Mixed signals in 2026 according to industry analysis - MarineBusinessWorld North America newsletter
by Peter Rendle 17 Dec 2025 08:00 PST
Recreational boating © National Marine Manufacturers Association
NMMA's latest Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary, covering data through September 2025, shows economic pressures persisted as elevated borrowing costs and mixed household outlooks continued to influence marine market activity.
Year-to-date (January-September 2025), new retail powerboat unit sales decreased 8.4% from the same period last year, with 194,338 units sold. Segment performance varied with freshwater fishing boats and yachts seeing the least year-over-year decreases.
As 2026 approaches, the economy is sending mixed signals to the recreational boating industry. Executives see a more predictable environment taking shape, supported by stable demand and firmer revenue expectations. Households, meanwhile, are contending with elevated costs and growing uncertainty about future conditions. These contrasting views create a more complete and more nuance picture of the path ahead for the boating industry.
NMMA's Q3 2025 Marine Leadership Barometer shows an industry that has moved decisively out of crisis mode and cautiously into a more stable environment. Short-term pessimism about the broader economy has eased, with fewer leaders expecting deterioration over the next three months and more anticipating steady conditions. Forty percent of executives now hold a positive twelve-month outlook, up from 32% in Q2, and negative sentiment has fallen sharply. At the same time, roughly 60% of leaders expect their own company's revenue to grow over the next year, while only a small minority expect declines.
Register now for the annual NMMA Canada State of the Industry Breakfast taking place during the Toronto International Boat Show on January 20 at the Beanfield Centre. Join industry colleagues to gain insight into current trends in the recreational boating industry, including a keynote address by Nicole Cervi, Economist at Wells Fargo. The 2026 NMMA Canada Hall of Fame award will also be presented during the event.
PRO-SET Formulated Resin Systems, LLC, an Iron Path Capital holding company, announced the acquisition of European-based Wessex Resins and Adhesives Ltd, a prominent player in the formulation and manufacturing of high-performance epoxy resins and adhesives. This marks the second acquisition, following the acquisition of Gougeon Brothers, Inc. in May 2025. This strategic acquisition drives the global expansion of the combined composite resins and adhesives business into Europe. The company manufactures and markets these global brands throughout Europe, Middle East, Africa and parts of Asia.
Vision Marine Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ: VMAR) announced that its Nautical Ventures division has entered into a commercial lease and purchase option agreement for the marina property that it currently leases at 4470 Ravenswood Road in Dania Beach, Florida, known as the Anglers Avenue Marine Center. This location secures a strategic waterfront asset in Fort Lauderdale, a central point of consumer activity in the region.
MarineMax has announced several leadership promotions across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, reflecting the company's commitment to strong, people-first leadership and operational excellence. Nick Schwidder has been promoted to General Manager of MarineMax Danvers. Nick began his career in the marine industry as a high school dockhand and has held multiple roles across operations, service, and parts, most recently serving as Regional Service & Parts Manager for New England.
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@worldmarine.media