Small Boats Market Report 2026

The small boats market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $43.12 billion in 2025 to $48.46 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.4%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to growth of recreational marine activities, rising disposable incomes, expansion of coastal tourism, availability of affordable small boats, growth of fishing activities.

The small boats market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $80.93 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.7%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing adoption of electric propulsion systems, rising environmental regulations for marine emissions, expansion of water-based tourism, growing demand for smart boating technologies, increasing focus on sustainable marine transport. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing demand for electric and hybrid small boats, rising adoption of lightweight composite materials, growing popularity of recreational boating, expansion of smart navigation and telematics systems, enhanced focus on fuel efficiency.

The rapid expansion of fishing activities is expected to drive the growth of the small boat market going forward. Fishing activities involve catching fish or other aquatic animals for food, sport, or commercial purposes. Small boats are well-suited for fishing in shallow waters and are generally more affordable, easier to operate, and simpler to maintain than larger vessels. For instance, in June 2024, according to European Fishmeal and Fish Oil Producers, a Denmark-based non-governmental organization, capture fishery landings are projected to reach 90.6 million tons in 2024, up from 89.6 million tons in 2023, with aquaculture also expected to grow significantly. Therefore, the increasing fishing activities are boosting the small boat market.

Major companies in the small boat market are developing innovative products with advanced technologies, such as electric propulsion systems, to provide reliable services to customers. Electric propulsion systems use electrical power to accelerate a propellant, offering advantages over traditional chemical propulsion methods. For instance, in April 2023, Kaebon, a Munich-based startup, launched the EB Eins, an electric boat designed to be the lightest in the world at just 89 kilograms. Constructed from ultra-light carbon composite materials, the boat can be easily transported and even placed on a car roof. Its wave-piercing bow and long waterlines provide a portable and efficient watercraft option for boating enthusiasts.

In January 2024, Correct Craft, a U.S.-based boat manufacturing company, acquired Malibu Boats for an undisclosed amount. Through this acquisition, Correct Craft aims to broaden its product portfolio, enhance its market position in the recreational boating industry, and utilize Malibu Boats' expertise in wakeboarding technology to address the rising demand for luxury watercraft. This strategic move positions Correct Craft as a strong competitor against prominent brands such as MasterCraft and Nautique. Malibu Boats is a U.S.-based manufacturer of powerboats and small boats, specializing in water sports boats designed for activities like wakeboarding, water skiing, and wake surfing.

Major companies operating in the small boats market report include AB Volvo Penta, Polaris Industries Inc, Bombardier Recreational Products Inc, Brunswick Corporation, Beneteau Group SA, Malibu Boats Inc., Ferretti Group S.p.A., Sea Ray Boats Inc., MasterCraft Boat Company LLC, Azimut Benetti S.p.A., Marine Products Corporation, Boston Whaler Inc., Sunseeker International Holdings Limited, S2 Yachts Inc., Formula Boats Inc., Pursuit Boats LLC, Grady-White Boats Inc., Cobalt Boats LLC, Everglades Boats LLC, Seabring Marine Industries Inc., Sea Fox Boat Company, Four Winns Boats LLC, Stingray Boats Inc., Bavaria Yachtbau GmbH, Correct Craft Inc., Crestliner Marine Holdings Inc., WeLLCraft Marine Inc., Carver Yachts LLC.

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

The small boat market consists of sales of jon boats, skiffs, dinghies, inflatable boats, aluminum fishing boats, pontoon boats, car-toppers, canoes, kayaks, and jet boats. 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.

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