Personal watercraft led the growth with a 13% increase

New powerboat registrations in the US were up 3.3% through May on a rolling 12-month year-over-year basis but up just 1% on a rolling 3-month year-over-year scale, according to the latest data from the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA).

“We anticipate modest growth of up to 2% in new powerboat unit sales in 2019 and saw steady sales momentum in several segments through May,” said NMMA president Thom Dammrich.

Perhaps the biggest winners in the three months through May were saltwater fishing boats, which were up 5% after finishing the first quarter of 2019 down. Conversely, pontoon boats, which have enjoyed a resurgence in popularity with the advent of larger horsepower outboards and improved performance characteristics, were down 3% in the same rolling three-month period.

Personal watercraft (PWCs) led the growth with a 13% increase with cruisers and tow boats up 8% and 5% respectively, helping to fuel the overall growth numbers.

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