The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) released its Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary report, an analysis of recreational boating powerboat unit sales and key economic indicators through December 2024.

Released monthly, the report is based on data from NMMA member manufacturers and state governments in partnership with Info-Link and provide the most timely and detailed wholesale and retail analysis available in the market.

From January to December 2024, new powerboat retail unit sales fell by 9.1 percent, totaling 231,576 units.

As the recreational boating industry manages lower retail sales, Info-Link Technologies, Inc. recently reported that as of year-end 2024, the median age of current boat owners in the U.S. is now 60 years old, with more boat owners in their 70s than in their 40s.

“Many of the people who owned boats 25 years ago are the same people who own boats today, but they’re 25 years older,” says Jack Ellis of Info-Link.

“The latest economic news, coupled with the median age milestone, reinforce the importance of industry-wide efforts to generate category awareness and excite potential boaters and watersports enthusiasts while retaining existing boaters through Discover Boating and related efforts from Take Me Fishing, especially in down cycles as this is key to maintaining our momentum and sustaining long-term growth,” adds Ellen Bradley, NMMA chief brand officer.

For more information, visit the Statistics page on the NMMA website or contact by email.