Boat Dealers NAICS 441222

Oct 27, 2025 - Tepid Consumer Environment for Dealers

• Boat dealers face a cautious consumer environment as recent confidence and sentiment indexes point to weakened discretionary spending and heightened inflation concerns. In September 2025, the Consumer Confidence Index from the Conference Board fell to 94.2, with job optimism down and inflation expectations high. Buying intentions dropped for cars and travel, while interest in homes and smartphones rose. Confidence declined across most age and income groups, especially among households earning $25,000–$35,000 and over $200,000. The consumer sentiment index held at 55.0 in October 2025 from the previous month, and was down 22% year-over-year, according to the University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers. Overall, the data signals cautious consumer sentiment, which could dampen retail spending heading into the holiday season.
• The Retail Trade Industry is one of seven industries reporting contraction in September's Services ISM Report on Business. Executives in the Retail Trade industry reported increases in employment and order backlogs, along with faster supply deliveries and decreases in new orders, imports, and inventories in September. Additional industries reporting contraction during the period were Mining; Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting; Construction; Management of Companies & Support Services; Professional, Scientific & Technical Services; Retail Trade; and Real Estate, Rental & Leasing. Ten industries reporting growth during the period were Accommodation & Food Services; Health Care & Social Assistance; Other Services; Information; Public Administration; Educational Services; Wholesale Trade; Finance & Insurance; Transportation & Warehousing; and Utilities. Overall, economic activity in the services sector was unchanged in September, with the Services PMI registering 50%.

• According to a report in Trade Only Today, electric boating is rapidly transitioning from niche to mainstream, driven by environmental concerns, regulatory pressure, and advances in battery and propulsion technologies. OEMs are investing heavily in electrifying models and developing new designs, while consumer interest grows, especially in recreational segments. Despite infrastructure and performance concerns, over 100 manufacturers are actively innovating, signaling long-term market growth. Boating dealers may see both opportunity and challenge with the shift. Rising consumer demand for sustainable, low-maintenance vessels opens new sales channels, particularly among first-time buyers and eco-conscious boaters. Dealers can adapt by expanding electric inventory, educating customers, and preparing for evolving service needs. Early alignment with electric trends can enhance competitiveness and position dealers as leaders in a transforming marine market.
• New powerboat retail unit sales declined by 9.7% year to date through June 2025, compared to the same period a year ago, amid ongoing economic pressures, according to the Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary from the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). Sales fell in several categories during the period year over year, including new pontoons (-10.9%), jet boats (-14.4%), and wake sport boats (-9.9%). Segments with a small improvement in sales included yachts (1.8%).