Boat Steering System Global Market Report 2025

The boat steering system market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $1.94 billion in 2024 to $2.13 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.6%. Growth during the historic period was driven by the expansion of recreational boating activities, the growth of coastal tourism, higher disposable incomes in developed countries, increased demand for outboard motorboats, and a rise in the number of small fishing and commercial vessels.

The boat steering system market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $3.03 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.3%. Growth in the forecast period is expected to be driven by the increasing adoption of electronic steering systems, rising popularity of joystick controls, growth in the luxury yacht segment, expansion of marine aftermarket services, and heightened demand for coastal security vessels. Key trends projected for this period include technological advancements in steering systems, integration of autopilot functions and GPS capabilities, innovations in joystick-operated controls, progress in electric boat development, and ongoing research focused on improving steering efficiency.

The growing participation in recreational boating activities is expected to drive the expansion of the boat steering system market. Recreational boating includes activities such as leisure cruising, water sports, and relaxation on various water bodies, offering individuals the appeal of freedom and adventure with minimal constraints. The demand for such activities has increased as more people seek unique and enjoyable outdoor experiences. Boat steering systems play a vital role in these activities by enabling accurate navigation, improved maneuverability, and enhanced safety across diverse water conditions. For example, in May 2023, the Royal Yachting Association reported that 13.2 million adults in the UK took part in a boating activity in 2022, with stand-up paddleboarding experiencing a notable surge, attracting 536,000 additional participants. This trend highlights the growing interest in water-based recreation, which is fueling the demand for reliable and efficient steering systems in boats.

Major companies in the boat steering system market are developing advanced technologies such as inboard-powered electric steering systems. These systems use electric motors for steering instead of traditional hydraulic or cable mechanisms, offering smoother handling, precise control, and reduced mechanical complexity. In August 2022, Dometic Group AB, a Sweden-based marine technology firm, introduced the Optimus Electric Steering Actuator designed for inboard-powered towboats. This system caters to water sports like skiing, wakeboarding, and wakesurfing by replacing older steering mechanisms with a compact electric solution. It reduces steering effort, eliminates feedback and vibration at the wheel, and allows customization of steering feel to enhance operator control and passenger comfort. Seamless integration with other vessel systems also boosts safety and overall performance.

In February 2025, Twin Disc Inc., a U.S.-based manufacturer and distributor of power transmission systems, acquired Kobelt Manufacturing Co. Ltd. for $16.5 million. The acquisition aims to strengthen Twin Disc’s global presence and expand its marine and industrial offerings. By integrating Kobelt’s advanced marine steering systems and related technologies, Twin Disc can broaden its product line and enhance service capabilities in over 60 countries. Kobelt, based in Canada, is known for its precision-engineered marine steering, control, and braking systems, making it a strategic fit for Twin Disc’s growth in the maritime sector.

Major players in the boat steering system market are ZF Friedrichshafen AG, Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd., Mercury Marine, Twin Disc Inc., Stingray Boats, Lewmar Limited, Victron Energy, Vetus B.V, Jastram Engineering Ltd., Glendinning Products LLC, Uflex USA, HyDrive Engineering Pvt Ltd., Edson International, Lecomble & Schmitt, Pretech Co. Ltd., MacnhomSystems, Hypro Marine, Techno Italia Kft Ltd., Mavi Mare, Multiflex Marine.

North America was the largest region in the boat steering system market in 2024. The regions covered in boat steering system report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa.

The countries covered in the boat steering system market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

A boat steering system is a control mechanism that directs a vessel's movement, typically involving a wheel or tiller connected to a rudder, which alters the boat’s direction. Its primary role is to provide smooth, accurate steering, allowing safe and efficient navigation across the water. These systems are designed in various configurations to ensure precise handling.

The main types of boat steering systems include hydraulic, electronic power, and mechanical steering. Hydraulic systems rely on pressurized fluid to assist with steering, offering enhanced responsiveness and ease of operation. These systems consist of components such as steering pumps, helm pumps, hydraulic cylinders, steering wheels, and helm stations. They are used with different propulsion types - namely inboard, outboard, and sterndrive systems. Boat steering systems are distributed through both original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and aftermarket channels, serving key sectors such as passenger transport, commercial operations, and defense.

The boat steering system market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides boat steering system market statistics, including the boat steering system industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with the boat steering system market share, detailed boat steering system market segments, market trends, and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the boat steering system industry. These boat steering system 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 boat steering system market consists of sales of rotary steering system, rack and pinion steering system, fly-by-wire steering system, inboard steering system, and jet drive steering system. 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 and 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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