Australia’s A$10.5bn boating market holds firm as Sydney exhibitors report confidence returning

Australia’s recreational boating industry has maintained record annual turnover of A$10.5bn, while exhibitors at this year’s Sydney Boat Show report stronger buyer confidence and sales activity, suggesting one of the world’s more resilient leisure marine markets may be emerging from the slowdown affecting many other regions.

“I feel like the slump is over,” says Cameron Bow, of Sportsman Boats, after what he describes as his strongest Sydney show in a decade.

The figure comes from the Boating Industry Association’s (BIA) State of the industry data report, released during the Sydney Boat Show, and is reinforced by exhibitors reporting increased enquiries, deposits and committed buyers across the four-day event.

Industry holds record turnover

BIA’s report shows the Australian recreational boating industry generated A$10.5bn in turnover during 2025-26, matching the previous record year despite economic pressures affecting many consumer markets.

According to the data, the Australian sector directly employs 23,500 people, supported by a further 11,500 contractors, with more than 2,000 businesses operating across Australia. Around 1,350 people are currently in formal training roles to support future workforce requirements.

Sustainable activity across sector

Andrew Fielding, chief executive of the Boating Industry Association, says the figures demonstrate sustained activity across the sector.

“Seventy-five per cent are in small, family businesses, employing local workers and supporting local communities,” he says. “Many are based in regional areas, and help deliver much-needed support for jobs and economies, including enhanced tourism-related spend of boating activities.”

The report provides a snapshot of the industry’s structure. Around 25 per cent of Australian marine businesses operate in new, used and brokerage boat sales, while 15 per cent work in marine trades, highlighting the breadth of businesses supporting the country’s recreational boating sector.

Australia’s recreational boating community is said to have more than 2.5 million boat licence holders, more than 950,000 registered boats, and personal watercraft registrations increasing 20 per cent over the past five years.

Boat show points to improving market sentiment

Exhibitors at the Sydney Boat Show suggest those figures are being reflected in buyer behaviour.

More than 100 exhibitors displayed over 350 boats and watercraft during the show. Several exhibitors reported stronger enquiry levels and higher-quality buyers than in recent years.

Bow says: “I had a brilliant Sydney Boat Show. It was the best boat show I have exhibited at for the past 10 years. The constant flow of people Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday was excellent and the quality of people was amazing as they were genuinely interested in buying a new boat.”

Nathan Dark, of Lewis Ski Boats, says the company secured its first deposit within 30 minutes of the show opening. “Last year we walked out of the show happy but this year we were blown away with the total number of deposits and genuine interest every day,” he says.

Blake McArthur, of Hunts Marine, also reports stronger trading conditions.

“Overall I thought the show presented very well and it was the most constant crowd I have seen in almost 30 years. The people we spoke to were engaged, enquiries were up and we secured some solid results in sales and strong leads.”

Workforce remains a priority

Alongside the commercial activity, the event continued to promote careers in the sector, with more than 700 high school students attending BIA careers information days during the show.

BIA’s industry report identifies workforce development as an ongoing priority, with more than 1,350 people currently undertaking formal training.

Market significance

The combination of record industry turnover and improving sentiment among exhibitors suggests Australia’s recreational boating market continues to perform strongly despite wider economic uncertainty.

For manufacturers, dealers and suppliers, the latest figures reinforce Australia’s position as one of the world’s largest recreational boating markets, supported by a large boating population, an extensive dealer network and a broad base of family-owned marine businesses.