Australia’s Boat Sales Industry Is BOOMING

Australia’s love affair with the water is showing no signs of slowing down. From family-friendly day boats to luxury motor yachts and spacious cruising catamarans, demand remains strong as more Australians embrace boating as both a lifestyle and a long-term investment.

Last month I attended the Sydney Boat Show Women's Event hosted by Nicky Vaux. We discussed the future of women in boating with Tracy Souris the newly appointed Director of the BIA - the Boating Industry Association. According to the BIA’s latest State of the Industry report, Australia’s boating sector generated an extroadinary $10.2 billion in national turnover during 2024–25, showcasing year on year growth. The industry now supports approximately 35,000 jobs across more than 2,000 businesses, demonstrating just how significant boating has become to the Australian economy.

The size of our boating community is equally compelling. Australia has more than 900,000 registered vessels, while over 2.5 million people hold a powerboat licence—approximately one in every ten Australians. More than five million people are estimated to participate in boating each year, creating a substantial and continually evolving market of owners, buyers and boating enthusiasts.

So, what is driving the momentum? I believe in these post-Covid times we all know how precious life is and we want to enjoy our free time in nature with our families creating memories. Nothing compares to taking your loved ones out for a gorgeous saturday afternoon cruise, boozy heart to hearts with mates and memorable splashes in the water with the kids, these are the moments we'll always remember.

We are seeing this reflected in the continued growth in the overall turnover of the Australian boating industry, year on year. We are also seeing growing interest in ownership models that make boating simpler and more accessible. Professionally managed syndicates like our own, fractional ownership and comprehensive “walk on, walk off” services that are allowing buyers to enjoy the benefits of yacht ownership without carrying the entire financial or operational responsibility themselves. We also faciliate a sinking fund which allows clients to put aside a small amount each month for the annual costs such as servicing, lifting or repairs - preventing any bill shock.

Within the premium market, presentation and preparation have also become essential. Today’s buyers expect high-quality photography, transparent information, detailed maintenance histories and vessels that feel beautifully prepared from the moment they step aboard. For the lightly used yachts, that includes thoughtful styling, strong imagery and marketing and realistic pricing. If you haven't already, please take the time to look through our stunnning marketing shots we've curated for clients this year.

At Lloyd Yacht Collective, we see the current market as an exciting one, for owners considering selling, for buyers ready to enter the boating lifestyle and for those exploring a more modern approach to yacht ownership.

Australians are not simply buying more boats. We are placing greater value on our time, freedom and experiences—and the boating industry is thriving because of it and we're here for it.

Statistics sourced from the Boating Industry Association’s 2025 Boating Data Report Card.

Alice Lloyd