NASBLA Public Library

Wanted: More First-Time Boat Buyers

By: Jack Ellis, InfoLink

The total number of powerboats registered in the U.S. has been slowly declining over the past couple of decades. Much of this decline can be attributed to the fact that we are losing boat owners faster than we are replacing them. This is why it’s so critical for the boating industry to attract more first-time boat buyers. Unfortunately, it took a pandemic to lure more people onto the water, but during the years 2020 and 2021, the percentage of boats purchased by first-time buyers increased significantly. In fact, most of the growth in boat sales during this period can be attributed to people buying their first boats. This was a nice shot in the arm for the industry, albeit at an unwelcome cost.

Since then, the percentage of boats purchased by first-time boat buyers has again declined to an all-time low, so attracting new boaters is of utmost importance to our industry. The NMMA is leading this charge via its Discover Boating campaigns, but it’s incumbent upon all of us to help ensure that boating remains one of America’s favorite recreational activities.