2026 Boating Industry Forecast

After several years of pandemic-driven demand, boating retail sales softened in 2025 and consumers spent more cautiously, but industry leaders remain cautiously optimistic as nearly half of dealers expect slight revenue gains in 2026 amid resilient enthusiasm for boating experiences.

This mix of measured demand and continued consumer interest in lifestyle-oriented experiences highlights opportunities for marketing that underscores community, wellness and value-driven ownership options in a competitive discretionary spending environment.