The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) released the Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary featuring data through February 2026. On a rolling 12-month basis (March 2025–February 2026), new powerboat retail unit sales declined 8.8 percent year-over-year to 214,115 units.

Freshwater fishing boats remained relatively flat year-over-year at 54,199 units sold. This type of boat is the industry’s largest retail segment, accounting for 34 percent of all sales through February. Outboard boats — which have the largest volume and represent 67 percent of total retail sales — declined 6.9 percent. Personal watercraft and pontoon boats saw declines of 10.8 percent and 12.5 percent, respectively.

NMMA says key economic indicators continue to impact the boating market. However, “with just two months of data available, it’s early to read too much into 2026’s trajectory, but the spring selling season will be an important indicator of where buyer appetite stands.”