The nautical market experiences a slight decline in recreational boat registrations

The nautical market has recorded a total of 2,289 recreational boat registrations for the year so far, which is 553 fewer than those recorded in the same period (January-May) of 2023.

Following the trend of recent months, the decline is concentrated in the jet ski market and in boats up to 6 meters in length. Boats over 16 meters continue to show positive results.

In the rental market, boats registered for this use during the January-May period show a decline of -20%, in line with the general market trend. Of the total boats registered up to May, 62% are for private use and 38% (874 registrations) are for charter purposes.

In the Balearic Islands, a total of 483 recreational boats have been registered so far this year, which is a 7% decrease compared to the same period in 2023 when 521 registrations were recorded.

These are the findings from the "Recreational Boat Market Report. January-May 2024," published by ANEN based on data provided by the Directorate General of the Merchant Marine.

Jet skis and smaller boats up to 6 meters continue to be the most affected by the decline in registrations, with a drop of -23% so far this year. The segment of intermediate lengths between 8 and 12 meters shows more stability, with a decrease in registrations of -3%. On the positive side, boats over 16 meters have maintained growth with a 25% increase in registrations during this period, with 5 more registrations than those recorded between January and May of last year.

The decline in registrations affects all markets, with the greatest impact on foldable inflatable boats (-38.6%) and jet skis (-24.8%), corresponding to smaller lengths.

The autonomous communities with the greatest impact on the nautical market have lost registrations compared to the same period in 2023, with some exceptions by provinces such as Valencia, which grew by 16.7%, and Granada, which grew by 10.5%.

On the northern coast, only Cantabria (+25%) and A Coruña in Galicia (+2.82%) have seen an increase in boat registrations so far this year. Another territory with positive figures is Tenerife, which increased its registrations by 5%.

In the charter market, it is worth noting the growth in registrations for this use in Cantabria and Valencia.