SURVEY: The Sailing Market 2013

Sailing World sponsors an annual study of the North American sailing industry along with its sister publication Cruising World. Working with independent market researcher Rick Walter, they survey over 200 sailboat builders, importers, and bareboat charter companies each year to compile annual statistics on the sailing market.

Regarding North American production, here are some of the study observations:

* Sailboat production surged upward in 2012, gaining 10% up to almost 7000 units. The market’s first increase in 12 years!!

* Sailboats under 20’ paved the way for this growth, up 11%. Most growth came from entry level boats under 12 feet which were up a whopping 21%.

* Sailboats over 20’ were also up in 2012, adding 43 units for growth of 4.1%.

* The 20’-35’ segment was the healthiest among large boats, while the high end of the market (over 35’) was actually down slightly in 2012.

* Multihulls comprised 18% of domestic production in 2012.

* Multihulls under 30’ were up 6% to 1210 units. Multihulls over 30’ were down an unhealthy 57% to 18 units.

* Boats 41’-45’ fared best among large boat segments, up 105% to 154 units.

* The estimated retail value of sailboats built in North America in 2012 increased 3.3% to $254 million.

* As always, North American sailboat builders are optimistic, predicting +4 growth in 2013. They are most bullish about the middle of the market, boats 20’ to 35’.

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