Yacht Global Market Report 2024

The yacht market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $8.73 billion in 2023 to $9.19 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.3%. The growth observed in the historical period can be attributed to improved earning capacity, increased spending on recreational activities, and the rising construction of super yachts.

The yacht market size is expected to see steady growth in the next few years. It will grow to $10.78 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.1%. Forecasted growth is attributed to government support, urbanization, a rise in high-net-worth individuals, and increased tourism. Key trends include a focus on fuel cell technology, collaborations, AI integration, product innovations, and technological advancements in the yacht industry.

The increasing demand for luxury tourism and sailing is anticipated to drive the yacht market. Luxury tourism, characterized by a heightened focus on providing superior comfort and quality with minimal stress and hassle, represents an upscale travel experience. Yachts play a pivotal role in luxury tourism, particularly for destinations situated along the coast. In a 2022 survey, nearly 30% of respondents indicated that their holiday budgets had increased post-COVID, with a preference for luxury travel options. Consequently, the growing inclination towards luxury tourism and sailing is expected to stimulate the demand for yachts in the foreseeable future.

The expansion of tourism is poised to be a significant contributor to the growth of the yacht market. Growing tourism, reflecting the upward trajectory and global expansion of the tourism industry, presents opportunities for the yacht sector to flourish. This growth can be leveraged to meet the rising demand for yacht-related services, fostering economic development in regions that actively promote yachting as an integral part of their tourism offerings. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), international tourist arrivals exceeded 900 million in 2022, doubling the figures recorded in 2021, albeit reaching only 63% of pre-pandemic levels. Looking ahead to 2023, international tourist arrivals are projected to reach 80% to 95% of pre-pandemic levels, contingent on factors such as the economic landscape, the ongoing recovery of travel in Asia and the Pacific, and geopolitical events. Hence, the growth of tourism is expected to have a positive impact on the yacht market in the forecast period.

Companies operating in the yacht market are strategically focusing on product innovations and the development of new solutions to bolster their positions in the market. A case in point is ISA Yachts, an Italy-based brand under Palumbo Superyachts, which, in April 2022, introduced the ISA Granturismo 45-meter Aria SF. Featuring a steel hull and aluminum superstructure, the ISA GT 45 is designed to accommodate up to 10 guests in five spacious cabins. This superyacht stands out for its sharp and sporty exterior lines, characterized by a plumb bow, side arches connecting the three decks, and a fin-shaped hard top that imparts a sleek and lightweight appearance to the profile.

Yacht manufacturers are placing a strong emphasis on integrating new technologies and developing technologically advanced products to enhance their market positions. An example is Van Berge Henegouwen (VBH), a Dutch electrical company, which, in September 2022, launched the Invisible Technology for superyachts. This innovative product line, developed in collaboration with shipyards and interior yacht designers, is designed to offer intuitive and inconspicuous solutions for owners. Representing a new era for VBH and the yachting industry, the initial products in the Invisible Technology line include a Magic-UI control panel and two display screen solutions, namely Blended Screen and VBH Robot Arm. These technological advancements underscore the commitment of yacht manufacturers to staying at the forefront of industry trends and providing cutting-edge solutions to their clientele.

In May 2021, MarineMax Inc., a U.S.-based recreational boat dealer, completed the acquisition of Cruisers Yachts for an undisclosed sum. This strategic move is aimed at incorporating a premium, American-built yacht into MarineMax's product portfolio. The acquisition allows MarineMax to offer these yachts through a selected retail network, thereby enhancing additional growth capacity. Cruisers Yachts, the acquired company, is a U.S.-based premium yacht manufacturer specializing in boats ranging from 33 feet to 60 feet.

Major companies operating in the yacht market report are Ferretti S.p.A., Sanlorenzo S.p.a., Feadship, Princess Yachts Limited, Fincantieri S.p.A., Fr. Lürssen Werft GmbH & Co.KG, Damen Shipyards Group, Viking Yacht Company, Sunseeker International, Alexander Marine Co. Ltd., Palumbo Group, Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co. Ltd., Qingdao Captain Marine Co. Ltd., HBM-Huanan Building Materials (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., COSCO Shipping, Headway Technology Co. Ltd., Star MarinePro Corp Limited, China Shipbuilding Industry Co. Ltd., Azimut Benetti, Christensen Shipyards Ltd., Ferretti, Heesen Yachts, Horizon Yacht, YMCA Yachting, Brunswick Corporation, Ocean Alexander, Quantum Sails, Michael Rybovich & Sons Boatworks, Burger Boat Company, MCP Yachts, Sterling Yachts, Fibrafort, Delta Yachts, Flexboat, Wind, Schaefer Yachts, Alwoplast, Asmar, NEL INGENIERIA, AS Marine, Oryx Yachts, Majesty Yachts, Nomad Yachts, Moonday Yachts, Yerliyurt Marin, Numarine, Robertson & Caine, Falcon Inflatables, Dean Catamarans, Almaroon, De Birs Yachts, Tiger Marine.

Europe was the largest region in the yacht market in 2023. North America is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the yacht market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the yacht market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Italy, Spain, Canada.

Key types of motor and sailing yachts include the super yacht, flybridge yacht, sport yacht, long-range yacht, and others. A super yacht is a luxurious, professionally crewed motor or sailing yacht with a load line of 24 meters and above. Super yachts are further categorized based on lengths, including those up to 20 meters, between 20-50 meters, and those exceeding 50 meters.

The yacht market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides yacht market statistics, including yacht industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a yacht market share, detailed yacht market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the yacht industry. This yacht market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenarios of the industry.

The yacht market consists of sales of sailing yachts, motor yachts, gulet yachts, and open yachts. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

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.