Mixed signals from industry bodies re market state - MarineBusinessWorld North America newsletter
by Peter Rendle 8 Apr 16:00 BST
Latest Outboard Engine Trends Report © NMMA
NMMA released its annual Outboard Engine Sales Trends report, part of the 2025 U.S. Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract, offering a comprehensive look at one of the recreational boating industries closely watched segments.
In 2025, U.S. outboard engine sales totalled 267,000 units, a 3.9% decline year-over-year. Despite softer unit demand, the market remained stable overall, supported by resilient pricing and continued strength in higher horsepower segments. Total market value reached $3.5 billion, while average retail prices rose 3.2% to $13,081.
On April 2, 2026, President Trump signed a proclamation making significant structural changes to the Section 232 tariff regimes for steel, aluminum, and copper, effective April 6, 2026. The proclamation establishes a new framework for determining applicable tariff rates and modifies which derivative articles are covered. An accompanying fact sheet is available here.
This proclamation also removed previously-imposed Sec. 232 aluminum tariffs on fishing reels, reel accessories, landing nets among many other products. These changes went into effect on Monday, April 6, 2026. The following products are NO LONGER subject to Sec. 232 aluminum tariffs: 9507.30.2000 — Fishing reels not valued over $2.70 each: 9507.30.4000 — Fishing reels valued over $2.70 but not over $8.45 each: 9507.30.6000 — Fishing reels valued over $8.45 each: 9507.30.8000 — Fishing reel parts and accessories: 9507.90.6000 — Fishing landing nets / similar nets. Click here for Customs implementation guidance.
The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index increased 0.8 points in March to 91.8, marking a second consecutive month of modest improvement. The gain was driven by a 4.6-point increase in the Present Situation Index to 123.3, reflecting improved views of current business conditions, while labor market perceptions remained relatively stable. The Expectations Index declined 1.7 points to 70.9, indicating increased concern about job prospects and income over the next six months. Inflation expectations also moved higher, reaching their highest level since August 2025. Survey responses suggest consumers anticipate rising prices and interest rates, while expectations for stock market gains declined.
The 2026 Palm Beach International Boat Show (PBIBS) concluded its five-day run with its largest concentration of superyachts to date, reinforcing its position as a leading U.S. marketplace for high-value vessel transactions and global brokerage activity. This year's show featured a record-setting fleet, including 10 yachts exceeding 200 feet, more than 30 over 100 feet, and over 100 vessels above 80 feet, marking a significant expansion in both scale and inventory. Exhibitor activity reflected strong engagement across the market. Tureddi Yachts announced the sale of its first fully custom TD27 during the show, marking a milestone for the builder, while MarineMax reported selling more than 100 vessels during PBIBS.
The American Boating Congress (ABC), taking place May 4-6, will feature one of the nation's top political analysts: Amy Walter. Amy Walter is the national editor of the Cook Political Report and a familiar face to many as a regular panellist on Meet the Press, Face the Nation, and PBS NewsHour. With more than two decades of experience covering elections and the inner workings of Washington, she is widely recognized for her clear, objective, and insightful analysis of the political landscape.
US Sailing this week announced the appointment of Carol Ewing to its Board of Directors, bringing decades of leadership, operational expertise, and deep involvement in the sport of sailing at the highest levels. Ewing, a lifelong sailor and accomplished race official, has been a driving force in regatta management and race administration both nationally and internationally for more than 40 years. Her extensive experience spans roles as regatta organizer, coordinator, scorer, Principal race Officer (PRO), and event chairman across a wide range of classes and competitive formats.
The U.S. SailGP Team has announced a new partnership with Ocean Conservancy's Protect Where We Play initiative to support its Global Ghost Gear Initiative (GGGI), a global effort to remove lost and abandoned fishing gear from the ocean and prevent it from harming marine ecosystems. The collaboration brings together elite sport and ocean advocacy to raise awareness of "ghost gear" lost and abandoned fishing gear that continues to trap marine life, damage habitats, and contribute to ocean pollution long after it enters the water. Through storytelling, athlete engagement, and live events throughout the 2026 Rolex SailGP Championship, the partnership will mobilize fans and stakeholders to better understand the issue and support solutions being advanced through the Global Ghost Gear Initiative's work in the United States and around the world.
The America's Cup Partnership this week welcomes UniCredit back onboard as both a Global Partner and Global Banking Partner for the Louis Vuitton 38th America's Cup. Having sponsored the UniCredit Youth America's Cup in Barcelona, the pan-European bank that operates in multiple countries is now synonymous with the America's Cup with a long-term commitment to the success of the competition.
More marine industry news at www.marinebusinessworld.com/NorthAmerica
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@worldmarine.media