Recreational Boats Market Size, Share, Trends, Industry Analysis, and Forecast (2025 – 2031)

Recreational Boats Market Size

The global recreational boats market size was valued at $34.60 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $49.07 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 6.0% during the forecast period.

Recreational Boats Market Overview

Smart water management refers to the integration of advanced technologies, such as IoT, AI, and data analytics, to optimize the use and distribution of water resources. This approach enables companies to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and improve service delivery by providing real-time monitoring and precise control over water distribution networks.

Companies like Banyan Water utilize smart water management systems to achieve significant cost savings—up to 72% reduction in water expenses for clients—through proactive leak detection and resource optimization. Moreover, smart water solutions elevate public health standards by continuously monitoring water quality and promptly addressing contamination risks. Government initiatives, such as the U.S. Smart City Challenge, further promote the adoption of these technologies, encouraging municipalities to implement sustainable practices that conserve water and improve infrastructure resilience. As urban populations grow and environmental concerns rise, the demand for smart water management systems continues to expand, allowing companies to meet regulatory requirements while enhancing their sustainability efforts.

Recreational Boats Market Dynamics

The recreational boatsmarket is expected to witness significant growth in the future due to the increasing urbanization leading to higher water demand, growing concerns over water scarcity and the need for efficient resource management, and technological advancements in IoT and data analytics enhancing monitoring capabilities. However, the high initial costs associated with implementing smart water management systems, lack of a digitally skilled workforce to operate advanced technologies, and concerns over data privacy and cybersecurity risks are restraining the growth of the market.

Furthermore, expansion of smart city initiatives integrating advanced water management solutions, increasing investments in research and development for innovative technologies, growing demand for sustainable water solutions in residential and industrial sectors are the key trends propelling the recreational boatsmarket.

Increasing Urbanization is Driving Higher Water Demandis Driving the Recreational Boats Market

The increasing urbanization is driving higher water demand is significantly impacting the recreational boatsmarket, by necessitating more efficient and sustainable water resource management solutions. As urban populations grow, cities face challenges such as aging infrastructure, increased consumption, and pollution risks, which smart water management systems are designed to address.

• For example, in 2023, the city of San Diego partnered with Xylem to implement smart water meters aimed at improving leak detection and optimizing water distribution in response to rising demand.

Government initiatives also play a crucial role; the U.S. Smart City Challenge encourages municipalities to adopt smart technologies that enhance water efficiency and sustainability. These examples underline how urbanization is not only escalating the demand for water but also fostering the adoption of advanced technologies that optimize water management practices across urban landscapes.

By Type, the Yacht Segment is projected to be the Largest Segment in the Recreational Boats Market

Yacht is the largest segment in the recreational boatsmarket, driven by rising disposable incomes, increasing tourism, and supportive government initiatives.

• In 2020, around 341 superyachts were sold globally, underscoring strong demand for luxury yachts, with the most expensive yacht that year, the Hasna, priced at approximately USD 92.5 million.

Government support in the U.S. has also played a crucial role in promoting recreational boating, with policies aimed at enhancing waterway development and tourism.

• Additionally, technological innovations from companies like Yamaha Motor Corporation and Brunswick Corporation have introduced advanced products, such as Yamaha's electric outboard motor launched in April 2024, which aligns with growing environmental sustainability trends.
• Moreover, in 2022, the global tourism sector rebounded significantly post-COVID-19, with international tourist arrivals reaching 900 million, further boosting demand for recreational boating experiences, including yachting.

Overall, the global recreational boat market was valued at approximately USD 19.27 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach about USD 29.1 billion by 2030, driven largely by the growth of the yacht segment.

By Geography, North America Holds the Largest Share in the Market Revenue

North America holds the largest share of the recreational boatsmarket, driven by rapid urbanization, aging infrastructure, and increasing regulatory pressures aimed at promoting sustainable water use. The region is projected to hold over 41.4% of the global smart water management market by 2024, reflecting its leadership in adopting advanced technologies for efficient water resource management.

• Companies like Itron have been pivotal; in 2022, they launched their IntelliSmart platform, which utilizes IoT technology to provide real-time data analytics for utilities managing urban water supplies.
• Additionally, the city of San Diego partnered with Xylem in 2023 to deploy smart water meters across its distribution network, enhancing leak detection and optimizing resource allocation in response to rising urban demand.

Government initiatives, such as the U.S. Smart City Challenge, encourage municipalities to implement smart technologies that improve water efficiency and sustainability. With the smart water management market expected to grow high, this trend underscores North America's commitment to leveraging technology to address the challenges posed by increasing population density and environmental concerns, ensuring reliable and sustainable water supply systems for its residents.

Key Target Audience:

• Manufacturers
• Consumers
• Tourism Operators
• Retailers
• Government Agencies

List of the Key Players Profiled in the Report Includes:

• Brunswick Corporation
• Yamaha Motor Corporation
• Groupe Beneteau
• Ferretti Group and Malibu Boats
• Azimut Benetti Group
• Bass Pro Group
• Bombardier Recreational Products
• Bryton Marine Group
• Hobie Cat Company
• Marine Products Corporation
• Polaris Inc

Recent Developments:

• In January 2025, Brunswick’s Sea Ray brand introduced the SDX 270 Surf at the Düsseldorf Boat Show, targeting luxury recreational boaters. The launch led to a 20%+ year-over-year increase in unit sales, highlighting Sea Ray’s growing traction in EMEA markets and strengthening Brunswick’s regional leadership in premium surf boats.

Market Segmentation:

The research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry analysis with size, share, and forecast for the below segments:

Market by, Type:

• Yachts
• Sailboats
• Personal Watercrafts
• Inflatables
• Other Types

Market by, Activity Type:

• Cruising+watersports
• Fishing

Market by, Engine Type:

• ICE
• Electric

Market by, Size:

• <30 Feet
• 30-50 Feet
• >50 Feet

Market by, Power Source:

• Engine Powered
• Sail Powered
• Human Powered

Market by, Engine Placement:

• Outboards
• Inboards
• Other Engine Placements

Market by, Power Range:

• Up to 100 kW
• 100-200 kW
• Above 200 kW

Market by, Geography:

The recreational boatsmarket report also analyzes the major geographic regions and countries of the market. The regions and countries covered in the study include:

• North America (The United States, Canada, Mexico), Market Estimates, Forecast & Opportunity Analysis
• Europe (Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe), Market Estimates, Forecast & Opportunity Analysis
• Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Rest of Asia Pacific), Market Estimates, Forecast & Opportunity Analysis
• South America (Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Rest of South America), Market Estimates, Forecast & Opportunity Analysis
• Middle East & Africa (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Iran, South Africa, Rest of Middle East & Africa), Market Estimates, Forecast & Opportunity Analysis

The report offers insights into the following aspects:

• Analysis of major market trends, factors driving, restraining, threatening, and providing opportunities for the market.
• Analysis of the market structure by identifying various segments and sub-segments of the market.
• Understand the revenue forecast of the market for North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Middle East & Africa.
• Analysis of opportunities by identification of high-growth segments/revenue pockets in the market.
• Understand major player profiles in the market and analyze their business strategies.
• Understand competitive developments such as joint ventures, alliances, mergers and acquisitions, and new product launches in the market.

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