Published : 26 Dec 2025
The leisure boats market is valued at USD 48.22 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 97.76 billion by 2035, indicating a robust CAGR of 7.4% from 2026 to 2035.
The growth of the leisure boats market is being driven by increasing disposable income, growing participation in recreational boating, and the rapid growth of coastal and inland tourism. Consumers across the globe are increasingly valuing lifestyle and experiential leisure activities like cruising, fishing, and various types of water sports. This is creating a demand for both privately owned and leased boats for chartering services. Meanwhile, to improve the accessibility of the boating industry and the adoption rate of boating, there is an increasing amount of investment in marina infrastructure, waterfront development, and other marine facilities. Additionally, as fleets get older, the market continues to grow with the help of flexible financing options in both the developing and developed markets.
Brunswick Corporation has recently broadened its offerings in marine propulsion systems through the introduction of electric and hybrid systems. The new line of electric outboard motors and battery-operated leisure crafts is designed to create an overall lower environmental footprint while decreasing operational costs to operate these products. In addition, the rapid development of manufacturing processes utilizing lightweight materials and digital navigation systems, and advancements in battery technology, are contributing to rapid growth in the adoption rate of these types of products. Stricter government environmental regulations and growing consumer awareness of sustainability concerns, in addition to the uniting of electric propulsion with smart-boat technology and the coalescence of travel and leisure rental businesses in the future leisure boats market, present significant opportunities for sustained growth.
Rising Recreational Tourism and Lifestyle Spending Accelerate Global Demand for Leisure Boats
One of the biggest factors driving growth of the leisure boats market is the increase in demand for recreational tourism and new lifestyle-focused leisure activities. Increasing disposable income and changing consumer preferences from product-based recreation to experience-based recreation, such as boating, fishing and water sports, will continue to increase demand for these activities. The expansion of both coastal and inland tourism, combined with an increase in the quality of marina, waterfront infrastructure, has made leisure boating more accessible to private users as well as to commercial operators. The growth of rental and charter services will continue to fuel demand for leisure boats worldwide.
Rapid Adoption of Electric and Hybrid Boats Creates Strong Long-Term Growth Opportunities
A major opportunity in the leisure boats market lies in the rapid adoption of electric and hybrid powertrain usage due to growing environmental regulations and consumer interest surrounding sustainable boating. With these developments, manufacturers are now creating new low emission environmentally friendly boats due to technological advancements in battery technologies, charging structures and the improved propulsion efficiency of leisure boats. As a result, some areas of development will generate a great deal of growth for businesses involved in tourism, regulated waterways, and the rental of leisure boats all in which will contribute significantly to the long term growth and development of this market.
The global market for leisure boats has been segmented into boat, type, propulsion system, end-use, and region.
North America currently has the largest share of the leisure boats market due to a strong source of disposable income, a strong boating culture, and a well-developed marine market infrastructure in both the United States and Canada. North America's large number of private boat owners, extensive coastline, large freshwater lakes, and many inland waterways have helped to support the leisure boats market. The presence of leading manufacturers, advanced marina facilities, and favorable financing options, coupled with the need to continuously replace an ageing fleet of boats, contributes to the continued growth of the leisure boats market with the increased interest in premium and electric boats.
The Asia Pacific is positioned to be the fastest-growing market for leisure boats, primarily due to an increase in disposable income and rapid urbanization. Countries such as China, Australia, Japan, and many Southeast Asian countries have all invested heavily in the development of new marinas, waterfront tourism, and the promotion of rental-based boating businesses. Europe continues to hold a large percentage of the leisure boats market due to the long-established boating traditions and marine tourism of many Mediterranean nations. Additionally, moderately growing markets in both Latin America and the Middle East & Africa support leisure boats through the development of resort-based projects and the enhancement of marine infrastructure.
| Parameter | Details |
| Size in 2025 | USD 48.22 Billion |
| Forecast by 2035 | USD 97.76 Billion |
| CAGR During 2026 - 2035 | 7.4% |
| Largest Type Segment (% Share 2025) | Motorized boats – 85% |
| Largest Region Size (2025) | North America – 42% |
| Fastest Growing Region (% CAGR) | Asia Pacific – 10.7% |
| Key Players Covered | Azimut Benetti Group, Boston Whaler, Brunswick Corporation, Ferretti Group, Groupe Beneteau, MasterCraft, Princess Yachts, Sea Ray, Sunseeker, Viking Yachts, Avon Marine, and Baja Marine |
Contact:
Mr. Richard Johnson
Acumen Research and Consulting
India: +91 8983225533