Dublin, Jan. 15, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The “Recreational Boat Market Research Report 2025-2030” report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com’s offering.
The Recreational Boat Market was valued at USD 37.40 billion in 2024, and is projected to reach USD 55.20 billion by 2030, rising at a CAGR of 6.70%.
The global recreational boat market report consists of exclusive data on 33 vendors. The market is highly concentrated, with many local and international players in the market. The competition among these players is intense.
To compete with the global players, the companies are adopting new technologies and offering advanced & innovative recreational boats. The larger companies invest in new hotel and resort development to expand their market. It helps to attract a large consumer base. They compete on amenities, luxury, and their brand recognition worldwide.
The companies focus on offering personalized and customized products to boost the consumer experience. The companies present in this market offer competitive pricing and promotions to attract new buyers. Many international players are expected to expand their presence worldwide during the forecast period, especially in the fast-developing countries in APAC and Latin America, to gain more market share.
RECREATIONAL BOAT MARKET TRENDS
Integration of Smart Technology & Connectivity
Integration of smart technology & connectivity is a significant trend in the global recreational boats market. Smart technology in recreational boats incorporates advanced sensors, electronics, communication systems, and software. It enables remote control & monitoring, real-time data collection, seamless integration, and automated systems.
The real-time updates from instruments and Artificial Intelligence (AI) integrated forecasts help to manage the plan for safer trips by avoiding rough waters. The boat remains steady due to automated systems. The sensors use data analysis and critical components to predict maintenance. It helps to ensure safety at sea.
Electrification and Hybridization of Boats
Electrification and hybridization of boating is a significant trend in the global recreational boats market. It is driven by several factors, including increased need for user experience, rising demand for improvement in performance, technological advancement, rising competition, expanding accessibility & infrastructure, and need for low operational costs.
The demand for hybridization is rising significantly as it can be used for emission-free and quiet cruising at lower speeds. Electrification involves replacing traditional internal combustion engines (ICE) with which run by battery-powered electric motors. It can range from superyachts to larger cruisers.
RECREATIONAL BOAT MARKET DRIVERS
Rising Interest in Water Sports and Leisure Activities
Rising interest in water sports and leisure activities is a significant driver in the global recreational boats market. It is driven by several factors, including increased emphasis on leisure, evolving lifestyles, growth of specific water sport activities, increased health & wellness awareness, accessibility through rental & sharing models, social media culture, and technological advancements in water sports equipment.
The demand for watersports and leisure activities is rising significantly, which includes recreational fishing, day boating & cruising, paddleboarding & kayaking, waterskiing & tubing, and wake surfing & wakeboarding. The popularity of wake surfing & wakeboarding activities is fueling the growth among younger demographics. The craze of fishing remains stronger in recreational activities across the world. It creates the demand for fishing boats across the country.
Growing Travel & Tourism Activities
Growing travel & tourism activities are a significant driver in the global recreational boats market. It is driven by several factors, including the development of marine tourism infrastructure, government initiatives, rising popularity of water sports, increased inspiration & awareness, economic growth, and increased focus on the purchase of boats from tourism companies. Tourism companies, local authorities, and resorts are taking more interest in the purchase of boats such as watersport boats, pontoons, etc. It helps to meet the increased demand for leasing to tourists. The rising consumer preference for spending more on leisure activities, driving the market growth for recreational boats.
INDUSTRY RESTRAINTS
High Costs
High costs are a major challenge in the global recreational boats market. It is driven by several factors, including higher initial costs, economic sensitivity, and significant ongoing ownership expenses. The new boats which are having discretionary or luxury items have higher costs. It is due to the several complex systems, specialized construction & materials, and limited production volume. The higher initial costs can limit the market growth. When consumers are uncertain about the various future economic outlooks, they have to postpone the higher spending on discretionary purchases.
RECREATIONAL BOAT MARKET GEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS
In 2024, North America accounted for the largest global recreational boats market share of over 46%. The demand for recreational boats in North America is growing significantly, driven by several key factors: increasing participation in watersports, high disposable incomes, the outdoor recreation boom, an established boating culture, the rise of fractional ownership and boat clubs, and ongoing technological advancements.
Outboard boats are among the best-selling boat types in the North American region. The recreational boat market in North America is expected to continue leading in technological innovations during the forecast period, including automated systems, smart features, and electric boats. The large tech-savvy population in the U.S. is accelerating the adoption of advanced boats.
Rising interest in various watersports activities, such as wake surfing, personal watercraft use, and wakeboarding, especially among Gen Z and Millennials, is further fueling the growth of the recreational boat market in North America.
The Middle East & Africa show the highest growth in the global recreational boats market, with a CAGR of 8.0% during the forecast period. Countries in the Middle East & Africa are increasingly investing in non-oil sectors such as tourism. The development of new marinas, ports, and coastal leisure facilities is fueling the growth of the recreational boating market during the forecast period.
The rising tourism sector across the region is attracting both international and domestic visitors. In certain areas, there is a growing emphasis on premium and luxury recreational boating experiences to cater to affluent clientele. The region has a significant population of high-net-worth individuals who are spending more on luxury leisure activities, thereby driving the demand for yachts across the region during the forecast period.
The Middle East & Africa are increasingly emerging as a major destination for travel and tourism, appealing to people seeking recreational activities. Recreational boating is drawing both domestic and international tourists looking for unique experiences such as relaxation and leisure, which, in turn, is propelling demand for the recreational boating market throughout the forecast period.
RECREATIONAL BOAT MARKET NEWS
- BENETEAU is planning to launch a new series of boats and redesign three models of Gran Turismo in the mid of 2025 includes the Gran Turismo 35, the Gran Turismo 40, and the Gran Turismo 50.
- In 2024, Brunswick Corporation introduced 15 new exciting products, including Sea Ray, Simrad, Harris Pontoons, Princecraft, Veer, and Mercury Marine.
- In 2024, Azimut-Benetti Group and Rolls-Royce will be working more closely together on yacht propulsion systems. It’s a 4-year partnership and framework agreement on cooperation signed.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- By Product: The outboard boats segment accounted for the largest market share of over 38% by revenue.
- By Power: The engine-powered boats segment shows the highest growth, with a CAGR of 6.78% by revenue during the forecast period.
- By Activity: The cruise tourism segment dominates and holds the largest market share in 2024.
- By Geography: In 2024, North America accounted for a share of over 46%, and the Middle East & Africa shows the highest growth in the global recreational boats market, with a CAGR of 8% during the forecast period.
- Growth Factor: The global recreational boats market is set to grow due to rising interest in water sports and leisure activities, and growing travel & tourism activities.
KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED
- What is the growth rate of the global recreational boat market?
- How big is the global recreational boat market?
- What are the key drivers in the global recreational boat market?
- Which product segment has the largest share in the global recreational boats market?
- Which Power segment provides more business opportunities in the global recreational boats market?
- Which region dominates the global recreational boat market?
- Who are the major players in the global recreational boat market?
Key Attributes:
| Report Attribute | Details |
| No. of Pages | 179 |
| Forecast Period | 2024 – 2030 |
| Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 | $37.4 Billion |
| Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 | $55.2 Billion |
| Compound Annual Growth Rate | 6.7% |
| Regions Covered | Global |
VENDOR LANDSCAPE
Key Vendors
- Azimut-Benetti Group
- BENETEAU
- Brunswick Corporation
- Ferretti Group
- Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.
Other Prominent Vendors
- Bavaria Yachts
- BRP
- Baja Marine, Inc.
- Hobie Cat Company
- Malibu Boats, Inc.
- Marine Products Corporation
- MasterCraft Boat Holdings, Inc.
- Polaris Inc.
- Sunseeker
- White River Marine Group
- Albemarle Boats
- Bertram Yachts
- Candela Technology AB
- Catalina Yachts
- Custom Weld Boats
- Duckworth Boats
- Explorer Industries
- Grady-White Boats, Inc.
- Grand Banks Yachts
- HanseYachts
- High Caliber
- Lund Boats Company
- Maverick Boat Group, Inc.
- Pacific Asian Enterprises
- Porter
- Princess Yachts
- Viking Yacht
- Vision Marine Technologies
SEGMENTATION & FORECASTS
By Product
- Outboard Boats
- Inboard/Sterndrive Boats
- Personal Watercraft Boats
- Other Boats
By Power
- Engine-Powered Boats
- Sail-Propelled Boats
- Man-Powered Boats
By Activity
- Cruise Tourism
- Watersports
- Fishing
By Geography
North America
Europe
- UK
- Germany
- France
- Italy
- Spain
APAC
- Japan
- China
- Australia
- New Zealand
- India
- South Korea
Middle East & Africa
Latin America
For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/ozo55b
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