| Study Period | 2019 - 2030 |
| Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
| Forecast Data Period | 2025 - 2030 |
| Market Size (2025) | USD 16.00 Billion |
| Market Size (2030) | USD 21.92 Billion |
| CAGR (2025 - 2030) | 6.50 % |
| Market Concentration | Low |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
Europe Recreational Boating Market Analysis
The Europe Recreational Boating Market size is estimated at USD 16.00 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 21.92 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
The European recreational boating industry continues to attract large volumes of participants competing strongly with rival luxury leisure pursuits. It has been estimated that European recreational boating involves the use of luxury yachts for leisure and recreation purposes. The increasing disposable income of consumers and growing inclination toward marine tourism and leisure activities, such as sailing, power boating, water sports, yachting, and others, have experienced significant growth in recent years.
The boating industry is expected to develop due to factors such as rising interest in recreational water sports and rising water-based tourism. Furthermore, the advancements in telematics and IoT platforms are expected to improve the boating industry's potential over the coming years. However, the market is projected to be hampered by the high initial and ownership costs of boats and environmental problems related to recreational boating.
The growing interest in water adventure sports is helping the water adventure tourist business and positively impacts the recreational boating market growth. Water adventure sports are performed in bodies of water such as lakes, canals, the sea, streams, the ocean, and coastal locations. Water sports enthusiasts go to specific regions to participate in soft and hard water-based experiences and activities such as fishing, Fast tenders, sea kayaks, paddleboards, sailing, and jet skis. These factors are expected to drive market growth during the forecast period.
Europe Recreational Boating Market Trends
Water Sports Application Segment to Fuel the Market Demand
The growing interest of people in water sporting activities coupled with improved participation among all age groups has influenced the development of recreational boating facilities across the region.
Water sports are becoming popular not only for the excitement or adrenaline rush of getting fit but also because of several health benefits. As a result, increasing health benefits associated with water sports are supporting market growth.
Water sports holidays are highly visible in the European tour operator marketplace. It is estimated that almost one in five European tour operators around 20% offer water sports in their itineraries. This clearly shows that Europeans like to do water sports when they go on holiday. This is likely to create opportunities for recreational boating across the region. For instance,
- According to Sport England, the number of people participating in team sports in England decreased in 2023 over the previous year. Between November 2022 and November 2023, approximately 633 thousand people participated in water sports in England.
- In 2022, Participation in boating activities in the United Kingdom increased from 2020 to 2022. As of 2022, 18.5 percent of the British population participated in boating activities. This figure showed a slight increase compared to the previous year.
Factors, such as the expanding tourism industry and rising disposable income, will drive the market forward. Developments in autonomous marine technology will increase the demand for less skilled recreational boaters. The presence of many manufacturers in this well-integrated and fragmented industry ensures a consistent supply for the region's demand for recreational boats.
- The European boating industry is a vibrant and highly competitive sector, playing a crucial role in the region's economy. Comprising approximately 32,000 companies, the industry includes boatbuilders, engine and equipment manufacturers, as well as trade and service providers. Collectively, it directly employs over 280,000 professionals, underscoring its significant economic impact.
The water sports segment is expected to grow due to increasing demand for competitive and recreational boating activities, a rise in purchasing power, becoming a preferred destination for personal watercraft, and outboard boats, and the development of tourist attractions and luxurious hotels.
Owing to these abovementioned factors, the adoption of personal watercraft is increasing in the region and such positive trends are expected to enhance the growth of the water sports segment growth over the forecast period.
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The Italy is Anticipated to Hold a Significant Market Share
The recreational boating market in Italy is experiencing a significant phase of growth, buoyed by the country's rich maritime heritage and its status as a global center for boat and yacht design and manufacturing. The boat industry in Italy is witnessing a trend towards customization and personalization with buyers seeking unique, tailor-made vessels that reflect their personal style and meet their specific needs.
This trend is contributing to the overall expansion of the market, making recreational boating accessible to a wider audience and encouraging a culture of boating across different consumer segments. This expansion is underpinned by a blend of rich maritime heritage advanced technological capabilities, and a strong culture of innovation and design. For instance,
- In September 2023, accommodation establishments in Italy recorded approximately 14 million tourist arrivals, including international and domestic travelers.
Italy, with its extensive 4,723 miles of coastline and strategic location in the Mediterranean basin stands as a testament to its maritime vocation. The country's deep-seated connection to the sea has fostered a thriving boating industry, renowned worldwide for its exquisite craftsmanship, elegant designs, and pioneering technology. Owing to this several players in the country are introducing various business strategies to enhance their market offerings in the boating industry. For instance,
- In July 2024, Uber Technologies announced the expansion of its boat service across Europe including Italy to capture tourist demand. A groundbreaking water transport service is set to launch in Venice, Italy’s most famous city known for its waterways. Using the Uber app, users will be able to request a ‘Limo Boat’ on-demand to navigate the Venetian Lagoon with ease. The service starts at EUR 20 (USD 126.7) per trip and can accommodate up to six passengers. It is available for bookings from 8 am to 8 pm daily.
Hence, owing to these aforementioned factors, the Italy segment is expected to see significant market growth and is likely to create opportunities for the recreational boating market over the forecast period.
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Europe Recreational Boating Industry Overview
The European recreational boating Market is fragmented, A few prominent companies include Groupe Beneteau, Azimut-Benetti Group, Sunseeker International, Ferretti Group, Feadship, and others. A few companies in the market are focusing on improving their product portfolios to widen their customer base. Some other key players aim to expand their presence in the market through, product launches, offerings expansion, manufacturing expansion, and collaborations with other companies. For instance,
- In April 2024, Sunreef Yachts Eco became a participant in a significant Life Cycle Assessment project led by the European Boating Industry. This initiative focuses on creating professional tools that will allow for precise evaluation of the environmental impact of yachts and recreational boats. The project examines the ecological effects of a boat throughout its entire lifecycle, including material extraction, construction, usage, maintenance, and disposal.
- As a frontrunner in sustainable yachting technologies, Sunreef Yachts Eco is actively involved in the workgroup, contributing its distinctive perspective on responsible yachting practices.
- In January 2024, Sanlorenzo announced a partnership with Volvo Penta a collaboration that aims to pool efforts to reduce the environmental impact of the marine industry through the continuous drive for innovation.
- In November 2023, Azimut unveiled the Grande 30m and Seadeck 9, in their first collaboration with the shipyard, Matteo Thun, Antonio Rodriguez, and Alberto Mancini.
Europe Recreational Boating Market Leaders
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Groupe Beneteau
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Azimut-Benetti Group
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Sunseeker International
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Ferreti Group
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Feadship
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
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Europe Recreational Boating Market News
- February 2024: In February 2024, Magonis Boats and Flux Marine collaborated on a new electric boat, the e-550. The e-boat is a sleek, low-profile 18-footer (5.5 meters) that can accommodate up to 6 passengers and is loaded with a well-thought-out design and operating touches.
- July 2024: In July 2024, Groupe Beneteau and Le Boat announced a significant new partnership lasting ten years. This enhanced collaboration will enable the two leading companies to introduce a new boat model and enhance Le Boat’s Boat Ownership Programme. Under this new agreement with Groupe Beneteau’s Delphia brand in Poland, Le Boat, Europe’s largest boat rental company, plans to invest over £100 million (USD 108.18 million) into its international fleet over the next decade.
Europe Recreational Boating Industry Segmentation
Recreational boats, commonly known as leisure or pleasure boats, refer to watercraft designed for enjoyment and relaxation. These vessels are not intended for commercial or industrial use but are instead used for activities such as cruising, fishing, water sports, and other recreational purposes.
The scope of the Europe Recreational Boating Market is segmented by Boat Type, Drive Type, Application, and Country. By Boat Type, the market is segmented into Inboard Boats, Outboard Boats, Personal Watercraft Boats, and Other Boat Types. By Drive Type, the market is segmented into IC Engine and Electric Power. By Application, the market is segmented into Water sports and Fishing. By Country, the market is segmented into Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Denmark, Netherlands, Greece, and the Rest of Europe.
The report offers the market size in value (USD) and forecasts for all the above segments.
| By Boat Type | Inboard Boats |
| Outboard Boats | |
| Personal Watercraft Boats | |
| Other Boat Types | |
| By Drive Type | IC Engine |
| Electric Power | |
| By Application | Water sports |
| Fishing | |
| By Country | Germany |
| United Kingdom | |
| France | |
| Italy | |
| Spain | |
| Denmark | |
| Netherlands | |
| Greece | |
| Rest of Europe |
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Europe Recreational Boating Market Research FAQs
How big is the Europe Recreational Boating Market?
The Europe Recreational Boating Market size is expected to reach USD 16.00 billion in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 6.5% to reach USD 21.92 billion by 2030.
What is the current Europe Recreational Boating Market size?
In 2025, the Europe Recreational Boating Market size is expected to reach USD 16.00 billion.
Who are the key players in Europe Recreational Boating Market?
Groupe Beneteau, Azimut-Benetti Group, Sunseeker International, Ferreti Group and Feadship are the major companies operating in the Europe Recreational Boating Market.
What years does this Europe Recreational Boating Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the Europe Recreational Boating Market size was estimated at USD 14.96 billion. The report covers the Europe Recreational Boating Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the Europe Recreational Boating Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
Europe Recreational Boating Industry Report
Statistics for the 2025 Europe Recreational Boating market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Europe Recreational Boating analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2025 to 2030 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
