The recreational boats fleet in the US has been experiencing a steady decline from 2013 when it stood at 12.013 million units to its current level in 2023 of 11.479 million units. The data indicates a consistent year-on-year decrease, with a decline rate of approximately 0.37% in the most recent year, and an average annual decline of 0.39% over the past five years. Forecasts suggest that the fleet will continue to decrease, reaching 11.253 million units by 2028 at a forecasted average annual decline of 0.31%.

Future trends to watch for:

Potential shifts in consumer preferences towards other forms of recreational activities.
The impact of economic factors and disposable income on the affordability and demand for recreational boats.
Sustainability and environmental regulations that could influence the design and operation of recreational boats.
Technological advancements in electric and autonomous boats, potentially altering market dynamics.