New boat sales drop 9% in US as consumer confidence weakens
NMMA’s Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary, covering the rolling period from May 2024 to April 2025, shows a continued decline in new powerboat retail unit sales across north America.
Sales are down 9 per cent year-to-date (from January to April 2025) compared with the same period in 2024, with 64,883 new boats sold through April, compared to 71,321 the previous year.
The April 2025 data highlights declines across several segments. Year-over-year sales of new pontoons are down 19.5 per cent, jet boats by 19.9 per cent and wake sport boats by 14.3 per cent. Freshwater fishing boats and yachts remain relatively stable, down 0.4 per cent and 0.7 per cent respectively.
Macroeconomic data from April shows mixed conditions. Inflation eased to 2.3 per cent, and fuel prices remained steady at $3.17 per gallon. However, the Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) stood at 85.7, below the 100-point baseline typically associated with economic optimism. By June, the CCI declined to 100.4 from 101.3 in May, while the Expectations Index dropped to 73.0, well under the 80-point level generally linked to negative outlooks.
Although core economic indicators are relatively stable, changes in consumer sentiment are affecting demand for durable goods such as boats. Higher interest rates, tighter lending conditions and broader economic uncertainty — fuelled by Trump’s trade tariffs — have contributed to buyer hesitation.
According to the NMMA, interest in outdoor recreation remains structurally strong. The association identifies future opportunities in adapting marketing, product strategy and retail partnerships to shifting consumer behaviour.
The NMMA’s Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary is published at the beginning of each month and is available at no cost to members. Associate members can purchase an annual subscription for $1,800.
