Boat Builders

The 848 Boat builders in the US design, manufacture, and market boats used primarily for personal and recreational purposes. Major product categories include power boats, sailboats, kayaks, canoes, and rowboats. Power boats include boats with inboard, outboard, stern drive, and jet powered engines. The power boat category includes Personal Water Craft (PWC), such as a jet ski. The retail price for a new fishing boat ranges $25,000 - $100,000, but luxury yachts can retail for millions of dollars.

Variability in Costs

Variability in the cost of materials and components affect margins and profitability for boat builders.

Competition from Used Boats

Boat builders compete with the used boat market, which appeals to deal-seeking buyers and new boaters looking to minimize their investment.

Sep 25, 2026 - Boat Demand Outlook Cools

• NMMA’s Q2 2026 Marine Leadership Barometer points to a more cautious but still stable outlook for US boat builders, with only 30% of respondents holding a positive near-term economic view, down from 35% in Q1. Expectations for revenue growth and product demand also moderated. Despite softer sentiment, nearly three-quarters of respondents remained neutral or positive on the economy over the next 12 months, and most expect capital investment and staffing to remain steady. Boat manufacturers also reported the strongest long-term outlook among the core manufacturing segments, suggesting confidence in underlying demand has not deteriorated sharply. Key risks include trade policy, geopolitical instability, and higher fuel prices, which can weigh on boating activity while also raising freight and input costs. Overall, builders appear positioned for slower, more measured growth rather than a broad downturn.
• Producer prices for boat builders rose 5.2% in August 2026 compared to a year ago, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Employment for boat builders was up 2.2% in July 2026 compared to a year ago. In the longer term, employment grew 11.9% in the industry over the past decade, comparable to the 10.7% growth in overall private employment. Average wages were up 5.5% year over year for non-supervisory employees at transportation equipment manufacturers, with an average wage of $38.28 per hour in August, per the BLS.
• The National Marine Lenders Association's 2026 Annual Statistical Report, released in June, suggests financing conditions remain relatively stable for US boat builders despite affordability pressures. Marine loan delinquencies increased to 1.42% in 2025, but remained below overall consumer installment loan delinquency rates, indicating recreational boat buyers continue to perform comparatively well on loan payments. Gross portfolio yields rose to 6.38%, reflecting higher borrowing costs that could temper demand for new boats, while lenders reported maintaining traditional underwriting standards rather than easing credit requirements. The continued reliance on third-party liquidators for 79% of repossessed boats highlights an active secondary market that can compete with new boat sales. Overall, the report points to a lending environment that remains fundamentally healthy but signals affordability challenges and tighter financing conditions that may constrain new boat demand and production growth.
• According to NMMA’s latest recreational boating data, US boat dealers entered April 2026 facing continued market softness, with rolling 12-month new powerboat retail sales falling 7.1% year over year to 214,292 units amid elevated interest rates and cautious consumer sentiment. Freshwater fishing boats posted a slight increase in retail sales year over year, standing out as a stable category. The report suggests affordability challenges and weaker consumer confidence are slowing demand for higher-ticket recreational purchases heading into the critical spring selling season. Boat builders focused on more resilient categories may be better positioned as consumers become more selective with discretionary purchases.

Industry size & Structure

The average boat builder operates out of a single location, employs fewer than 20 workers, and generates $15 million annually.

• The boat building industry consists of 845 firms that employ 45,000 workers and generate about $16.6 billion annually.
• The industry is concentrated; the top 50 companies account for about 77% of industry revenue.
• Large companies include Brunswick, Bombardier, Viking Yacht Company, and Marine Products Corporation. Some large companies have international operations.
• The US became a net importer of boats in 2015.