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Boat Sales Trends for 2025
As we progress through 2025, the recreational boating industry is experiencing notable shifts influenced by economic factors, consumer preferences, and technological advancements.
Market Trends and Sales Projections
The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) anticipates a resurgence in new powerboat sales in 2025, driven by innovative products, favorable economic policies, and sustained consumer interest in on-water activities. They project U.S. boating expenditures to reach record highs, potentially exceeding $55 billion by 3% to 5% over the previous year.
Economic Influences
A decline in interest rates is expected to make recreational boating more accessible. As borrowing costs decrease, the affordability of boats is projected to improve, potentially boosting sales figures.
Consumer Preferences
There's a growing demand for versatile and user-friendly boats, such as pontoon boats and personal watercraft, which offer ease of use and affordability. These categories are expected to maintain steady sales, appealing to value-conscious consumers.
Technological Innovations
The industry is embracing technological advancements, including autonomous docking systems and diverse propulsion options like low-carbon fuels and hybrid systems. These innovations aim to enhance boating experiences and attract a broader audience.
Market Challenges
Despite positive projections, the industry faces challenges such as supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures, which may impact production and pricing. Dealers are advised to implement strategic inventory management and stay informed about market dynamics to navigate these uncertainties effectively.
In summary, the recreational boating market in 2025 is poised for growth, driven by economic factors, technological advancements, and evolving consumer preferences. Stakeholders should remain adaptable and informed to capitalize on emerging opportunities and address potential challenges.
The Palm Beach International Boat Show (PBIBS) is set to take place from March 19 to 23, 2025, in downtown West Palm Beach, Florida. This year, the event has expanded to a five-day schedule, introducing an exclusive preview day on Wednesday, March 19, for serious yacht buyers and industry insiders.
Sales Outlook for Jupiter Marine Sales at PBIBS 2025
The show attracts over 55,000 attendees and has historically contributed to significant sales, with an estimated statewide economic impact exceeding $1.05 billion.
Tips for Enjoying PBIBS 2025
To make the most of your visit to PBIBS 2025, consider the following tips:
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Plan Ahead: Review the exhibitor list and event schedule in advance to prioritize the yachts and activities you're most interested in.
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Dress Comfortably: Expect extensive walking and the need to remove shoes when boarding yachts. Opt for comfortable, easily removable footwear.
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Stay Hydrated and Energized: With numerous exhibits and activities, it's essential to stay hydrated and take breaks to maintain energy levels.
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Engage with Exhibitors: Take the opportunity to interact with yacht builders, designers, and brokers to gain insights into the latest trends and innovations in the marine industry.
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Explore Beyond the Show: West Palm Beach offers a variety of attractions, including luxury shopping on Worth Avenue, fine dining, and cultural experiences. Consider extending your visit to enjoy these offerings.
SOLD under 30 days!!!
2022 Pursuit S 428 Sport boat, Wahoo Waa! The boat was sold for $720,000 on February 13, 2025, at a listed price of $749,900. It was located in West Palm Beach, Florida, and had some impressive features like:
- Quad Yamaha 425s with only 280 hours
- Seakeeper 5 for stabilization
- Joystick controls, Autopilot, and Garmin electronics
- Luxurious cabin with air conditioning, TV, and microwave
- Fishing-friendly features such as a livewell, fish boxes, and rod holders
2024 Boating Market: Time On Market
Despite the increase in new boat sales, they are experiencing a longer time on the market, averaging 53 days more compared to the same period last year. This delay can be attributed to an excess of new boat inventory and consistent pricing in the face of demand obstacles.
Average Days on Market for the USA
In the USA market, the average days on the market for boats in the first half of 2024 highlighted the differing dynamics between new and used boats. New boats spent an average of 243 days on the market, while used boats had a significantly shorter average of 165 days. When combined, the overall average for all boats was 185 days. These figures reflect the slower turnover for new boats compared to used ones, indicating varying buyer preferences and inventory levels in the market.
Key Takeaways:
- New boat sales increased but take 53 days longer to sell.
- In the USA, new boats spent 243 days on the market; used boats 165 days.
2024 Boating Market: Average Selling Price of Boats
In the first half of 2024, there was a 2.4% increase in the global average boat prices, reaching $203,000 and breaking away from the stagnant trend observed in 2023. While new boat prices experienced a 3.4% decrease to $174,000, used boat prices saw a 4.2% increase, reaching $211,500. The availability of lower prices and improved financing options for new boats has driven an uptick in their sales volume, even amidst a general decline in used boat sales. Consequently, the total value of used boat sales plummeted by 9%, while new boat sales experienced a modest 0.6% increase.
Key Takeaways:
- Global average boat prices rose 2.4% to $203,000.
- New boat prices fell 3.4% to $174,000.
- Used boat prices increased 4.2% to $211,500
- Total value of used boat sales dropped 9%.
- Total value of new boat sales increased by 0.6%.
Strong Global Sales Highlight Continued Industry Interest
During the first half of 2024, the global boating market experienced a flurry of activity, culminating in a total sales value of $4.22 billion from over 20,000 transactions, with an average boat value of $203,431. The USA emerged as a key player in this vibrant market, contributing $2.47 billion to the total sales value, with 16,185 boat sales at an average price of $155,665. On an international scale, the total sales value was $1.75 billion from 4,758 boat sales, with an average boat value of $365,084. These statistics underscore the unwavering interest and investment in the boating industry, despite economic uncertainties and ever-changing market trends.
Key Takeaways:
- The global boating market saw $4.22 billion in sales, with an average boat value of $203,431 in the first half of 2024.
- The USA contributed $2.47 billion, while internationally, $1.75 billion, showing strong interest despite economic uncertainties.
2024 Boating Market: Mixed Performance Across Boat Size Segments
In the boating market of 2024, various boat size segments showed strong performance, with some experiencing declines from the previous year. Boats measuring 36-45 feet saw 2,022 units sold, totaling $531 million in value, with an average boat price of $261,590, reflecting a 8.76% increase in average boat value from 2023. The 46-55 feet segment had 540 boats sold, bringing in $272 million in sales, with an average value of $499,979, though this marked an 2.87% decline in average boat value from the prior year.
Larger boats in the 56-79 feet range saw 251 units sold, garnering $355 million in sales, and an average boat value of $1.50 million, showing a slight 0.97% decrease in average boat value from 2023. The market for boats over 80 feet performed well, with 73 boats sold, resulting in $286 million in total sales, and an average boat value of $4.10 million, indicating a 4.95% increase in average boat value from the previous year.
Key Takeaways:
- 36-45 feet: $531 million sold, with an average price of $261,590, an 8.76% increase from 2023.
- 46-55 feet: sold $272 million, averaging $499,979, a 2.87% decline in value.
- 56-79 feet: sold $355 million, averaging $1.50 million, a 0.97% decrease in value.
- Over 80 feet: $286 million sold, with an average price of $4.10 million, a 4.95% increase in value.
Stability Amid Economic Challenges
Overall, the boating market in 2024 has largely stabilized following the fluctuations of recent years, reflecting a return to more predictable patterns. However, high interest rates and persistent inflation have dampened consumer interest, leading to a decrease in global boat purchase searches and overall sales. Despite these challenges, new boat sales have risen, although they are taking longer to sell. Smaller boats continue to drive unit sales, while larger, more luxurious boats are seeing strong demand and increasing prices. These trends highlight a market in transition, adapting to economic pressures and shifting consumer preferences.
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