Outboards lead boating resurgence

Published On: January 1, 2015Categories: Industry News

According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), outboard boats—which include pontoons, fiberglass and aluminum fishing boats, as well as small family cruisers—are the most popular boats sold, capturing 84 percent of the powerboat market. Sales were up 4.7 percent in 2013. Ski and wakeboard boats are also seeing a resurgence, up 11 percent. About 95 percent of all boats measure less than 26 feet in length. According to NMMA representative Carl Blackwell, about 95 percent of all power boats sold in America are made in America, compared to 2 percent of clothing. The NMMA says the average price of a used aluminum boat is $7,687, while the average cost of a new engine is $11,159. Without a trailer, a quality boat can be purchased for less than $20,000. Florida, Texas, Michigan, Minnesota and New York were the leading boating states; about 88.5 million Americans, or 36.6 percent of the population, participated in recreational boating in 2013, generating $37 billion.