Europe Inboard Boat Market

Europe Inboard Boat Market Size

The Europe inboard boat market size was estimated at USD 1.13 billion in 2024. The market is expected to grow from USD 1.16 billion in 2025 to USD 2.06 billion in 2034, at a CAGR of 6.6% according to latest report published by Global Market Insights Inc.

The European inboard boat market is experiencing substantial growth due to the growth of the retrofit market for emissions compliance, the growth of other fuel infrastructures, and the integration of digital aftermarket services. All these trends are reshaping new product development approaches, supply chain configurations, and customer value across the market in Europe.

The retrofit market has a promising upside potential, with existing vessel operators continuing to face increasing emissions regulations. The European ship maintenance repair & conversion market operates roughly 60 major shipyards and many more smaller ship facilities to maintain these vessels, employing about 125,000 people both directly and indirectly with an approximately USD 4.3 billion turnover under that captive market. Hulls and propulsion modifications, including enhancements of propeller systems, bulbous bow redesign or modifications, and rotor sail installations have demonstrated measurable reductions in emissions. For example, Horsepower rotor sail retrofits on two ferries achieved CO2 reductions of approximately 4-5 percent.

The COVID-19 pandemic's experience with the inboard boat market had mixed but ultimately positive implications. In 2020, the pandemic caused widespread production and supply chain disruptions associated with factory shutdowns, labor shortages, and delays in components, most notably with inboard engine manufacturers and marine electronics. The inboard boat market experienced a pronounced snap back by the middle of 2021 as unique closures resulted in a surge of outdoor and water-based recreation. European boating federations report having seen double-digit growth in registrations of first-time buyers entering the market.

Italy is a market leader in the European inboard boat market. The country's yacht builders have an advantage due to their vertical integration capacity, as illustrated by Azimut-Benetti's USD 124.3 million investment program to improve boats in Avigliana from 2024 to 2027, which will enhance the company's capacity to construct yachts up to 28 meters; expand the refit capabilities of Lusben and develop specialized facilities for light steel and composite working. Ferretti Group's portfolio of seven brands with 35 models of composite yachts, 10 made-to-measure yachts, and superyachts from 39 to 95 meters also reflects the capabilities of Italian boat manufacturing. 

The Nordic market is the fastest growing region in the market. The Nordic market is uniquely well-positioned as it possesses environmental awareness, fully available renewable electricity to support the economics of electric propulsion, and provisional government funding to support the electrification of marinas. An example of Nordic innovation includes Volvo Penta's boat-to-grid pilot program with Varberg Energi in Sweden in the field of marine electrification and grid integration. The combination of reliable propulsion systems and heated storage facilities allows for year-round boat ownership.  

Europe Inboard Boat Market Trends

The development of alternative fuels infrastructure in European marinas and ports is happening at a fast pace, and, in many cases, is being driven by mandates or sustainability commitments. An example of surface level alternative fuel mandates and sustainability commitments is the European Union's Fuel EU Maritime legislation that requires passenger vessels and container vessels to utilize onshore power supply or alternative zero-emission technology to the site of the vessel at berth by 2030 in ports subject to the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation.

The electrification strategy developed by Volvo Penta makes use of approximately six years of research and development and the experience of the parent company in electric mobility and includes small-scale production of hybrid-electric propulsion systems expected by the end of 2025. These propulsion systems are designed for quiet operation, zero emissions operation in regulated areas, compliance with EPA Tier 3 and IMO II/III standards, joystick commands and assisted docking in purely electric mode, and eliminating on-board generators. The comparison of electric and gas-powered boats, summarized earlier, confirms the significant economic benefits of electric propulsion: for example, a crossing of the Baltic Sea costs about USD 810.8 for a gas-powered boat and about USD 40-50 for an electric boat.

Digital aftermarket services and predictive maintenance technologies are transforming the economics of owning inboard boats and the reliability of their operation. Technical failure in the marine environment is a main cause of incidents, and in the past 10 years (2014-2023), machinery-related incidents were 11,506 and the category of "collision" incidents numbered 3,014. In 2023, more than 50% of incidents reported involved inspection and technical equipment failure.

Predictive maintenance systems address this issue with a proactive forecasting technique that can identify normal wear and tear, lessen unplanned failures, reduce expensive and lengthy downtime offshore, and facilitate scheduled repair and maintenance prior to voyages in open water. An example of predictive maintenance procedures using fault-prediction models adapted to gas heat pumps in docked vessels improved fault-prediction rates targeted on specific components from 31% accuracy to 74% accuracy when the machine-learning models included design and control and internal and remote historic operation data.

Europe Inboard Boat Market Analysis

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Based on waterways, the Europe inboard boat market is divided into seagoing and inland. Seagoing segment dominated the market accounting by around 72% in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% from 2025 to 2034.

• Seagoing inboard boats comprise luxury motor yachts, express cruisers, offshore fishing vessels and commercial passenger ferries operating in coastal waters, open seas and international routes. The Azimut-Benetti Group's USD 2.7 billion order backlog extending to 2029 highlights the continued demand for luxury motor yachts in the range of 27 to 40 meters.
  
• The Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index and annual operational Carbon Intensity Indicator requirements, which took effect January 2023, requires vessels rated D for three consecutive years or rated E for one consecutive year to create plans to improve efficiency. These regulations drive retrofit demand and change requirements for new vessel propulsion.
  
• Inland waterway inboard boats make up 27.8% of the market share but experienced a much stronger CAGR of 7.4% driven by modernization of freight transportation and growth in commercial recreational cruising on canals. Inland vessels operate on rivers, canals and lakes so the operational profile is different and therefore classified as inland. These vessels experience lower speeds and frequently maneuver in populated areas where noise and emissions regulations are especially punitive.
  
• There is growing alternative fuels for inland waterways, including LNG, which represents approximately 10% reduction in greenhouse gases (GHG) and 81% reduction in NOx and 97% reduction in particulate matter. Hydrogen and methanol fuel cells represent a 100% reduction in GHG and pollutants. HVO biofuels represent a 100% reduction in GHG and an 82% reduction in NOx and 92% reduction in particulate matter versus baseline diesel.
  

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Based on application, the Europe inboard boat market is categorized into leisure, transport of goods, transport of people, fishing, and government use. Leisure segments dominate the market with 62% share in 2024, and the segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.8% between 2025 and 2034.

• The leisure segment encompasses yacht ownership, charter services, and boat club memberships. Water sports tourism in Europe is responsible for 43% of the global adventure tourism source market, with around 19.8% of European tour operators offering itineraries involving water sports. Leisure users prioritize comfort, performance, aesthetics, and onboard amenities, providing strong demand for high-end inboard propulsion systems in this sector.
  
• The Transportation of goods segment has 5.5% share of the upper propulsion market with a CAGR of 6.8%. The segment includes commercial cargo vessels using inland waterways and traveling on coastal routes. This segment generally values fuel efficiency first, cargo or storage capacity second, reliability third, and regulatory compliance fourth. The Danube Commission is modernizing the fleet of commercial transport vessels under its purview to use fewer emissions and services to comply with current regulations and proactivity embrace alternative fuels.
  
• Fishing-related applications account for 10.8% share of the upper propulsion market and exhibit a strong CAGR of 8.4%. It consists of commercial fishing vessels and sport fishing boats used for recreational activities. With commercial fishing, the defined operators value fuel efficiency first, reliability second, and operational range third, but are facing some pressure to embrace cleaner propulsion technology to access fisheries in environmentally protected areas. Participation in recreational fishing increased to record levels in 2024, with a strong rate of retention among youth who began fishing when they were eleven or younger.
  

Based on propulsion, the Europe inboard boat market is divided into gasoline, diesel, and electric. Diesel dominates the market and was valued at USD 821.2 million in 2024.

• Inboard diesel engines tend to make more efficient and reliable use of fuel than gasoline engines, generating better torque characteristics and range, which is why diesel engines are largely favored for bigger boats, commercial applications, and long-range cruising. Major producers of diesel power, including MAN, Volvo Penta, Cummins, Caterpillar, and Yanmar have a wide spectrum of engines for the European inboard market, from smaller units producing 200 hp for cruising tanks, to larger units exceeding 2,000 hp, produced for superyachts. The Ferretti 940 uses two MAN V12 2,000 hp engines generating a top speed just over 25 knots and a cruising speed of over 21 knots.
  
• Electric propulsion is showing a trailing CAGR of 15.1 percent, led by rapidly changing technology, regulatory support, and consumer demand for sustainable alternatives. Volvo Penta's electrification program is utilizing around six years of development and previous support from parent company Volvo Group for developing electromobility solutions, with a target for limited scale manufacture of hybrid-electric propulsion systems by the end of 2025.
  

Based on Power, the Europe inboard boat market is divided into below 200 hp, 201 to 500 hp, 501 to 1000 hp, and Above 1000 hp. 201 to 500 hp segment dominate the market and was valued at USD 466.5 million in 2024.

• The 201-500 hp power range is the most diverse vessel group, encompassing mid-size cruisers, trawlers, fishing boats, and smaller motor yachts, typically 30-50 feet. Engines in the 201-500 hp range are leveraging mature technology with a vast array of manufacturers and established service networks. Some of the more common engine families within this power range are Volvo Penta D6 series, Yanmar 8LV series, and Cummins QSB series. Each engine family offers various configurations designed for displacement cruising, semi-displacement hulls, and light planning applications.
  
• Below 200 hp engines have a 24.7% market share with a healthy 7.7% CAGR with applications serving smaller cruisers, fishing boats, and best utilized for inland waterways in the 20–35-foot range. The below 200 hp market will benefit from electric propulsion with electric propulsion premise, with all, battery-electric systems being a plausible option for below 200 hp in vessel applications that generally limit battery weight and energy density.
  
• Delphia electric boats and Beneteau's Oceanis 37.1 electric propulsion system are two vessels with this power capacity, illustrating zero-emission emissions are possible for coastal and inland waterway vessel applications.
  

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The Italy dominated Southern Europe inboard boat market with revenue of USD 384.9 million in 2024.

• Italy's market leadership stems from established yacht manufacturing clusters, strong domestic demand, and global export capabilities. The country hosts major yacht builders including Azimut-Benetti Group, Ferretti Group, and Riva, which collectively represent significant global market share in the luxury motor yacht segment. Azimut-Benetti Group's USD 1.7 billion projected revenue for 2025 and USD 2.8 billion order backlog demonstrate Italy's manufacturing strength and sustained international demand.
  
• Spain comprises 6.1% market share but demonstrates strong 8.0% CAGR, benefiting from Mediterranean tourism recovery, charter fleet modernization, and expanding marina infrastructure. Spain's extensive coastline, favorable climate, and established tourism industry support recreational boating demand from both domestic and international users. The Spanish market benefits from charter operations serving European tourists, with Balearic Islands and Costa del Sol representing major yachting destinations.
  

France inboard boat market will grow tremendously with CAGR of 6.9% between 2025 and 2034.

• France driven by Mediterranean and Atlantic coastline cruising, robust charter operations, and strong recreational boating culture. France's largest boat manufacturer Groupe Beneteau plan to launch 66 new models by 2027, representing a 50% increase versus the previous product cycle, demonstrates aggressive product development supporting market growth. The French market benefits from extensive canal and river networks supporting inland cruising, established boat show infrastructure including Cannes Yachting Festival and La Rochelle Grand Pavois, and government support for recreational boating through infrastructure investment and training programs.
  
• Germany accounts for 14.1% market share in 2024 and is expected to grow at 5.9% CAGR during analysis timeframe, characterized by strong engineering capabilities, premium product positioning, and emphasis on quality and innovation. BAVARIA Yachts represents Germany's leading sailboat and motor yacht manufacturer, with strong domestic market presence and export capabilities. The German market benefits from extensive inland waterway networks including the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers supporting commercial and recreational navigation, established boat show infrastructure led by boot Düsseldorf.  
  

UK accounts for significant share of 18.1% in Northern Europe inboard boat market in 2024 and will grow with a slower 5.6% CAGR and more mature economic stability.

• Brexit initiatives are creating systems changes in its economy and rules from EU's regulatory framework. The UK market benefits from its maritime heritage, robust boat show event infrastructure such as the Southampton International Boat Show and recreational, recreational boating with approximately 3.3 million personal watercrafts. The UK government is pursuing maritime decarbonization with a Clean Maritime Plan, which outlines that all new vessels designed for UK waters must be net-zero-capable by 2025, and commercial shipping in UK waters must net-zero by 2035.
  
• Nordic region holds the highest CAGR at 8.7% due to sustainability initiatives, and their substantial purchasing power and government support of clean maritime technologies. Norway has a government action plan that for green shipping, intending to halve domestic shipping-based emissions by 2030, and initiating carbon taxes on petrol and diesel for recreational vessels starting at 5% of the first year and increasing each subsequent year from 2020-2025, creating an economic incentive for conversion to electricity based electric propulsion and fuel switching. The Nordic countries have shown a leadership advantage in electric and hybrid propulsion with significant experience in electric ferry operation.
  

Europe Inboard Boat Market Share

• The top 7 companies in the market are Groupe Beneteau, Azimut-Benetti, Ferretti, Brunswick, Malibu Boats, Sunseeker, and BAVARIA. These companies hold around 64% of the market share in 2024.
  
• Groupe Beneteau dominates the category. The company's portfolio of nine brands covers sailing and motor yachts, multihulls and dayboats. The Company's industry leadership relates to broad category coverage covering the entry to premium end of the market, an international geographic footprint with a production footprint of 16 factories worldwide, and an extensive distribution network of roughly 1,200 dealerships globally.
  
• Beneteau's ownership of brands that offer segment coverage across a diverse range of customer needs. Beneteau targets the mainstream sailing and motor cruising segment with a series of models, specifically Oceanis, Swift Trawler, and Gran Turismo ranges. Jeanneau serves a similar segment but with differentiation in styling and features, however the new Sealoft 480 represents a Category innovation around modular living space and simple operation for the user.
  
• Azimut-Benetti positions as the largest luxury yacht manufacturer in Italy with a strong presence in the 26–40-meter semi-custom segment and the 40–80-meter superyacht segment. Azimut's product portfolio emphasizes the Seadeck series featuring reduced environmental footprint through hybrid-electric propulsion options, and the Grande series spanning 26-40 meters with m2atelier design language.
  
• Ferretti holds strong presence within the categories of composite yachts, made-to-measure yachts, and superyachts. Ferretti Yachts serves the 24–29-meter composite and made-to-measure segments with models including the 800 and 940. Product innovation supports competitive positioning, with Ferretti Group announcing plans for 25 new models between 2024-2026, exceeding the 2021-2023 benchmark of 24 new models.
  
• Malibu Boats has 7.9% market share, having a strong position in the tow-sport category. For more than 12 years the company's 23 LSV has been known throughout the industry as the best-selling wakeboard and wakesurf boat. It has also been awarded wake surfing and wakeboarding boat of the year for three years running.
  
• Sunseeker has a 6.6% market share and is the first British luxury motor yacht manufacturer, with yachts ranging in length from 55 to 95 feet. The brand's market share is indicative of its premium brand position, British design and engineering pedigree, and its global distribution model through the Sunseeker Southampton network of 41 offices in 20 countries.
  

Europe Inboard Boat Market Companies

Major players operating in the Europe inboard boat industry include:

• Azimut-Benetti
• BAVARIA Yachts
• Fairline Yachts
• Ferretti Group
• Groupe Beneteau
• Malibu Boats
• MasterCraft Boat
• Princess Yachts International
• Sanlorenzo
• Sunseeker International
  
• The major players in the European inboard boat market include Groupe Beneteau, Azimut-Benetti, Ferretti, Brunswick Corporation, Malibu Boats, Sunseeker International, and BAVARIA Yachts. These manufacturers help shape the dynamics of the market through product innovation, production investment, and geographical expansion.
  
• Groupe Beneteau operates as the world's largest manufacturer of sailboats and motor yachts. The Azimut-Benetti Group is the largest luxury yacht manufacturer in Italy, with two brands. The company operates in semi-custom production and Benetti in the fully custom superyacht sector. Azimut has pioneered product innovation with its Azimut Seadeck series, which offers hybrid-electric propulsion options for a reduced environmental footprint. The company's commitment to sustainable yachting is represented in the Seadeck 7 and Seadeck 9 models.
  
• Ferretti functions as a leader in luxury yacht manufacturing at a global level, representing seven brands. These brands cover composite yachts, made-to-measure yachts, and superyachts. Brunswick Corporation is noted to operate as a marine recreation company with a diversified focus, employing over 60 brands. Product development often emphasises technological innovation, including development and consideration of 15 major new product launches in early 2024 through several brands centered at the CES, boot Düsseldorf, Toronto Boat Show, and Atlanta Boat Show.
  
• Malibu Boats operates a business model focused on tow-sport boats such as wakeboarding, wakesurfing, and art of skiing. Among other competitive advantages, the company has developed proprietary wake-shaping technologies to produce clean surfing swells. Further competitive advantages include the Power Wedge III adjustable trim system with three settings for adjusting wake, and a ballast filling "Launch System" known as "Launch System 6" that fills the ballast in under three minutes.
  
• Sunseeker International operates as the premier British luxury motor yacht manufacturer-based Poole, England. The product line begins at 55 feet, and the company builds as large as 95 feet (in length). Sunseeker has a position of notoriety in that they highlight their British design and engineering heritage, practical ownership experience, and enduring comfort, for discerning yacht owners looking to experience performance and luxury.
  

Europe Inboard Boat Industry News

• In September 2025, Groupe Beneteau announced at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025 their introduction of 19 new models, which included 14 World Premieres. One of the World Premieres was an all-new Jeanneau Sealoft 480 "floating loft" developed based directly on feedback from 120 boaters.
  
• In June 2025, Ferretti Group's Riva brand launched four new models at its Sarnico shipyard including the Iseo Super, Aquariva Special, Riva Cento and Riva 58 Capri, along with celebrating the anniversary of its partnership with Flexjet. The Flexjet experience is available to customers by flying on Riva Volare interiors to either the Gulfstream G650 or the Sikorsky S-76.
  
• In August 2024, Malibu Boats announced the redesigned 2025 Malibu Wakesetter 25 LSV that has a deeper hull for increased ballast capacity and under-seat storage. The boat will seat up to 18 people, have an optional Natalie Seat in the bow, and an optional Max-Relax Sundeck Loungers at the transom.
  
• In January 2024, the Brunswick Corporation announced 15 major new product launches across brands at CES, boot Düsseldorf, Toronto Boat Show, and Atlanta Boat Show. Mercury Marine introduced the Avator 75e and Avator 110e electric outboards and has now expanded the entire Avator range to five models as well as a concept for a larger electric outboard.
  

The Europe inboard boat market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecasts in terms of revenue ($Mn) & volume (Units) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

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Market By Waterways

• Seagoing
• Inland

Market By Propulsion

• Gasoline
• Diesel
• Electric

Market By Application

• Leisure
• Transport Of Goods
• Transport Of people
• Fishing
• Government use

Market By Engine

• 2-stroke
• 4-stroke
• Electric

Market By Horsepower

• Below 200 hp
• 201 to 500 hp
• 501 to 1000 hp
• Above 1000 hp

Market By Boat

• Center console
• Express cruiser
• Pontoon
• Runabout bowrider
• Others

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• Western Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • Netherlands
  • Belgium
  • Switzerland
  • Austria
  • Luxembourg
  • Liechtenstein
  • Ireland
• Eastern Europe
  • Poland
  • Czech Republic
  • Portugal
  • Serbia
  • Albania
  • Slovakia
  • Romania
  • Slovenia
  • Bulgaria
  • Estonia
• Northern Europe
  • UK
  • Denmark
  • Sweden
  • Norway
  • Iceland
  • Faroe Islands
• Southern Europe
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Vatican City
  • San Marino
  • Greece
  • Cyprus