Boat Dealers NAICS 441222

Dec 28, 2025 - Slower Growth Forecast

• Sales for the US boat dealers industry are projected to grow at a CAGR of 1.91% between 2025 and 2029, according to a forecast from Inforum and the Interindustry Economic Research Fund, Inc. The expected growth rate is slower than the overall economy‘s anticipated growth. The retail and wholesale sectors are driven by consumer spending, along with expenditure by businesses and government. The forecast said retail spending could soften with the growth of spending on consumer services but noted that consumers have maintained strong spending on goods even as costs on some services have risen. High interest rates reduce demand by raising the costs of debt-financed spending. The report noted that interest rates have begun to decline, but new tariffs threaten to renew inflationary pressures and delay further rate cuts. Inflation is subsiding gradually, but it has proved persistent.
• Consumer sentiment in December 2025 reflected a cautious economic climate for the US boat dealers industry. The University of Michigan Index rose 3.7% month over month to 52.9 but remained 30% below December 2024, and 63% of consumers still expect unemployment to increase. Inflation expectations eased to 4.2% for the next year and 3.2% long term, yet overall confidence stayed weak. The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index fell to 89.1, with current condition assessments dropping sharply and expectations stuck at recession associated levels. As consumers shift spending toward essential, lower cost categories, boat dealers face continued pressure on discretionary purchases, slower demand for premium models, and heightened sensitivity to pricing and financing. Essential maintenance, used inventory, and value oriented packages are likely to hold steadier as households prioritize affordability over big ticket recreational purchases.

• 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.
• 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.