I am often asked “how is the boat business?”. My answer is typically “both consistent and erratic”. Consistent in that our model of professional representation of buyers and sellers has not changed in the more than 50 years of business. Consistent in the reason(s) our clients are attracted to the water. The “why(s)” that come before the “what” in our interview process with buyers.
2025 included some of the erratic as well. After a pandemic spike the market corrected to 2020 levels, both in pricing and in pace. These cyclical corrections create market disruptions. The marine industry also found positive disruption in the consolidation of an industry owned MLS (Multi Listing System), Yachtr, replacing an outdated and unsustainable model. While some in our industry did not successfully navigate the shifting currents, our team was fortunate to gain market share during the 2025 disruptions.
What will 2026 bring? I tried to cheat this one for ideas by Googling “marine industry crystal ball” and found a 2012 blog post from a marine trade association. It was not much help as I was the author.
2026 Crystal Ball: 2026 will be stronger for the marine industry than 2025, across the board. Economic factors including, but not limited to, interest and tax rates will boost consumer confidence. New vessel orders in many market segments are currently up year over year. I predict that brokerage sales will follow the new boat upward trend.
AI will be a mixed bag for our industry in 2026. Our team is using AI and related technologies to operate more professionally and efficiently. AI disruption of the job market will cause some to postpone valuable time on the water. All of the potential headwinds and tailwinds aside, the “why” we are drawn to the water will ultimately keep the market in check. We are a passionate bunch and continue to enjoy our boats through good economic times and bad.
“Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing — absolutely nothing — half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats” -The Wind in the Willows