As the 2025 winter boat show season begins in January and February, the U.S. boat sales market is witnessing significant changes driven by innovation. According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), new powerboat retail sales in 2024 experienced a decline of 9% to 12%, totaling approximately 230,000 to 240,000 units. Despite this downturn, U.S. boating expenditures in 2025 are expected to rise by 3% to 5% above 2024's total of $55 billion, indicating a resilient consumer interest in recreational boating [040c12fe].
Sales of new freshwater fishing boats have remained steady, with estimates ranging from 51,000 to 54,000 units. Additionally, personal watercraft and pontoon boats are projected to see sales of 70,000 to 75,000 and 52,000 to 55,000 units, respectively. The NMMA emphasizes that innovation in boating technology and accessibility is crucial for attracting new buyers, particularly as 61% of boat buyers report household incomes of $100,000 or less [040c12fe].
Florida continues to lead the nation in new powerboat sales, generating an impressive $6.4 billion in revenue. The NMMA represents approximately 85% of the U.S. recreational boat market, highlighting the industry's significance in the economy [040c12fe].
In parallel, the global houseboats market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of XX.X% from 2024 to 2032, as reported by Verified Market Research®. This market has seen moderate growth in recent years and is expected to expand significantly in the coming years. Key players in the houseboats market include Caravela Boatbuilders, Waterbus, and Devlin, among others, who are focusing on strategic collaborations and innovations to enhance their market presence [53510ce9].
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) is anticipated to further influence the global houseboats market. These technologies can improve efficiency, safety, and user experience by automating various processes and enabling remote monitoring of houseboat systems. Such advancements are likely to drive growth by providing innovative solutions to consumers [53510ce9].