—2006 DATA—
RECREATIONAL BOATING IN AMERICA
Recreational boating in the United States is a major consumer goods industry with $14.7 billion in annual sales and services of new boats and motors, with 2005 sales and services up more than 8 percent from 2004. National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA)
In the State of Washington, boat sales activity for 2005 grew by $56.4 million – an 8 percent increase from the previous year with $777.5 million in sales of new and previously owned power and sail boats. Northwest Marine Trade Assoc.
Boating participation in the U.S. increased for the second consecutive year, rising to 71 million in 2005 from 69 million in 2004. NMMA
The number of boats on the water grew to 18 million in 2005, a net gain of 340,000 from 2004. (NMMA estimates that 864,450 new boats were added to the fleet in 2005 and 197,390 were retired that same year.) NMMA
Historically, boat sales have tracked alongside consumer confidence and continued to do so throughout 2005
RECREATIONAL BOATING IN WASHINGTON STATE
— AN ECONOMIC SNAPSHOT—
Washington ranks fifth in total expenditures for new powerboats, motors, trailers and accessories. NW Marine Trade Assoc.
Washington ranked fifth among states in new powerboat, motor, trailer and accessory sales with nearly $629.7 million in 2005 – a nine percent increase over 2004. Florida was first followed by California, Texas, and New York.
The top five states accounted for more than one-third of total expenditures.
Washington ranked sixteenth in boat registrations with 266,056 in 2004
Note: Registration requirements of watercraft vary among states or example in the state of Washington canoes and kayaks do not require registration.
U.S. boat registrations totaled nearly 12.8 million in 2004, nearly identical to 2003, with an approximate decline of 13,100 units
U.S. registrations for boats greater than 40 feet grew by nearly nine percent in 2004, while registrations for vessels 26–40 feet increased two percent
Registrations for boats under 26 feet declined less than one percent
The U.S. boating population increased slightly in 2005
Recreational boating participation increased an estimated 2.3 million in 2005 to 71.3 million from 69 million in 2004
Recreational boats in use by type
Most segments exhibited growth; sailboat ownership dropped 0.6% in 2005. Outboards led in ownership share; nearly 48% of all boats in use were outboard boats.
The number of boats in use grew two percent to nearly 18 million in 2005, an increase of nearly 340,000 from 2004. Of those 1.57 million are sailboats. Nearly 48 percent of all boats in use were outboard boats
In 2005, more than 864,000 new boats were sold, down less than one percent from 2004 *includes canoe, kayak, inflatable and personal water craft.
The number of boats in use across America has grown steadily over the past eight years and is up 11% since 1997
Sail Boat vs. Power Boat Sales
Sail Boats
An estimated 14,400 new sailboats were sold in the United States in 2005 representing over $646 million in retail value at an average retail cost of $44,926.
Power Boats
Sterndrive Boats (Cruisers): Over 72,300 new sterndrive boats were sold in the U.S. in 2005 representing over $2.5 billion in retail value at an average retail cost of $35,592
Outboard boats (not including ski boats and personal watercraft) over 213,300 outboard boats were sold in the U.S. in 2005 representing over $3.2 billion in retail value at an average retail cost of $15,006
The following data is derived from the 2005 Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract
Published by the National Marine Manufacturers Association
Average U.S. Pricing in 2005
• Average price of a new boat was $13,389
• Average price of a pre-owned boat was $8,829
• Average price of a new outboard engine was $10,112
• Average price of a pre-owned outboard engine was $3,640
• Average price of a new outboard boat, motor, trailer package
in 2005 was $25,347, a nine percent increase from 2004
Pre-owned boats appear to be a gateway into the boating market
• The likelihood of purchasing a new boat increases with subsequent (repeat) purchases with nearly a third of repeat boat buyers purchasing a new boat as their next watercraft
• More than one million pre-owned powerboats were sold in 2005 with $9.1 billion in U.S. sales
• In 2005, the traditional U.S. powerboat segment (outboard, stern drive and inboard boats) for both new and pre-owned boats totaled $18.3 billion—a 16 percent increase over 2004
The purchasing trend toward larger, better equipped boats
continued in 2005
• Boaters continued to purchase slightly larger, better equipped boats in 2005, increasing the average boat price by eight percent compared to 2004
• Dollar sales of new boats increased nearly eight percent to $11.5 billion over 2004, while units remained flat
• Manufacturers’ efforts to reduce emissions are leading to better performing, more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly marine engines
Demographics help define today’s boating population
• Nearly 68 percent of current boat owners and 66 percent of past boat owners had a boating experience as a child
• More than 73 percent of current boating participants also had a childhood boating experience
• Boat owners spent an average of 41 days on the water in 2005
• An estimated 51 percent of current participants enjoy cruising, while 43 percent enjoy fishing and 31 percent enjoy sightseeing and sunbathing
Boat shows are a stepping stone for non-boat owners looking to get into boating
• Eight percent of the U.S. adult population, or 10.2 million people, attended a boat show in 2005
• More than 86 percent of boat show attendees were in the market to buy a boat or currently owned a boat when they visited a show
• Nearly 72 percent of boat show attendees in 2005 had a household income under $100,000
Economic data compiled courtesy of National Marine Manufacturers Association (www.nmma.org) and Norwest Marine Trade Association (www.nmta.net)
Boating Industry Resources
NW Yacht Brokers Association
www.nwyachtbrokers.com
Nothwest Marine Trade Association
www.NMTA.net
National Marine Manufacturers Association
www.NMMA.org |
