Boat Building Market Report 2026

The boat building market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $43.6 billion in 2025 to $46.14 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to marine tourism growth, defense procurement, fiberglass boat adoption, traditional shipbuilding demand, leisure boating expansion.

The boat building market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $59.25 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to electric propulsion adoption, sustainable materials usage, smart manufacturing in shipyards, demand for fuel-efficient vessels, autonomous boat development. Major trends in the forecast period include growth of recreational boat demand, adoption of lightweight composite materials, integration of advanced navigation systems, expansion of electric and hybrid boats, customization in boat design.

The increasing demand for recreational boats is anticipated to boost the demand for the boat-building market. Recreational boating is a popular leisure activity worldwide, with many people engaging in activities such as water skiing, fishing, and travel. For instance, in January 2023, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association, a US-based association, the recreational boating industry in the U.S. was valued at $170 billion. The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) represents 85% of recreational boat, marine engine, and accessory manufacturers in the country. Therefore, the surge in recreational boating is likely to contribute to the growth of the boat-building market.

Major companies operating in the boat-building market are focusing on developing technologically advanced autonomous boats to enhance passenger experience, safety, and sustainability in maritime transportation. Autonomous boats leverage cutting-edge navigation systems, sensors, and AI-driven control technologies to operate without human intervention, while reducing emissions and improving operational efficiency. For instance, in June 2023, Torghatten ASA, a Norway-based shipping company, partnered with Zeabuz, a Norway-based technology company, to launch the world's first emission-free autonomous ferry, MF Estelle. The ferry enhances passenger experiences for the company's 70 million travelers with advanced autonomous technology and sets a precedent for sustainable maritime transportation.

In May 2024, Release Boatworks, a U.S.-based manufacturer of sportfishing boats, acquired Gamefisherman for an undisclosed sum. This acquisition allows Release Boatworks to enhance its product range, utilize shared expertise, and expand production capacity while providing an exceptional customer experience in the custom sportfishing market. Gamefisherman is a U.S.-based builder of custom sportfishing vessels.

Major companies operating in the boat building market report include Brunswick Boat Group, Groupe Beneteau, Azimut-Benetti Group, Ferretti S.p.A., Correct Craft, Malibu Boats Inc., MasterCraft Boat Holdings, Marine Products Corporation, Smoker Craft Boats, Hyundai Heavy Industries, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, DSME, Samsung Heavy Industries, Tsuneishi Holdings, Cochin Shipyard Limited, Hindustan Shipyard Limited, General Dynamics, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd., Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd., Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd., Sumidagawa Shipyard Co. Ltd., Yamaha Amakusa Works Co. Ltd., Naval Yards Kiel GmbH, Lloyd Werft Bremerhaven, Neptune Werft GmbH, Schiffswerft Hermann Barthel GmbH, Meyer Werft, STX, PIRIOU, SOCARENAM, CMN: Chantiers naval de Normandie, CNM: Chantiers Navals de Marseille, Naval Group, A&P Group Tyne Shipyard, Cammell Laird, Parkol Marine Engineering, Yarrow Shipbuilders, Ribcraft, Cockwills, Williams Performance Jet Tenders, Shetlands Boats, Galeon, Parker Poland, Delphia, Sunreef Yachts, Pelican International Inc., Campion Marine Inc., Neptunus Yachts International Inc., Bombardier Recreational Products Inc., Robertson & Caine, Xquisite Yachts, Southern Wind, Voyage Yachts.

North America was the largest region in the boat building market in 2025. Asia-Pacific was the second largest market in the global boat building market share. The regions covered in the boat building market report include Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the boat building market report include Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The boat building market include revenues earned by entities by constructing trawler, tug, deck boat, dingy, lifeboat, sailboat, and cuddy. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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