Room for industry optimism for the rest of 2025 - MarineBusinessWorld North America newsletter
by Peter Rendle 11 Jun 2025 16:00 BST
NMMA's Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary report © National Marine Manufacturers Association
Despite varying economic factors across all states, the latest data from NMMA's Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary report (covering the rolling period from April 2024 through March 2025) offers a tempered view of the recreational boating market as it navigates economic headwinds and evolving consumer behaviour.
While core indicators reflect continued softness in retail sales, some resilience in key segments and moderating economic pressures suggest a complex, but potentially stabilizing market ahead.
Not to be deterred, Sharrow Engineering, the company behind the revolutionary Sharrow Propeller, announced plans to build a nationwide 5-axis CNC manufacturing network to support its expanding operations across both its recreational division, Sharrow Marine, and its new affiliate, Sharrow Labs. This initiative represents a strategic evolution in U.S.-based manufacturing, designed to scale production efficiently by tapping into the strength and capabilities of the existing domestic industrial base.
Meanwhile the recreation fishing industry addresses closure issues. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries withdrew the proposed bottom fishing closure from Amendment 59 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic. While much work remains to set South Atlantic red snapper management on a path to sensible management, the sportfishing industry appreciates the decision by NOAA.
Sailing news involves a well-established regional boat show. The Newport International Boat Show, presented by BankNewport announced this week its continued involvement in supporting Sail Newport. In partnership with Sail Newport and World Boating Day, the Show recently sponsored Waterfront Day at Fort Adams State Park on May 31. The free event welcomed people of all ages who were invited to a day of experiences on and near the water. During the event, show organizers presented Sail Newport with at $5,000 check to support the organization's mission to introduce more people to the joys of sailing.
From Europe, TEMO, the French manufacturer of 'the lightest outboard motor in the world', released the TEMO 1000 in North America at the Annapolis Spring Boat Show. TEMO-USA, launched last April to support the growing demand worldwide for the famously lightweight TEMO 450, is headed by Nicholas Steenberg in Portland, Maine. Steenberg built a national network of dealers and representatives and his time in the field has convinced him that this is the right product at the right time.
In Oxford, Maryland, a yacht club extends it facilities. The Eastern Shore of Maryland is a scenic maze of waterfront towns, secluded coves, and tributary rivers and creeks that flow into Chesapeake Bay. It's also home to the Tred Avon Yacht Club. The private club recently completed the second phase of a complete SF Marina overhaul with wave-attenuating breakwaters and finger docks.
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@worldmarine.media