Boat Builders NAICS 336612

May 28, 2026 - February Boat Sales Reflect Softer Demand

• According to NMMA’s latest recreational boating data, US boat dealers entered February 2026 facing continued market softness, with rolling 12-month new powerboat retail sales falling 8.8% year over year to 214,115 units amid elevated interest rates and cautious consumer sentiment. Freshwater fishing boats remained relatively stable and accounted for 34% of all retail sales, while pontoon boats and personal watercraft posted steeper declines of 12.5% and 10.8%, respectively. 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 such as fishing boats may be better positioned as consumers become more selective with discretionary purchases.
• Producer prices for boat builders rose 3.9% in April 2026 compared to a year ago, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Employment for boat builders was down 0.5% in March 2026 compared to a year ago. Employment grew 11.7% in the industry over the past decade, comparable to the 11.3% growth in overall private employment. Average wages were up 7.7% year over year for non-supervisory employees at transportation equipment manufacturers, with an average wage of $38.76 per hour in April, per the BLS.

• US boat builders faced softer demand in 2025 as new boat retail unit sales declined 9% year over year to 215,237 units, down from 236,070 in 2024, reflecting a more cautious consumer environment, according to a Boating Industry report citing the National Marine Manufacturers Association's latest Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary. Elevated interest rates, persistent inflation, and subdued consumer confidence weighed on discretionary purchases, directly impacting new boat production volumes. However, demand remained supported by accessible segments, with freshwater fishing boats showing relative stability at just a 1.5% decline. The market has shifted to a more balanced position following earlier demand surges, with steady participation helping stabilize long-term prospects. Overall, while near-term production may remain pressured, continued engagement in boating supports a more stable outlook for US boat builders.
• Recent data from the US Bureau of Economic Analysis highlights the central role of boating and fishing in the $1.3 trillion outdoor recreation economy, signaling sustained demand and economic relevance for the marine industry. According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association’s summary of the BEA release, the outdoor recreation economy generated a record $1.3 trillion in output in 2024, supported 5.2 million jobs, and accounted for 2.4% of U.S. GDP. Within that, boating and fishing generated $38.4 billion, making it the top driver of the outdoor recreation economy. The article also notes that 95% of boats sold in the US are built domestically, and that most builders are small businesses. For boat builders, that points to an industry supported by strong domestic production, broad consumer interest in on-water recreation, and a market with significant national economic relevance. The article also suggests future growth will depend in part on access to public waters and recreation infrastructure.