National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) released its latest Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary, which covers the full year in 2025. The data shows new boat retail unit sales declined 8.8 percent year over year, totaling 215,237 units, compared with 236,070 units in 2024.

Freshwater fishing boats showed the greatest stability for new sales, with a 1.5 percent decline in unit sales year over year.

“Key economic indicators throughout 2025 reinforced a cautious consumer environment. Interest rates remained elevated, inflation held above historical averages, and consumer confidence and sentiment measures remained relatively subdued compared with long-term norms,” said NMMA in a press release. “These factors continued to influence consumer behavior around large discretionary purchases, including boats.”

NMMA added that as the industry moves into 2026, the recreational boating market is in a relatively balanced position after the surge experienced in the first half of the decade.

“While new boat sales moderated in 2025, steady participation levels and multiple pathways to boating continue to support the long-term outlook for the industry,” the statement said.