Boating Business

Boat Sales Up in May

Saltwater boats like the Robalo 246 Cayman were among the leading sellers in May.

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is reporting that new recreational boat sales rebounded in May and were up by 59% compared to April. The organization also said sales increased by 9% from pre-pandemic levels on a seasonally adjusted basis. Total sales in May were the highest they’ve been in a decade with upticks across all segments.

Sales Leaders

Personal watercraft, saltwater fishing boats and jet boats, which account for 41% of new boat sales annually, according to the NMMA, led the way in the resurgence. Additionally, outboard engine shipments to boat builders increased for the second consecutive month through June.

“The New data shows a very positive start to the summer for the recreational boating industry, with increases in new-boat sales across all major segments,” Vicky Yu, NMMA director of business intelligence said in a statement. “The last time we saw such strong sales in a single month was back in 2007.”

Personal watercraft like the Sea-Doo GTI are affordable, fun ways to get on the water.

Continued Positivity

Additionally, the numbers for June show that the momentum is continuing with healthy sales for PWC and the increases in outboard engine shipment. “The shipment data is encouraging because outboard boats account for 60% of new boat sales annually, and suggests that dealers are placing orders as manufacturing revs up,” said Yu.

Other Highlights:

  • PWC sales reached record monthly highs for the second consecutive month in June, up 41% from a year ago, on a seasonally adjusted bases and have fully recovered from pandemic-related losses in March and April.
  • Saltwater fishing boats were up 9% in May compared to a year ago.
  • Jet boat sales were up 31% in May, also compared to last year.
  • Outboard engine sales in June were up an average of 25% from pre-pandemic levels on a seasonally adjusted monthly basis.

A jetboat like Yamaha’s AR210 can be good for watersports, cruising and family fun.