Boat sales rose to an 11-year high last year, according to an NMMA report. Americans purchased 276,000 new powerboats in 2018, up 4% from 2017. A soar in outboard boat sales — representing 85% of new powerboats sold — led to the overall increase. Marine expenditures, spending on boats, engines, trailers and accessories hit at an all-time high in 2018 at $42 billion, up 7% from 2017.
“Sales of new boats and boating expenditures have been on a consistent upward climb for eight years, with some segments reaching pre-recession sales volumes,” says NMMA President Thom Dammrich. “As millions of Americans head to the water this summer, marine manufacturers and dealers are preparing for the busy selling season that coincides with peak boating months. With consumer confidence high, unemployment low, wages on the rise and interest rates holding level, we anticipate the recreational boating market to remain healthy in the year ahead with modest growth of up to 2% in new powerboat unit sales in 2019.”
To see the full report, visit nmma.org.
