The recreational boating industry has a $230 billion impact on the U.S. economy, according to data from the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). 

It also supports more than 812,000 jobs and 36,000 businesses nationwide.

In North America, NMMA is the leading recreational boating trade association. 

Recreational boating industry

Recreational boating and fishing significantly drive the outdoor recreation economy in the United States. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), this sector generates an economic impact of $1.1 trillion.

In 2023, new recreational powerboat sales reached $15.8 billion in the U.S. market. A size that reflects the continued interest in this type of activity.

However, just four years ago, the industry faced significant challenges. Disruptions in the supply chain forced boat manufacturers to temporarily halt operations. This jeopardized both the success and expansion of recreational boating in the country.

Despite these difficulties, the industry showed resilience. According to NMMA, although disruptions and delays persisted for some time, manufacturers strategically managed production lines and inventory. This strategy allowed them to remain innovative and agile. In addition, they took advantage of Americans’ growing interest in outdoor activities, such as boating.

On the other hand, recreational boat manufacturing stands out as a uniquely American industry. In fact, 95% of the boats sold in the country are manufactured locally.

Boating

NMMA strongly supports government initiatives to strengthen domestic production. These include the CHIPS Act and the Inflation Reduction Act. NMMA is also committed to collaborating on policies that will keep the U.S. recreational boating industry a global benchmark.

Finally, the recreational powerboat industry is highly competitive. This includes categories such as high-performance sport, outboard and outboard-powered boats. Diversity ensures choice for both consumers and dealers.