First analysis of Italian boat owners reveals nationwide trends
The 2025 Genoa International Boat Show has revealed the results of the first analysis of Italian boat owners and their vessels, carried out by the National Nautical Observatory of the Italian Marine Industry Association. The study was presented during the show by Roberto Neglia, head of institutional relations at the association.
The analysis profiled owners of recreational boats, providing data to support understanding of the structural, economic and social factors that influence the boating and tourism sectors in Italy. The study cross-referenced variables including gender, geographical origin, boat size and type, engine and year of construction. It also included profiles for each macro-area as well as an examination of owners under 40.
The news comes as the Italian boating industry has reported an all-time high turnover of €8.6bn in 2024, according to figures presented at the Boating Economic Forecast conference, held during the show.
The findings indicate that 80 per cent of Italian owners are over 50, with 45 per cent aged between 60 and 75. Women make up 13 per cent of owners, a share that is increasing, and are on average younger. Owners are concentrated in large urban centres, particularly Rome and Milan, with a slight prevalence in the North-East. Typical ownership includes a 10–12 metre inboard-powered vessel built between 2000 and 2009.
Male owners account for 87 per cent of the total. Within this group, 45 per cent are between 60 and 75 years old, 26 per cent are aged 50–59, 10 per cent are 40–49, and 4 per cent are 30–39. Women are more evenly spread across the age groups, with 15 per cent between 40–49, a share higher than the national average.
Data on visitors to the Genoa International Boat Show shows an average age of 50 in 2024, with 34 per cent in the 55–64 bracket and 22 per cent between 25–44 (GRS Research & Strategy for I Saloni Nautici, 2024).
Southern Italy has the highest concentration of boaters under 40, particularly those aged 30–39, accounting for more than 25 per cent of the national total. This is followed by the North-East with 18 per cent. Rome, Naples and Trieste record above-average values. The 20–29 and under-20 age groups remain marginal nationwide, at under 5 per cent, with Naples, Trieste and Milan showing relatively stronger figures.
Analysis of ownership by vessel size shows that those with units over 24m average over 68 years of age, while owners of boats under 10m average 58 years. Age distribution evens out in the intermediate size ranges.
The study notes that boating is not exclusively linked to income. Comparisons with ISTAT data on executive salaries show no direct correlation between income and boat ownership, though a distinction is evident between owners above and below 50.
The geographical distribution of owners is relatively balanced: 25 per cent are in the North-East, 24 per cent in the Centre, 21 per cent in the North-West, 20 per cent in the South, and 10 per cent on the islands. Rome, Milan and Naples account for about one third of owners, highlighting the concentration in major metropolitan areas. Trieste, Genoa, Turin, Venice, Padua, Palermo and Florence follow.
The data shows that 35 per cent of boats were built before 2000, and fewer than 10 per cent after 2020. Inboard engines are fitted on 73 per cent of boats. Motorboats are most common among owners aged 60–75, while sailing shows a more even distribution across age groups.
Motorboats are preferred in Southern Italy (73 per cent) and on the islands (61 per cent), while in the North-East, North-West and Centre, motorboat ownership stands at 52–55 per cent with sailing more widespread. Boats with engines rated 251–999 HP represent over 35 per cent of the total, followed by the 40–115 HP category at 22 per cent.
Home port moorings show high demand in central and northern Italy and in Naples, while transit moorings are less available in the South.
Only 2 per cent of registered owners are foreign residents. Since 2015, registrations have declined despite the sector’s turnover reaching €8.6bn in 2024. Annual registrations peaked in 2006 at over 800, then dropped below 200 between 2012 and 2014 due to the global financial crisis and domestic tax policies including the Monti tax. Turnover has since recovered, but registrations remain comparatively low.
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