Canadian recreational boating has seen the tide turn for new boat and outboard engine sales with an estimated 13 percent increase from October 2011 through September 2012 compared to the same period the previous year, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA).

The leading boat trend in Canada is aluminum pontoon boats, experiencing a 23 percent increase in sales. Another popular trend is sport jetboats, experiencing an increase in sales during this period by 13 percent.

NMMA has recently reported that the tide is also turning for U.S. boat sales. A trend that’s likely contributing to increases in new boat sales in the U.S. is the creation of innovative, more versatile and accessible boats that appeal to a variety of interests and budgets. These versatile boats—that can pull tubers or wakeboarders, can be used for fishing outings, relaxing with family or entertaining friends—are growing in popularity.

Canadian manufacturers’ exports of boats and engines picked up in 2011 to $479 million, up 50 percent from the previous year, the first sign of significant growth in exports for the industry since 2009.

In 2012, more than one in five Canadian households owned at least one recreational boat.