Leisure boat market forecast to top $61B by 2030

The leisure boat market is projected to grow 6% annually through 2030 and exceed $61 billion, led by North America and yachts. The report points to rising tourism, higher disposable income and faster adoption of electrified and connected boats as key growth drivers.

Why it matters: - The leisure boat market is moving from a niche recreational category into a larger global marine business with broader tourism, luxury and technology implications. - The market is forecast to exceed $61 billion by 2030, making it a meaningful slice of the wider transport sector. - Growth in electrification, smart navigation and marina development could reshape how and where consumers buy and use boats.

What happened: - The Business Research Company projected the leisure boat market will grow at a 6% compound annual rate through 2030. - North America is expected to remain the largest regional market in 2030 at $24 billion, up from $19 billion in 2025. - The United States is projected to reach $23 billion by 2030, compared with $17 billion in 2025. - Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd. ranked as the top global leisure boat seller in 2025 with a 2% market share. - Brunswick Corporation, Groupe Beneteau and Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) Inc. each held 2% market share in 2025.

The details: - The market remains highly fragmented, with the top 10 companies accounting for just 9% of revenue in 2025. - Bowrider platform design is one of the main product changes shaping the market. - Bayliner Boats launched its V22 Series in June 2026 with outboard and sterndrive models, sculpted hulls, broader beams, more storage and seating for up to 12 passengers. - Yachts are projected to be the dominant boat type by 2030, representing 39% of the market and $24 billion in revenue. - The report also highlights engine-powered and sail-powered vessels, aluminum and fiberglass materials, and fishing, sports, travel and tourism applications as core segments. - The most promising growth categories include yachts, sailboats, personal watercraft, inflatables and other boat types, which are expected to add more than $15 billion in value from 2025 to 2030. - Yachts are forecast to add $6 billion, sailboats $3 billion, personal watercraft $3 billion, inflatables $2 billion and other boat types $1 billion over that period. - The value chain includes raw material suppliers such as Owens Corning, Hexcel Corporation, Gurit Holding AG, SABIC and Toray Industries. - Wholesalers and distributors listed in the report include MarineMax, OneWater Marine, Sun Country Marine Group, Denison Yachting and HMY Yacht Sales. - End users named in the report include Freedom Boat Club, Sunsail, Dream Yacht Worldwide, Boatsetter and GetMyBoat.

Between the lines: - The fragmented market structure suggests no single player has dominant scale, which leaves room for regional specialists and premium brands to compete on features and service. - The emphasis on electrification, lightweight composites and connected systems points to a market where product differentiation is increasingly technical, not just aesthetic. - The report’s focus on tourism and charter services shows that many buyers are entering the market through shared access rather than outright ownership. - Luxury demand and rising disposable income are still central, but easier financing and rental platforms are widening the customer base.

What's next: - Companies are expected to keep investing in electrified propulsion, smart navigation, luxury catamarans and marina infrastructure. - Market players are likely to pursue diversification, acquisitions and expansion into emerging markets as competition intensifies. - North America is expected to keep its lead, with premium boating, waterfront tourism and marina investment supporting demand.

The bottom line: - Leisure boating is on track for steady expansion through 2030, with yachts, North America and electrified vessel tech doing much of the heavy lifting.