The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) released its latest Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary, covering data through September 2025. The association says that the numbers show economic pressures persisted as elevated borrowing costs and mixed household outlooks continued to influence marine market activity.

Year-to-date (January–September 2025), new retail powerboat unit sales decreased 8.4 percent from the same period last year, with 194,338 units sold. Segment performance varied, with freshwater fishing boats and yachts seeing the least year-over-year decreases.

Key economic indicators offered a varied view of consumer conditions in September. The Consumer Confidence Index measured 94.2 for the month, while the Consumer Sentiment Index registered 55.1. The U.S. Manufacturing PMI decreased 1.9 percent to 52.3, indicating moderating factory activity.

On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve lowered its key interest rate by a quarter-point to a range of 3.5 percent–3.75 percent, marking its third straight reduction this year. While that move may ease borrowing costs for major purchases, the Fed signaled it expects only one additional cut in 2026.