British Marine has released the ‘UK Boat Production Estimates 2021–2024’.
Compiled by respected industry analyst Phil Draper of Phil Draper Associates, whose work also includes mapping and tracking the global new-build power and sail sectors over 30ft, the report revives a trusted annual measurement of leisure boat production for both coastal and inland waters, covering four key product areas: All Sailboats, Inboard & Sterndrive Motorboats, Other Rigid Boats (including outboard motorboats) and All RIBs.
The reinstatement of these datasets marks the return of a valuable benchmarking series that had previously been produced for many years by Phil Draper through until 2020. By bringing the analysis back, and back filling to 2021, British Marine is again providing members with consistent, comparable data that strengthens market understanding and supports clearer tracking of long-term industry trends.
“These datasets deliver a useful topline snapshot of leisure boatbuilding in the UK over the past four years,” says Phil Draper. “And it’s a globally significant industry. Several British brands – namely Princess, Sunseeker, Oyster, RS Sailing, Topper International and Williams – number among the world’s leading players in their respective segments.”
Topline findings
- Post-pandemic normalisation: Production of small sailboats (<7.49m) surged during the Covid outdoor leisure boom, but volumes have steadily eased since 2021. By 2024, production levels had fallen to less than two-thirds of their peak, reflecting a return to pre-pandemic levels. RS Sailing and Topper International remain the country’s biggest player
- Motor yacht stability: The 12.50–23.99m motor yacht category, led by Princess and Sunseeker, has remained stable at around 300 units per year, demonstrating sustained international demand for British craftsmanship.
- Growth at the top end: UK production of >24m motor yachts has risen from around 40 units in 2021 to just over 60 in 2024. With Princess and Sunseeker both set to re-enter the 30m-plus segment from late 2026, the UK is signalling renewed ambition in the superyacht market.
- RIBs remain a UK strength: Driven largely by Williams Jet Tenders, the UK continues to be a leading producer of high-quality tenders and compact RIBs. While production dipped mid-period, 2024 shows a modest recovery.
- Inland and niche craft stay resilient: Although harder to quantify due to the dispersed nature of the sector, inland waterway craft production remains steady and continues to benefit from strong domestic tourism and the UK’s unique inland waterways network.
Although these figures reflect historic production, they demonstrate a sector evolving rather than contracting. While mass-market dinghy volumes have recalibrated post-pandemic, the UK maintains world-class expertise across luxury motor yachts, high-end tenders, and inland cruising craft. The report highlights that future opportunity lies increasingly in value, innovation and specialist capability, rather than volume alone.
Although these figures reflect historic production, they show an industry adapting to changing demand and shifting market conditions. While demand in entry-level and smaller craft has naturally settled since the post-pandemic surge, other segments, particularly luxury motor yachts, high-end tenders and inland cruising craft, continue to demonstrate strong capability and resilient output. Across the board, the report highlights that future opportunity in the UK boating sector lies increasingly in value, innovation, and specialist expertise, rather than volume alone.
“These re-established datasets give our members essential clarity on how the market has shifted over the past four years,” says Lesley Robinson, CEO of British Marine. “They reinforce the strength of UK boatbuilding in areas where quality, expertise and innovation create global competitive advantage.”
Access the full report
British Marine members can download the full UK Boat Production Estimates 2021–2024 report here: https://www.britishmarine.co.uk/resources/knowledge-centre/boat-production-stats-2021-2024 along with a wide range of additional market intelligence and research in the Resource Hub here: www.britishmarine.co.uk/resources
Look out for the 2025 UK Boat Production Estimates, which should be available from spring 2026 and will provide the next insight into the sector’s ongoing evolution. Going forward, the report will be published annually, giving British Marine members a reliable, up-to-date view of trends across the UK boatbuilding industry.
