NMMA Estimates 2013 Powerboat Sales Up 5%

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) expects that as 2013 comes to a close, the U.S. recreational boating industry will continue its post-recession climb with an estimated 5 percent increase in new powerboat retail sales.

The increase comes on the heels of the industry’s 2012 rebound when new powerboat retail sales increased 10 percent—the industry’s first sign of recovery. In 2014, NMMA expects the recreational power boat sales will continue to grow another 5-7 percent.

“The housing market has improved, consumer confidence has steadily increased the last two years, and consumer spending is on the rise—all factors that are helping to fuel stable growth for the U.S. recreational boating industry and further sales in 2013. In addition, we’re seeing more and more Americans take to the water, as our participation numbers are at an all-time high—88 million Americans went boating in 2012. This indicates that with experience on the water comes an interest in life on the water and the subsequent purchase of a boat,” noted Thom Dammrich, president of NMMA.

Leading the industry’s growth are small fiberglass and aluminum outboard boats 26 feet or less in size, which continued their upward climb in 2013 with a 6.7 percent increase in the number of new boats sold; and ski and wakeboard boats, with an 11.7 percent increase in sales.

For more information visit:www.NMMA.org