Industry Tracking at Around 3.5 Percent Growth for the Year
Total boat sales were down in September but are still on track for 3.5 percent growth this year.
By the Numbers
Monthly reports on sales of new, used and brokerage boats provide the industry with the information to understand its market and follow consumer trends and buying patterns.
Ski and Wake Segment Continues to Dominate Industry Growth
Total boat sales were up 4 percent in August.
July Boat Sales up Across Most Categories
New-boat sales bounced back following a few months of slow growth, with large gains across most categories, including sterndrives 20 feet and larger.
July boat sales soar
Boat sales in the main powerboat categories increased 10.7 percent year-over-year in July, dramatically up after a lackluster summer.
Aluminum fishing boats had the strongest June sales
Boat sales in June rose incrementally, with a 1.1 percent increase in the main powerboat segments and a 0.2 percent increase overall, according to data from Statistical Surveys, a Michigan firm that tracks new-boat registrations.
Towboats lead industry growth in May
Ski and wake boats led marine industry growth with a 9.7 percent year-over-year increase in May. There were 1,160 boats registered versus 1,057 in May 2017.
Despite lousy spring weather, April sales grew
A wet, cool spring that blanketed much of the United States caused boat sales in some categories, such as pontoons, to lag this April, but other categories — including yachts, aluminum fishing boats and sailboats — showed strong improvement.
Boat sales down slightly in March
Overall boat sales in March were slightly lower compared to last year, and year-over-year growth fell by just over 1 percent, according to Statistical Surveys Inc. data that was gathered for 30 states.
A positive January spurs optimism
New powerboat registrations in January were up 2.9 percent in the main segments over January 2017, which had an increase of 9.5 percent over 2016, according to Statistical Surveys Inc.
Outboard power dominates sales at end of 2017
Outboard-powered fiberglass and aluminum boats, pontoons and personal watercraft continued to carry the industry as 2017 came to a close.
Boat sales avoid ‘lull,’ make single-digit gains in April
Far from slipping into a “lull,” as it did in 2016 after strong March sales, the U.S. recreational boating industry achieved moderate gains in April this year that included double-digit growth in the pontoon category.
Boat sales strong in March for second consecutive year
Last year the recreational boating industry was celebrating its best March results since 2008 — sales gains of 21 percent in the main powerboat segments and 20 percent industrywide.
Brokerage sales fall 3 percent in April; sailboat sales trending lower
After higher-volume sales to begin the year, U.S. yacht brokers have reported slightly lower sales in recent months. Volume declined by 82 boats in April as sales slipped from 2,916 to 2,834, a 3 percent shift.
DataTracker: More searchers using smartphones
The shift toward use of smartphones among unique visitors to the Boat Trader website continued during the past 12 months.
Boat sales topped 250,000 in 2016
Marking another milestone in its recovery, the U.S. recreational boat industry sold more than 250,000 boats in 2016 for the first time in eight years.
Brokerage sales up 3 percent for quarter
There were smiles on the faces of many brokers during the first quarter this year. After moderate gains in January and February, U.S. brokerage market volume eased slightly in March, but total volume for the three months was 3 percent higher than in 2016 at 5,709.
DataTracker: Power cruiser searches by state
Power-cruiser models were the second-most-viewed class of boat on Boat Trader in 2016.
Brokerage sales up 7 percent in February
Whether because of a warm winter, a rising stock market or a post-election bounce, U.S. brokerage sales volume and total valuation increased for the second month running in February.
DataTracker: States in search of center consoles
Center console models were the most viewed class on Boat Trader last year. Site visitors looked at listings for center consoles, new and used, about 12.7 million times, nearly double the 6.5 million times that boats in the No. 2 class, power cruisers, were viewed.
Boat sales top 5,000 in January
Driven by the three boat types that have been the industry’s strongest sellers since the last recession ended, recreational boatbuilders and dealers began 2017 with high single-digit January gains.
Brokerage sales climb in January
It’s one month into the new year and, after finishing 2016 in the doldrums, the U.S. brokerage market has made a fast start.
Boat sales rose 5 percent in 2016
Statistical Surveys said 246,891 boats were sold industrywide in those states in 2016, 4.9 percent more than in 2015.