Powerboats continue to be the most popular boats to buy in the USA. Of these, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), more fishing boats than any other type of boat were purchased during 2025. Watersports craft, including PWC, wake boats and ski boats, followed closely, but this represents a flip from the 2024 US sales figures. Also a little surprising is the high number of boat trailers sold. Although not all went to new boats, some replaced ageing units under boats already in use. Trailers rated above 5,000lb, about 2.3 tonnes, held the largest share. Plenty of sizeable boats are still travelling by road, alongside personal watercraft and smaller runabouts. Roughly 95 percent of boats on American waters measure less than 26 feet, or about 7.9 metres.
In a slower market, fishing boats returned to the front and trailer sales remained strong. Boats that can be stored at home, launched where conditions suit and used for several activities are the market winners.
