High-waisted jeans, the keto diet, electric cars… we’re surrounded by various trends in popular culture, and the boating industry is no different, revealing its own unique trends every year.

So what’s trending for boating in 2023? Well, we reached out to industry leadership and here’s what they had to say.

Customization

For 2023, industry leaders are noticing a preference for customization among their buyers. “Customers are looking for their pontoon boat to be an expression and extension of their personality,” described Chris Bernauer, the president of Harris Pontoons. “The ability to customize and personalize through color, texture, features and technology to suit their individual needs is a market trend that Harris Pontoons is meeting head on.” 

“At Starcraft, we believe trends are allowing the consumer to customize their pontoon by offering a variety of layouts,” added Steve Huber, the marketing coordinator of Starcraft and Sunchaser Marine. “Whether you are looking for cruising, entertaining or fishing, Starcraft has a layout to fit your needs. And as we continue to innovate, we are constantly thinking about the end consumer and their boating needs and wants. As for Sunchaser, we also believe the pontoon trends are being able to customize your pontoon. That is why most of our layouts for Sunchaser Marine offer a swing back seat, nine color panels, and performance tube options, allowing our consumers to really make the pontoon their own and differentiate themselves from the rest.”

New Technology

New technology in boating is also a rising trend for 2023. “JC TriToon Marine has been battling the supply chain shortages just like every other builder,” described Joe Sparks, the vice president and general manager of JC TriToon Marine. “Materials that have traditionally been used in various applications are either unavailable or have become extremely expensive. Our approach is to research the use of new high-tech materials and technologies to replace traditional applications. An example of that are our bow pods on the SportToon models. These have traditionally been made of fiberglass. By combining High Tech laminated plastics, King Starboard and some very creative vendors, we are able to make more durable, more functional, lighter weight and remarkably stylish parts. JC is in the process of evaluating all of its products and will be using more of the “space age” technologies and materials in the coming year. 

“Our Accu-Thrust systems from QM Group have been extremely well-received and the enhanced handling you gain from the system has simplified boating and, in  some cases, even removed the need to go to the expense of a dual engine application to ensure maneuverability in rougher waters,” added Sparks. “By using the Thruster technology, we were able to design our 32-foot Sport Yacht model. The thought of docking or loading a 32-foot boat on a trailer was more than a lot of boaters wanted  to think about. The powerful four corner flush-mounted Accu-Thrust system makes it easy to do, even for the most inexperienced boater. The intuitive and simple-to-use helm mounted switch panel takes all of the fears and intimidation away. Simplicity through technology is our continuing theme.” 

“We are seeing a trend toward better system integration, all centered around the primary MFD in the dash,” agreed David Porthouse, the director of business Development at NauticStar. “With the growing popularity of drive by wire outboards and steering, I think we’ll see this trend accelerate over the next several years.”

Welcoming New Boaters

Another trend that is continuing after the pandemic is the influx of new boaters. “At Bayliner, we’re excited for the opportunity to welcome younger and more diverse families to the boating lifestyle,” shared Mark Wyrick, Bayliner’s brand manager. “We’re finding new ways to streamline digital experiences and promote participation in boating communities.”

Miranda Doan, the marketing manager of Tahoe and Avalon Pontoons noted: “I think sales within the entry-level and mid-range models will increase in numbers compared to the last two years. Buyers since the “boat boom” have been gravitating toward premium models and larger horsepower engines. Looking forward in Model Year 2023, I feel sales will shift back to more entry-level and mid-range models, like the trends we experienced in 2018 and 2019.  

“With the dedication to innovation and technology we are seeing younger boaters joining the pontoon market,” observed Olivia Erekson, Trifecta’s owner relations. “Our pontoons offer versatility to customers whether they are interested in cruising, water sports, fishing… or all three!”

Jeff Haradine, the president of Barletta Pontoon Boats sees the balance between new buyers and more experienced buyers returning.

“We’re seeing a clear trend back to historical norms of sales cycles and inventory levels,” said Haradine. “With that, we have also seen a return of the lifelong boater to the market. The past couple of years have been dominated by the first-time boat buyer – and now, after staying on the sidelines during the COVID-fueled frenzy, the experienced boaters are back in play.”

High Demand

It also looks like boating is going to remain in high demand for the upcoming year. “We see 2023 being very similar to the past couple years,” mentioned Tim Allen, the vice president of sales for Montego Bay. “Most dealers are selling through their allotment before even receiving the pontoons to showcase in their showroom. Demand for product will continue to be very strong.”

Andrea Malleck of Godfrey Pontoon Boats concurred, “Market trends reveal continued growth and demand for outdoor experiences, bringing a more diverse participant base to the recreational boating community. We expect boating trends focused on accessibility, affordability, and family-oriented versatility.”

“Everyone in the marine industry has benefited in the last two years from more people being outdoors,” described Lori Szczypiorski, the Hurricane product manager. “We see these new users staying loyal to boating, as many have realized the relaxation of being on the water, mixed with creating valuable memories with family and friends. Our current and future products are focused on delivering value and fun, as well as ease of use. While yes, some cooling off is expected for 2023, we are positioned to help our dealers re-stock for the customers that are here to stay for many years to come.”

Jean-Philippe Martin-Dubois, the marketing and consumer experience director for Princecraft Boats, shared, “For 2023, we are still optimistic with the high demand for our products. Definitely, the pandemic brought an increase of interest for boating but now, it is still going to stay a lifestyle. People who are now enjoying boating will stay in the market for years. We are finally post-pandemic so buyers will now have more negotiation power. We are going ‘back-to-normal’ which is still great news for our business.”

Boat Rentals

Since boating has garnered so much popularity in recent years, Morgan Bailey, the director of marketing for Berkshire, predicts an uptick in boat rentals as well.

“More often than not the younger generation is more interested in creating experiences, rather than making large investments,” observed Bailey. “With that being said, I believe we will see more of a rise in boat rentals. Covid restricted travel, and ever since it opened back up, people want to experience the world outside of their own homes. Apps for boat rentals have made it easier than ever to plan a weekend getaway.”

Mario Parise, the director of marketing at Legend Boats, agrees that boaters are open to more creative ways when it comes to flexibility in ownership and financing. “Boaters are increasingly looking for creative ways to have their cake and eat it too: boat clubs, fractional ownership, leasing, renting, used boats. Interest in boating is through the roof, but finances are tighter than ever, so boaters are looking for help to make their dreams come true and create memories on the water.”

Opting For Pontoons

Andrew Stanfield of Viaggio Pontoon Boats believes 2023 will trend more in favor of pontoon boats.

“We have been seeing more boaters gravitate towards pontoons and in many cases consolidating the various boats they own to a single pontoon boat,” stated Stanfield. “With the increased versatility of modern pontoon boats we expect to see this trend where buyers shift towards pontoons as their primary boat.”

More Horsepower

Then Shane Torzy, the director of sales and marketing at Crest Pontoons, believes that higher horsepower engines will continue as a trend this year.

“We expect to see continued demand with higher horsepower motors,” noted Torzy. “Higher horsepower allows for more water sport activities for the whole crew to enjoy. The pontoons have proven to be the best all-around day boat allowing family and friends to connect and make memories while on the water.”

Standard Features

Boats that come with generous standard features will also be popular this year according to Manitou.

“BRP and Manitou continue to see customers wanting a turnkey, well-equipped boat without the hassle of choosing each and every feature individually,” described Garrett Koschak, the Manitou global product manager. “This is why the new Cruise and Explore models offer the most standard features ever available on a Manitou in the value and recreational segments including factory rigged Rotax S engines. When combined with a simple and concise purchase process and transparent retail pricing, Manitou has simplified and reduced the stress of buying a pontoon boat, while delivering a truly game-changing boating experience.” 

Value On The Water

One of the major trends manufacturers are picking up on is value on the water when it comes to boating.

“Value, value and value,” emphasized Joe Antonneau, the vice president of sales and marketing at Bentley Pontoons. “Today’s consumer is much better informed and they want the most ‘bang for their buck.’ Bentley is intensely focused on giving the consumer the most amount of boat for the best price possible. Bentley delivers the best value in boating.” 

Amy Parker, the office operations manager at Splendor boats, noted that people want “luxury boating at an affordable price.”

“We believe that one of the top trends is providing extra value at every price point,” agreed Steve Huber, the marketing coordinator of Sylvan and Starcraft Marine. “Every 8-foot, 6-inch wide Sylvan pontoon comes standard with a power canopy and every series except for the Mirage series comes standard with Sylvan’s SPX third tube performance package. Over the past couple of years, Starcraft has launched its highly successful SVX series. It focuses on having all the necessities the consumer needs, while being able to option up to the amenities they desire. This allows our consumers to not only customize their boats, but also customize their price point. And that model has really worked for the SVX series and it’s a trend that will continue. Other trends include being able to have a do-everything boat—wakeboarding, skiing, tubing, and especially surfing–it’s a high priority. That’s why for 2023 Starcraft has launched our do-everything MVX Surf.”

“Customers look for high-end value throughout all trim levels including price point leaders,” observed Jordan Kistler, the South Bay director of sales and product development. “As an industry we have to continue to drive real value per dollar spent. Consumers want more for their hard-earned dollar just as we expect from the automotive industry. Innovation will continue to propel this industry to new heights.”

Tim McKercher, the Sea-Doo media relations director, stated, “The Sea-Doo Switch offers non-boat owning families who dream of being on the water an accessible pontoon boat that adapts to the moment as their family and boating life grow. We all want our recreational fun to be as easy as possible and that includes driving and operating a pontoon boat, and the Switch handlebar controls helps simplify boating operation in tight quarters and open water. Value is always a top buying criteria and the re-imagined engineering Switch helps Sea-Doo offer unmatched value for new boat owners.”

“More comfort and more amenities,” added Terri Christofer of Silver Wave Pontoons. “There are so many options available that you really need to provide a top-tier product that is well-equipped and at a great price point. Affordable luxury is what Silver Wave is all about.” 

“With gas prices and inflation continuing to be a factor in our everyday lives,” explained Bob vanVollenhoven, the Stingray vice president of sales & marketing, “we see people wanting to get more fuel efficient models and ones that provide a lower cost of ownership. At Stingray, our value priced models offer just that, all with the performance our customers have come to expect. Getting out on the water is a great way to spend time with friends and family, and we have a wide range of models ready to exceed a customer’s needs at the right price.”

There’s definitely plenty to look forward to this year when it comes to boat trends. So let’s all get out there and find some boats that align with these exciting trends.