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

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