European recreational-boat exports have more than doubled over the past 10 years, but slower growth in trade between EU member states represents an opportunity to develop the European market, according to Philip Easthill, secretary-general of the European Boating Industry (EBI).
He says this comes against a background of a disconnect between interest in boating and the pace of new-boat sales.
“The disconnect is between the interest in boating and the disconnect, therefore, for new builders,” he says. “It’s not a matter of lack of interest in boating.”
Presenting industry data during a media briefing on 7 October 2026, Easthill notes that Europe is the world’s number-one exporter of recreational boats. The figures, based on World Trade Organisation data, cover recreational boats ranging from around 4m through to 50–60m-plus superyachts.
The European boating sector comprises around 6.5 million boats and more than 10,000 coastal and inland marinas, with around 32,000 companies, 95 per cent of them SMEs. The sector directly employs around 280,000 people, while an estimated 48 million people are on the water each year.
The European industry has increasingly focused on exports over the past 12 years, particularly following the financial crisis, with the EU maintaining a trade surplus of three to one and exporting around three times as much recreational-boat value as it imports.
Looking at trade outside the EU compared with trade between EU member states, Easthill says exports outside the EU have increased around threefold, while intra-EU trade has grown at a slower rate.
This represents an opportunity for the industry to increase growth within Europe, especially as it is “more stable in terms of geopolitical environment.”
Smaller and mid-sized segments of the market are currently under more pressure, reflecting strain on Europe’s middle class.
“The smaller boat segment is more under pressure,” Easthill says, citing inflation, interest rates and geopolitical considerations as factors making life more difficult for boatyards and dealers.
However, he believes underlying interest in boating remains strong. Customers are taking longer to decide whether to buy new boats, he says, but the decision will still come.
The larger yacht market, covering yachts above 20m, continues to perform well in both new build and refit, Easthill says. He describes the sector as resilient and strong, with European builders particularly focused on export markets. Other parts of the boating value chain are also performing strongly, including marinas, charter, nautical tourism and rental, as well as secondhand boat sales in most of Europe.
“There is no lack of interest in boating and water sports,” Easthill says. “We saw it this summer. People want to be out on the water. People are out on the water.”
Easthill also points to signs of improving sentiment at the first autumn boat shows in the Mediterranean and northern Europe.
“There is a bit of a positive feeling coming,” he says, adding that he expects this dynamism to carry into boot Düsseldorf. EBI identifies the show as critical for the industry heading into 2027, following the successful 2026 edition. Easthill says “lots of positive aspects” will happen for the market.
The 58th boot Düsseldorf will take place from 23 to 31 January 2027 under the slogan “All water sports. One Community.” Tickets are available now.
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