Finland’s boating industry turning a corner – wholesale deliveriesalready back in growth
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Consumer uncertainty and the economy’s slower-than-expected turnaround were still reflected in the boating industry’s 2025 sales. However, growth in the registered fleet, strong trading activity in used boats, and Finnboat’s wholesale delivery statistics all indicate a shift towards improvement. The sector’s business cycle barometer also points to cautious optimism for 2026.
In 2025, registrations of new boats fell by 23% compared with the previous year. Nevertheless, the Finnish boat register
grew as older stock from previous model years was cleared: by year-end, the register contained almost 3,000 more
watercrafts than a year earlier. Even so, the overall increase in the number of registered watercrafts remained just over
one percent. Continued brisk trading in used boats - up by as much as 12% - also demonstrates the enduring popularity
of boating.
Finnboat member companies’ reported wholesale delivery statistics for small boats and outboard-powered boats were up
during the first three quarters of 2025 in both domestic deliveries and exports. Wholesale deliveries of outboard engines
totalled 6,819 units, representing growth of as much as 14%.
In Finland, the key indicator of boating activity is the number of boat registrations, which began rising after the financial
crisis from 2013 onwards and peaked in the pandemic year 2021. The Finnish boat register includes all boats longer than
5.5 metres or fitted with an engine of more than 15 kW (20 hp).
The boating industry employs around 3,500 people in Finland, and the combined turnover of Finnboat member
companies was, according to a preliminary estimate, approximately EUR 800 million, in line with recent years.
“2025 was still challenging for the boating sector, but the statistics show a cautious shift in a better direction. A survey
conducted among Finnboat members also forecasts slightly improved conditions. Despite turbulence in global politics,
activity in several key export markets has been on the rise, and as inventories have been cleared, the situation for
manufacturers has also improved somewhat,” says Jarkko Pajusalo, CEO of the Finnish Marine Industries Federation
Finnboat.
