In November 2025, a Statistical Surveys report found the Marine industry recorded a -12.36% year-over-year (YoY) decline, a sharper drop than the -6.53% drop in November 2024, signaling a softer market through the end of the boating season. However, that same reports shows that Gainesville is among areas defying that trend. In fact, it is one of three Georgia markets headed in the opposite direction.
boatingindustry.com reports that, according to the study, these markets are leading the country in marine sales: Albany-Tifton, GA (+250%), Cleveland-Akron, OH (+175%), Des Moines, IA (+171%), Columbus, GA (+114%) and Gainesville, GA (+113%). At the other end of the spectrum are: Salt Lake City-Ogden, UT (-58%), Spokane, WA (-56%), Kalispell, MT (-54%), Milwaukee, WI (-49%) and Greenville-Spartanburg, SC (-46%).
What are people buying? Aluminum Fishing Boats, 8-24 feet, Aluminum Fishing Boats, 16-24 feet, Aluminum Fishing Boats, 8-15 feet, Saltwater Outboards, 13-55 feet and Bass, according to the report.
However, the report found that underperforming in the marine market were Pontoons and PWCs.
The Statistical Surveys report highlighted the top-performing boat lengths based on year-over-year registration changes:
- 17 feet: +5.06%
- 16 feet: +5.85%
- 15 feet: +19.88%