The National Marine Manufacturer’s Association’s (NMMA) latest Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary, featuring data through November 2025, showed retail and wholesale activity remained under pressure as elevated interest rates and cautious consumer sentiment continued to influence purchasing behavior. On a rolling 12-month basis (December 2024–November 2025), retail sales fell 8.6% to 215,736 units, according to the NMMA release.
Freshwater fishing boats showed relative stability compared to other categories, while more discretionary segments, including pontoons, wakesports and cruisers, experienced retail declines.
Key economic indicators continued to reflect a cautious consumer environment in November. The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index fell to 88.7, its lowest level since April, signaling restrained holiday spending as year-end approached. Manufacturing activity remained in expansion territory, with the U.S. Manufacturing PMI at 52.0, though momentum has moderated compared to earlier in the year. Housing starts held steady at 1.4 million annualized units, while the 30-year fixed mortgage rate remained elevated at 6.3%.
With November data now reported, the recreational boating industry entered 2026 facing a moderated demand environment.
NMMA will continue to track these economic indicators and their relationship to consumer behavior and retail activity.
NMMA’s Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary report is published at the beginning of each month and is available at no cost to members. The full report includes comprehensive retail and wholesale data, engine and segment breakdowns, and key economic indicators relevant to marine businesses. Associate Members can buy an annual subscription for $2,400 or a monthly copy for $250. Non-members can purchase an annual subscription for $3,500.
To learn more about downloading NMMA reports, click here.
Visit www.nmma.org/statistics or contact bi@nmma.org for more information. NMMA members have direct access to the NMMA Business Intelligence team to answer questions about NMMA data, insights and reporting.
