The National Marine Manufacturers Association recently reported the growing economic impact of the recreational boating industry across the United States.

Their 2023 study reveals recreational boating saw a 36% increase in annual economic activity from 2018’s $170 billion to $230 billion in 2023, and a 14% jump in recreational Marine industry related jobs from 691,000 in 2018 to 812,000 in 2023. 

The increase comes on the heels of record growth in recreational boating between 2020 and 2022 as Americans increasingly prioritized outdoor recreation, mental health and time with family and friends throughout the virus pandemic.

The boating industry is expected to hold steady in 2023 with sales of new and pre-owned boats on par with 2022 as Americans remain focused on outdoor experiences. 

Frank Hugelmeyer, president of the National Marine Manufacturers Association, said, “Recreational boating and fishing are a major economic engine in the United States and the latest economic analysis underscores the extraordinarily growth and demand our industry has experienced coming out of the pandemic. The profound impact the past few years have had on our industry cannot be denied as we’ve seen Americans seek out boating and fishing in record numbers, driving significant economic output and supporting tens of thousands of small businesses and nearly a million jobs.” 

The U.S. recreational boating industry sold just over 260,000 new boats and more than 1 million pre-owned boats in 2022, ranging from small aluminum and fiberglass fishing boats to pontoons and family cruising and water sports boats.

The top five states experiencing growth since 2018 were:  1. Florida $31.3 billion, up 53% and 109,000 jobs 19% from 2018. 2. California $17.3 billion, 53% and 48,000 jobs, up 18% from 2018.

3. Texas $11.8 billion, up 73% and $38,000 jobs, up 47% from 2018. 4. Michigan $11.7 billion, 82% and 45,000 jobs, up 45% from 2018. 5. New York $10 billion, up 41% and 34,000 jobs, down 8% from 2018.

Rounding out the top 10 states were North Carolina, Wisconsin, Washington, Georgia and Minnesota. 

New York was the only state in the top 10 that actually saw a decrease in the number of marine industry jobs.