The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) recently released its 2009 Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract providing data that offers an in-depth look at the state of the recreational boating industry.
The National Marine Manufacturers Association
“The 2009 Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract is a comprehensive summary of statistics on the U.S. recreational boating industry, providing an unparalleled resource for industry stakeholders into boating’s impact on the national economy,” says James Petru, NMMA director of industry statistics and research. “We expanded this year’s Abstract to include a more detailed import/export section to better serve our members with enhanced product category data and trading partner profiles.”
Key findings from NMMA’s 2009 Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract include:
• An estimated $30.8 billion was generated in boating sales and services in 2009, a decrease of nine percent from 2008.
• In response to a weakened economy throughout 2009, the number of new boats sold decreased 19 percent to 572,500 units.
• New boat and motor sales totaled $8.5 billion in 2009, a 24 percent decrease from 2008.
• The traditional powerboat segment declined 24 percent in units to 153,550; retail sales were down 25 percent to $5.7 billion.
• Adult participation in recreational boating decreased six percent to an estimated 65.9 million in 2009 from 70 million in 2008.
• Total boat and engine exports of $1.8 billion and imports of $1.2 billion resulted in a trade surplus of $574 million, down 34 percent from the previous year (which had the largest trade surplus since NMMA began collecting data in 1996).
“There’s no question the declines in the U.S. and world economy in 2009 had a significant impact on new boat sales, however, our industry continues to find ways to position ourselves for future growth by adapting to the ever-changing economic landscape to help position our industry for growth in the coming years,” says Thom Dammrich, NMMA president. “Despite the new boat sales decreases we saw in 2009, there was strong participation, increases in sales at businesses that serve existing boaters and solid accessory sales – all indicators that boating is alive and well and boaters will continue to take to the water to enjoy the lifestyle even in trying economic times.”
The Abstract highlights boating sales and participation data compiled on behalf of the recreational boating industry throughout calendar year 2009, including:
• Overview of the retail boating market, including total new boat unit and dollar sales for traditional powerboats, canoes, kayaks, personal watercraft, and sailboats nationally, regionally and by state
• Average prices of new and pre-owned boats, engines and trailers
• Aftermarket accessory sales
• Results of the 2009 Boating Participation Study and 2009 Boat Ownership Study
• Number of boats in use, boating participation and comprehensive demographics data of current and past boat owners
• Expanded boat and engine import/export section with product data, including enhanced trading partner profiles
• Pre-owned boat sales and trends on a national, regional and state level
• Key economic data and trends including how consumer confidence impacted the industry, RV sales compared to boat sales, boater expenditures and more
About the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA): NMMA is the leading association representing the recreational boating industry in North America. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters and anglers throughout the U.S. and Canada. The association is dedicated to industry growth through programs in public policy advocacy, market statistics and research, product quality assurance and promotion of the boating lifestyle.
