A strong sales finish in Q4 saw US powerboat registrations up to close the year nearly even with 2018, according to data released by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA).

Fourth-quarter 2019 sales were up 4% on a rolling three-month year-over-year basis and ended the year down 1% on a rolling 12-month year-over-year basis. 2019 recorded the second highest sales level of new powerboats in 12 years.

“It was encouraging to see new boat sales pick up in the second half of 2019 with demand across a range of boats reaching their highest or near highest year-over-year sales volumes in 10-12 years,” said Vicky Yu, director of business intelligence for NMMA, in a statement. “A pick-up in the second half of 2019 and healthy demand in most powerboat categories offset softness in the smaller freshwater fishing boat segment. From what we’re hearing from manufacturers, that sales momentum is carrying through the start of winter boat show season.”

Once again, personal watercraft and wake sport boats led all categories by growing 5%, with cruisers right behind at 4% year-over-year.

Of note, new yacht sales closed the year down 6%.

Sales of freshwater fishing boats were down 7% on the rolling 12-month scale, following a 10-year high in 2018, due in part to a falloff on boats under 21ft.

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