While mass-market dinghy volumes have recalibrated post-pandemic, the UK maintains world-class expertise across luxury motor yachts, high-end tenders, and inland cruising craft says the UK Boat Production Estimates 2021–2024 (authored by Phil Draper and published by British Marine). The report highlights that future opportunities lie increasingly in value, innovation, and specialist capability, rather than volume alone.
Although Draper’s data reflect historic production, they show an industry adapting to changing demand and shifting market conditions. While demand in entry-level and smaller craft has naturally settled since the post-pandemic surge, other segments, particularly luxury motor yachts, high-end tenders and inland cruising craft, continue to demonstrate strong capability and resilient output.
Recalibrated market in UK
The report covers four key product areas: All Sailboats, Inboard & Sterndrive Motorboats, Other Rigid Boats (including outboard motorboats), and All RIBs.
Its findings suggest:
Post-pandemic normalisation. Production of small sailboats (<7.49m) surged during the covid, but volumes have steadily eased since 2021. By 2024, production levels had fallen to less than two-thirds of their peak, reflecting a return to pre-pandemic levels. RS Sailing and Topper International remain the country’s biggest players.
Motor yacht stability. The 12.50–23.99m motor yacht category, led by Princess and Sunseeker, has remained stable at around 300 units per year, demonstrating sustained international demand for British craftsmanship.
Growth at the top end. UK production of >24m motor yachts has risen from around 40 units in 2021 to just over 60 in 2024. With Princess and Sunseeker both set to re-enter the 30m-plus segment from late 2026, the UK is signalling renewed ambition in the superyacht market.
RIBs remain a UK strength. Driven largely by Williams Jet Tenders, the UK continues to be a leading producer of high-quality tenders and compact RIBs. While production dipped mid-period, 2024 shows a modest recovery.
Inland and niche craft stay resilient. Although harder to quantify due to the dispersed nature of the sector, inland waterway craft production remains steady and continues to benefit from strong domestic tourism and the UK’s unique inland waterways network.
Datasets provide snapshot of UK boatbuilding
“These datasets deliver a useful topline snapshot of leisure boatbuilding in the UK over the past four years,” says Phil Draper. “And it’s a globally significant industry. Several British brands – namely Princess, Sunseeker, Oyster, RS Sailing, Topper International and Williams – number among the world’s leading players in their respective segments.”
The 2025 UK Boat Production Estimates are expected to be available from spring 2026. The data above represents a back-filling exercise. The datasets were previously produced for many years by Draper until 2020.
“These re-established datasets give our members essential clarity on how the market has shifted over the past four years,” says Lesley Robinson, CEO of British Marine. “They reinforce the strength of UK boatbuilding in areas where quality, expertise and innovation create global competitive advantage.”
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