US Boat Dealers Still Selling Through Non-Current Inventory

By Craig Ritchie

New Info-Link data reveals highest proportion of non-current inventory in 15 years.

Newly released data from Miami, US-based market intelligence firm Info-Link Technologies reveal a number of US boat builders continue working to sell through non-current inventory.

Info-Link managing director Jack Ellis says the current inventory balance reflects US consumers deferring big-ticket purchases as they adopt a more cautious, wait-and-see approach to a volatile financial environment where rapid changes in US trade policy have led to widespread disruption in stock and bond markets.

While new traditional powerboat sales declined by about 9% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, he says, an unusually high number of these sales focus on non-current inventory.

“When our industry is firing on all cylinders, about 75% of all powerboats purchased during the first half of the year are current model-year boats,” says Ellis. “During the first half of 2025, only 61% were current model-year – the lowest level in 15 years.”

He adds that manufacturers and dealers have been working collaboratively to address the current inventory imbalance.

“Fishing boats have been turning more quickly while general recreation boats, like runabouts, tow boats and pontoon boats have seen slower movement,” says Ellis. “Regionally, dealers along the east coast are selling more current-year inventory while their counterparts out west are still working through older stock.

“We’re already seeing improvement, but it will likely take the rest of this season to regain stable footing from an aged inventory perspective.”