Marinas NAICS 713930

Jul 6, 2026 - Boat Loan Performance Remains Solid

• According to the National Marine Lenders Association's 2026 Annual Statistical Report, marine lending remained resilient despite affordability pressures, a positive sign for the US marina industry because financing supports new and used boat purchases that drive slip rentals, storage, fuel sales, maintenance, and other marina services. Marine loan delinquencies increased to 1.42% in 2025 but continued to outperform overall consumer installment loan performance, indicating borrowers remain relatively creditworthy. Gross portfolio yields rose to 6.38%, reflecting higher borrowing costs, while lenders maintained traditional underwriting standards despite ongoing economic challenges. The report also found that 79% of lenders used third-party liquidators to remarket repossessed boats. Although tighter credit conditions and higher financing costs may temper boat sales, the marine lending market's overall stability supports continued demand for marina services.
• Consumer confidence remained weak in June 2026, creating a cautious demand environment for the US marinas industry. The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index edged up to 91.2 from 90.6 in May, while the Present Situation Index fell to 116.4 as labor market perceptions weakened, although the Expectations Index held at 74.4, reflecting modestly improved views of future business conditions and incomes. Separately, the University of Michigan's Consumer Sentiment Index rose 10.5% to 49.5, with the Current Economic Conditions Index increasing to 47.7 and the Consumer Expectations Index climbing 15.0% to 50.7. Despite these improvements, sentiment remained 18.5% below year-earlier levels, and consumers continued to cite high prices as a financial burden. Weaker confidence and ongoing inflation may reduce discretionary spending on boating, leading some consumers to delay boat purchases and cut back on marina services such as storage, maintenance, fuel, and transient dockage.

• According to recent data released by the US Bureau of Economic Analysis, the US outdoor recreation economy—including the marina industry—reached $696.7B (2.4% of GDP) in 2024, with growth moderating to 2.7%. Boating and fishing, the core demand drivers for marinas, remained the largest conventional activity at $38.4B, leading in most states and especially strong in coastal and Sun Belt markets like Florida, California, and Texas. This data signals robust, sustained demand for marina services, boat storage, fueling, maintenance, and waterfront amenities nationwide. For the US marina industry, these figures confirm that boating and fishing remain the economic backbone of outdoor recreation, reinforcing investment opportunities in marina infrastructure, staffing, and services. While overall sector growth slowed, participation in water-based recreation remains a primary economic engine, reinforcing steady demand for marina services tied to domestic boating activity.
• The NMMA’s 2025 Outboard Engine Sales Trends report shows a modest 3.9% decline in US outboard engine unit sales to 267,000, but overall market stability driven by higher prices and continued demand for larger, high-horsepower engines. Total market value held strong at $3.5 billion, with average prices rising 3.2% to $13,081. For the US marina industry, this signals steady revenue potential despite softer volume, as customers invest in more expensive, premium equipment that typically requires greater service, storage, and maintenance support. Demand remains concentrated in key boating regions, especially the South Atlantic, Great Lakes, and Gulf Coast, where marinas are likely to see the most sustained activity, particularly in states like Florida and Texas. The ongoing shift toward higher horsepower engines may also increase infrastructure and service demands at marinas, reinforcing their role as critical support hubs in a stable but evolving recreational boating market.