Marinas NAICS 713930

Jan 5, 2026 - Faster Growth Forecast

• The US marinas industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.7% 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 projected growth. The arts, entertainment, and recreation industries, which include marinas, are largely driven by spending by US households and tourists, foreign students, and other visitors. Consumer sentiment is expected to improve in the forecast period, which bodes well for the sector. Further increases in tariffs and decreases in immigrant labor supplies may push price levels higher and postpone improvement of inflation. The slow rise of employment and higher consumption prices may limit expansion of real disposable income to about 1.8% in 2025 and 1.6% in 2026.
• The National Marine Manufacturers Association’s latest data through September 2025 shows continued economic pressure on the recreational boating sector, with new powerboat sales down 8.4% year to date. While freshwater fishing boats and yachts held steadier than other segments, overall softness in consumer confidence and sentiment suggests ongoing caution among buyers. For marinas, slower new boat sales may temper slip demand and service revenue growth, though resilient segments could help stabilize occupancy. Manufacturing activity also moderated, potentially affecting inventory availability for marina dealers. The Federal Reserve’s recent rate cut may gradually ease financing conditions for boat purchases, but limited additional cuts signal a slow path to improved affordability. As conditions evolve, marinas will need to monitor consumer behavior closely and adjust operational planning accordingly.

• Marina development is evolving beyond traditional infrastructure, with five key amenities reshaping the industry’s future, according to reporting in Marina Dock Age. According to Robert Brown of GCM Contracting Solutions, resort-style social spaces, tech-enabled convenience, wellness and sustainability features, retail integration, and exclusive member perks are driving demand and redefining marinas as lifestyle destinations. These enhancements, such as rooftop pools, automated boat retrieval, EV charging, and concierge services, boost customer loyalty, attract year-round traffic, and support premium pricing models. Developers who integrate these features early can streamline permitting, improve operational efficiency, and future-proof investments. As boating demographics shift and expectations rise, marinas must deliver community, convenience, and experience, in addition to their typical marina services.
• Nearly 58 million Americans went fishing in 2024, a 34% increase in participation over 2023, according to the 2025 Special Report on Fishing by the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF) in Marina Dock Age. The number of Americans six and over who went fishing in 2024 reached a record high of 19% of the US population. However, the report noted that churn poses a challenge for the industry, with participation rates falling sharply after a child turned 18. The most popular fishing locations were riverbank (49%), shoreline (48%), boat (45%), pier (24%), kayak (7%), and other (5%). 2024 set a record for female participants, reaching 21.3 million women. The report showed that the top barriers to fishing were crowded fishing spots, the discomfort of being outside, not catching any fish, unclean waters, and the expense of fishing equipment.