Latest Boat Building Outlook Updated as Market Correction Persists

Boat Building Outlook

Aug 12, 2025

NMMA, in partnership with ITR Economics, has released the latest update to the U.S. Boat-Building Production Index, offering a refined outlook on the trajectory of boat production through 2027. The April 2025 report shows that production continues to underperform expectations, prompting a downward revision to the forecast.

Annual boat-building production is now expected to decline further through early 2026 before beginning a modest recovery in the second half of 2027. While there are signs of improvement, the pace of recovery for boat manufacturing is expected to be slower than initially forecast due to continued macroeconomic uncertainty. Notably, tariffs present a potential downside risk, as increased inflationary pressure could further dampen consumer demand.

In addition to the macroeconomic uncertainty and continued pressure on boating consumers and businesses, NMMA is continually monitoring the short and long-term state of recreational boating.

This includes understanding shifts in consumer behaviour and the boating customer. As previously reported, Discover Boating, powered by NMMA and MRAA, will launch new consumer research this fall to understand the consumer of today and tomorrow. The in-depth study is being done in conjunction with market research and strategy firm Ipsos, with guidance from the Discover Boating Advisory Group.

In times of uncertainty, an association’s business intelligence, data, and insights are especially valuable for guiding informed decisions, identifying emerging challenges, and uncovering opportunities to support members’ long-term success.


A strategic focus of NMMA is knowing the consumer, economic environment, and industry sales landscape, providing critical data and insights for members in support of their business planning. NMMA Members are encouraged to download the full ITR Boat Building Production Index through April to access the most recent production data and insights via the association’s website.
For questions, contact NMMA’s Business Intelligence team at bi@nmma.org

Related Posts

Recreational Marine Industry Applauds Removal of the Luxury Tax on Boats in Budget 2025

NMMA Canada

OTTAWA (November 4, 2025)—Canada’s boating industry applauds Budget 2025’s commitment to remove the devastating luxury tax on boats, a failed tax policy that unfairly punished Canadian manufacturers and workers. When the luxury tax was first implemented in September 2022, Canada’s marine industry leaders were quick to point out the impending losses of middle-class jobs, government tax revenues and sales declines.

Read More

Changing Scene

Need to Catch up on News This Week?

Every Tuesday we publish a fresh Digest with informative articles pertaining to the Canadian boating and marine industry. Stay up to date with the latest products, research and industry developments.

Missed an Issue of Boating Industry Canada News Week? If you’re looking for a specific issue, or simply want to catch up on previous issues, check out our Boating Industry Canada News Week Archives.

Not signed up for News Week? Subscribe here.

Just Launched

Introducing the All-New Axopar 38 

Axopar pioneers once again to set new standards, with the Axopar 38 range marking a new era in adventure boating. The first model of the range debuted at Boot Düsseldorf 2026 with the world premiere of the Axopar 38 XC Cross Cabin, to be followed by the Axopar 38 Sun Top and Cross Top launching later this year.

Read More

Simrad Marine Electronics Debuts New NSO® 4

As Simrad Marine Electronics marks its 80th anniversary, the brand celebrates eight decades of innovation with the launch of NSO® 4 – the next chapter in marine navigation. Built on the revolutionary NEON™ operating system (OS) and designed to be the world’s most intuitive chartplotter, NSO 4 is the latest premium chartplotter and fishfinder in the Simrad® portfolio, delivering an unmatched combination of effortless control, lightning-fast performance, and sleek design, setting a new standard for offshore navigation.

Read More

People