Boat Dealers NAICS 441222

Nov 25, 2025 - Boat Sales Up in October

• US boat dealers posted solid gains in October, with recreational boat sales rising 4.8% year over year, according to Lightspeed data from nearly 700 dealerships reported in Boating Industry. Regional performance was mixed: the Midwest led with a 7.1% increase, followed by the South at 6.2% and the Northeast at 4.3%, while sales fell sharply in the Northwest ( 13.6%) and West ( 3.6%). Service departments provided a boost, with average dealer revenue up 4.5%, led by the South at 8.6%. Parts sales were modest, rising 0.7% nationally, though the South again outperformed with 6.8% growth. Overall, combined dealer revenue climbed 4.6% nationwide, with the South reporting the strongest gain at 6.6%, while declines in the Northeast ( 6.7%) and West ( 1.4%) tempered results. For boat dealers, the data underscores regional disparities but highlights resilience in service and parts operations, offering a balanced outlook amid uneven sales trends.
• US consumer sentiment weakened in late 2025, putting pressure on boat dealers that rely on discretionary spending. The University of Michigan’s Index of Consumer Sentiment fell 6.2% month-over-month to 50.3 in preliminary November data, nearly 30% below last year, while the Expectations Index dropped 36.3% annually to 49. Inflation expectations rose to 4.7% for the year ahead, and the Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index slipped to 94.6 in October, with short-term expectations down to 71.5 despite stronger current conditions. With more than half of consumers anticipating higher interest rates, households are likely to postpone or scale back big-ticket purchases such as appliances, televisions, and home electronics. For retailers, the environment points to slower sales growth, tighter inventory management, and heightened price sensitivity, underscoring the need for promotional strategies and financing options to sustain demand in a cautious consumer climate.

• The Retail Trade Industry is one of 11 industries reporting growth in October's Services ISM Report on Business. Executives in the Retail Trade industry reported increases in business activity, new orders, employment, prices paid for materials and services, and order backlogs, along with decreases in new export orders, imports, and inventories in October. Additional industries reporting growth during the period were Accommodation & Food Services; Wholesale Trade; Real Estate, Rental & Leasing; Health Care & Social Assistance; Utilities; Transportation & Warehousing; Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting; Information; Professional, Scientific & Technical Services; and Educational Services. Six industries reported contraction during the period, including Arts, Entertainment & Recreation; Management of Companies & Support Services; Finance & Insurance; Public Administration; Construction; and Other Services. Overall, economic activity in the services sector expanded in October, with the Services PMI registering 52.4.
• 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.