The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) reports new powerboat sales year-to-date were at 187,000 units through July, down 18% from the same period in 2021. While overall new powerboat sales decreased 11% compared to January through July in  pre-pandemic 2019, several categories continue to outpace pre-pandemic YTD sales levels, including new pontoons, wake sport boats and yachts.

“In the first seven months of the year, new boat sales have dipped below our 2019 pace demonstrating that the combination of economic uncertainty and the expected return of competition for consumers’ attention are starting to show their impact,” says Frank Hugelmeyer, NMMA president. “This is not unique to boating as most industries are experiencing pressures as inflation, a volatile stock market and talk of a global recession have grown.”

Through July, new powerboat categories outpacing YTD sales compared to pre-pandemic levels included:

• New pontoon unit sales were down 13% YTD compared to the same period in 2021, while 3% above pre-pandemic Jan.-July 2019.
• Unit sales of new wake sport boats were down 11% YTD compared to the same period in 2021, while 16% above pre-pandemic Jan.-July 2019.
• New yacht unit sales YTD were flat with the same period in 2021, while 16% above pre-pandemic Jan.-July 2019.

Data tracked on a rolling 12-month basis in NMMA’s latest New Powerboat Registrations Report through July 2022 includes:

• New powerboat sales were down 16.7% (R12M YOY) compared to the previous 12 months.
• All new powerboat categories saw sales decline on a R12M basis through July.

NMMA member wholesale activity shows certain segments still working against supply chain constraints to balance inventory. According to NMMA’s Monthly Shipment Report:

• Wholesale shipments of new powerboats through July 2022 decreased 6% year over year.
• Wholesale shipments of outboard engines increased 6% year over year.

Notably, the wholesale retail ratio through July for freshwater fishing boats, personal watercraft and wake sport boat categories indicates improved product availability compared to earlier in the boating season.