Recreational Boating Industry Statistics Published

Nov 19, 2024

The International Council of Marine Industry Associations, ICOMIA, has released the latest edition of their Recreational Boating Industry Statistics. The report provides a wealth of industry intelligence in one useful reference document and is the industry’s foremost statistical reference report, used extensively within the industry for analysing export markets and externally for investment opportunities in the marine leisure sector.

This year ICOMIA commissioned IBI to review and analyse the raw data to provide a detailed market overview of the statistics in the report. IBI are uniquely placed to give the bigger picture of the industry, in their capacity as the premier International Boating Industry magazine. They have been able to look widely at trends whilst also providing region specific reports and information that gives a more detailed analysis of market conditions.

Their report states “the general trend seems to be that information technology (IT) is making boating far more accessible, with fully autonomous and self-docking boating now realised, but not yet mainstream, whilst automation is also helping to make manufacturing more efficient. Supply chains have been re-established and shortfalls mostly rectified, but the philosophy for ‘lean’ and ‘Just In Time’ (JIT) manufacturing is now being reassessed.”

“For boatbuilders, the quest for energy efficiency with hull design continues, with more OEMs looking at foiling to extend range and performance, particularly for e-drives. New composite technologies are also being explored to reduce weight, and to attract buyers concerned about the environment. Electric propulsion continues to evolve, with big advances in the heavy good transport sector bringing electric solutions to larger vessels. Fully electric boats, including all domestic appliances, remain niche, but are growing in popularity.”

“Boaters are particularly aware of their environment, so sustainability is a key issue. OEMs have also recognised the advantages in reducing energy use, harnessing renewables, and minimising waste, with many investing in more sustainable infrastructure.”

The latest Recreational Boating Industry Statistics contain:

            • Global data snapshot and a comprehensive market overview from IBI

            • Detailed national reports

            • Global summaries of key product segments

            • Import/export data for the international boat trade

            • Marine engine statistics from ICOMIA’s Marine Engine Committee (IMEC)

            • International boat show statistics

            • The Superyacht Group’s Annual Report

            • Industry articles selected by IBI Magazine

            • Raw-data spreadsheets.

The 2023 ICOMIA Recreational Boating Industry Statistics Report is available to buy for 880 Euros, you can click here to purchase or view sample pages here.

ICOMIA members and their members receive a 50% discount. Contributing ICOMIA members can purchase distribution rights, contact louise@icomia.com for more details.