U.S. Boat Sales Strong Heading into 2018

January kicks off busy selling season with boat shows held around the U.S.

CHICAGO – January 9, 2018 – The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), representing the nation’s recreational boat, engine and marine accessory manufacturers, announced today it expects unit sales of new powerboats to be up six percent in 2017, marking an estimated 260,000 new powerboats sold last year. As consumer confidence continues to rise and boat manufacturers introduce products and experiences to attract younger boaters, the outlook for 2018 new powerboat sales is another five to six percent increase.

“The close of 2017 marked our sixth consecutive year of growth in new boat sales and recreational boating expenditures, and we expect that trend to continue through 2018, and possibly beyond,” said Thom Dammrich, NMMA president. “On the horizon, if economic indicators remain favorable to the recreational boating market with strong consumer confidence, a healthy housing market, rising disposable income and consumer spending, and historically low interest rates, the outlook is good for boat sales.”

Leading the nation in sales of new powerboat, engine, trailer and accessories in 2016 were the following states:

• Florida: $2.5 billion, up five percent from 2015
• Texas: $1.4 billion, up five percent from 2015
• Michigan: $868 million, up nine percent from 2015
• Minnesota: $710 million, up nine percent from 2015
• North Carolina: $689 million, up 11 percent from 2015
• New York: $688 million, up 14 percent from 2015
• Wisconsin: $622 million, up nine percent from 2015
• California: $615 million, up 15 percent from 2015
• Georgia: $551 million, up 11 percent from 2015
• South Carolina: $544 million, up 10 percent from 2015

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