British Marine's ‘UK Boat Production Estimates 2021–2024’, has been 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.
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 players.
- 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.
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