recipe for disaster remains tragically unchanged: inattention, alcohol, and a stubborn refusal to wear life jackets continue to claim far too many lives on the water.
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