The Boating Economy 2023/2024

Figures in France and Summer Trends

At its traditional pre-boatshow-season press conference held aboard a river barge on the Seine, at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, the FIN (France’s Nautical Industries Federation), which represents the majority of French manufacturers in the sector, has just released its figures for the 2023/2024 financial year and revealed the “hot” trends seen in the 2025 season that’s now drawing to a close.

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Published 05/09/2025

By Emmanuel van Deth

Issue: 203

Published: oct. / nov. 2025

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New boat registrations were down 14.8% following a 23.1% decline in the 2022/2023 period. This decline mainly affected boats under 30 feet (9 meters), both sail and motor. As for multihulls, sales have seen an unprecedented slight decline due to lower order levels from charter operators. The latter seem tempted to keep their units in their fleets for longer. When we consider, at the same time, that inland waterway specialists are still operating many of their craft after more than 20 years in service, there is food for thought...

With regard to US tariffs, French multihull manufacturers are trying to adapt their product range and pricing, to the detriment of their margins. At this stage, they’re not looking to set up production sites in the United States, due to a lack of long-term visibility.

As for the second-hand market, the decline is limited to 3%, confirming the continuing strong appeal of boating.

www.fin.fr

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