In this article, we will discuss 10 Best Boating Stocks To Buy Now.
The term “boating stocks” refers to the shares of publicly traded companies in the recreational boating industry. These companies may manufacture boats, engines, marine parts, and accessories, or provide associated services such as marinas, boat dealerships, or charter businesses.
As per the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), the recreational boating industry in the United States supports 36,101 enterprises, 93% of which are small businesses, and 812,558 jobs, generating $230 billion in economic output yearly. New boat, engine, and accessory sales account for $20.3 billion of the $56.7 billion in annual sales of boats, engines, and maritime services. The industry brings in $26.9 billion in taxes, of which $16.3 billion is generated by the federal government and $10.6 billion from the states. Of the 12 million registered boats, 95% of those built in the United States are under 26 feet and towable. The fact that 61% of boat owners have family earnings of $75,000 or less is noteworthy and highlights how accessible the market is to middle-class Americans.
The recreational boating industry began in 2025 with mixed data, reflecting overall economic uncertainty. According to the NMMA’s January 2025 Monthly Data Summary, total new powerboat retail unit sales fell 8.2% year on year for the 12 months ending January 2025, showing continued consumer caution in the face of rising inflation and interest rates.
However, January 2025 sales showed a slight growth, with retail unit sales up 1% year on year (7,809 vs. 7,765). This is the first January gain since 2021, pointing to selective customer participation. Freshwater fishing boats led the recovery, with retail sales rising 3.8% year on year, including a significant 19.8% increase in January alone. NMMA cites the category’s affordability and its appeal to middle-income consumers.
Despite this, wholesale shipments fell 23.2%, showing tighter inventory management and caution among dealers. January’s Consumer Confidence Index fell marginally to 105.3, whereas inflation rose to 3.0%. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate climbed to 6.9%, and while the federal funds rate fell to 4.3%, higher borrowing costs continued to limit discretionary expenditure.
A cautiously optimistic picture is painted by the aforementioned data, which shows that while consumer interest in value categories continues, macroeconomic challenges continue to limit overall momentum.
Ellen Bradley, Chief Brand Officer for the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), commented:
“The tariff headwinds and economic uncertainty we’re seeing now, coupled with the glimmer of growth we saw in January before this really set in, underscore the importance of the industry leaning into nurturing demand amid Americans’ desire for long-term value, wellness, and community–all of which being on the water uniquely delivers,” added Bradley. “We’re watching consumer behavior and confidence closely in order to nimbly manage our approach with everything from messaging to media to timing across our Discover Boating marketing. Bottom line, there’s an opportunity right now to break through by helping people find ways to explore the memories and moments only boating can provide and to support and nurture that interest for long-term industry growth.”
Veteran journalist and editor Ed Slack, recognized for leading IBI and TIME Inc.’s maritime business-to-business portfolio and for his global perspectives on the dynamics of the boating market, stated late in 2024 that, as anticipated market circumstances improved, the outlook for 2025 was cautiously positive. Affordability, value, and improving the user experience for both entry-level and luxury boating segments will be major themes. Though it needs to be reframed with distinct value propositions, sustainability is still crucial. Consumer fatigue calls for more than simply greener propulsion; it requires measurable results from Life Cycle Assessments. The fragmented electric boat market is forecasted to consolidate as some companies depart due to low volume and expensive models, while others shift to commercial markets.
Europe’s economy is still in a fragile state, but hopes for 2025 are being strengthened by stabilizing global inflation and interest rates. U.S. trade policy is still a wild card since tensions might be exacerbated by tariffs when Donald Trump takes office again on January 20. Similar changes in 2019 resulted in increased costs but also accelerated reshoring and supply chain resilience; yet, worldwide boating revenues increased by 2% in that year (ICOMIA Recreational Boating Statistics 2019). The industry is well-positioned for 2025, but it must remain flexible in the face of geopolitical turmoil.
With that said, here are the 10 Best Boating Stocks To Buy Now.
A picture of two people, excitedly boarding a power catamaran boat for recreational activities.
Our Methodology
We sifted through online rankings to form an initial list of the 15 Boating Stocks. From the resultant dataset, we chose 10 stocks with the highest number of hedge fund investors, using Insider Monkey’s database of 1009 hedge funds in Q4 2024 to gauge hedge fund sentiment for stocks. We have used the stock’s Market Cap as of April 15, 2025, as a tie-breaker in case two or more stocks have the same number of hedge funds invested.
Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (see more details here).
10. Marine Products Corporation (NYSE:MPX)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 3
Marine Products Corporation (NYSE:MPX) is one of the Best Boating Stocks on our list. It is a fiberglass motorized boat manufacturer that distributes and markets its products through a network of independent dealers. The Powerboat Manufacturing Business is the only functioning segment of the company. It works in Nashville, Valdosta, and Georgia in the powerboat manufacturing industry category. Robalo outboard sport fishing boats, Chaparral sterndrive, and outboard pleasure boats are among its product lines. Through the firm’s Chaparral and Robalo brands, it caters to the sportfishing and family recreational markets, respectively.
The business made $25 million in free cash flow and $30 million in operating cash flow in 2024. Marine Products Corporation (NYSE:MPX)’s solid financial circumstance is shown by the fact that it completed the year with $52 million in cash and a debt-free balance sheet. The announcement of a regular quarterly dividend of $0.14 per share and $44 million in dividends, of which $24 million was a special dividend, was among the significant financial returns that shareholders received.
In terms of operations, the company successfully sold off its older models, lowering its field inventory by 15% annually. Marine Products Corporation (NYSE:MPX) also finished installing solar panels at its manufacturing location in Georgia, which should result in future significant cost savings on electricity and environmental benefits.
9. BRP Inc. (NASDAQ:DOOO)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 8
BRP Inc. (NASDAQ:DOOO) is among the Best Boating Stocks. It creates, develops, produces, sells, and distributes personal watercraft, all-terrain vehicles, and snowmobiles under the Can-Am, Lynx, Sea-Doo, and Ski-Doo brands. After closing the Evinrude outboard engine division in 2020, it now manufactures engines under the Rotax name and serves its core customer base with apparel, accessories, and components. By purchasing boat manufacturers Alumacraft, Triton (which produces Manitou pontoon boats), and Telwater (in Australia), it established a maritime group in 2018. All of these brands are currently for sale. The company distributed its goods through a network of 140 wholesalers and over 2,400 independent dealers in around 130 countries at the end of fiscal 2025.
Despite short-term macroeconomic constraints, BRP Inc. (NASDAQ:DOOO)’s solid competitive positioning and robust long-term strategy support its bull case. The firm has a strong position for recovery due to its focus on product innovation, efficient operations, and market share expansion, even though dealer demand is still weak because of high borrowing prices. Its proximity-based manufacturing, like the manufacture of personal watercraft in Mexico, improves productivity and adaptability to local demand.
In FY2025, by becoming the top OEM and gaining significant market share, including an 11-point increase in side-by-side vehicles and a 4-point gain in ATVs above pre-COVID levels, the company cemented its dominance in the North American Powersports market. Furthermore, BRP Inc. (NASDAQ:DOOO) made lean savings of more than $200 million, which improved operational effectiveness in a difficult environment.
8. MasterCraft Boat Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:MCFT)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 11
Performance sport boats and outboard boats are designed, built, and sold by MasterCraft Boat Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:MCFT), which is ranked eighth on our list of the Best Boating Stocks. The company operates in three brand-specific categories and has its headquarters in the United States. The majority of the company’s revenue is generated by the MasterCraft category, which also comprises inboard boats for wakeboarding, wake surfing, and water skiing. The Pontoon sector manufactures pontoon boats in its Owosso, Michigan, plant. Pontoon boats are utilized for leisure boating in general. At its plant in Merritt Island, Florida, the Aviara segment manufactures high-end day boats. Boats from Aviara are used for recreational boating in general.
MasterCraft Boat Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:MCFT) has a strong financial sheet, a premium brand, and a solid position in a small market with little competition. It is in a strong position to make more money as the consumer market steadies.
Furthermore, MasterCraft Boat Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:MCFT) is reorganizing in an attempt to release substantial value. The business recently sold its Aviara division, which had been a performance drag and was not profitable. The total profitability of the business should rise as a result of this deal and Aviara’s planned shutdown beginning in Q1 2025. Furthermore, to reach a new market, the business has launched the Belise pontoon boat brand. Long-term profitability in the pontoon segment should increase as a result of this initiative and improved capacity usage at current facilities.
7. Johnson Outdoors Inc. (NASDAQ:JOUT)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 13
Johnson Outdoors Inc. (NASDAQ:JOUT) is included in our list of the Best Boating Stocks. It produces and sells branded seasonal outdoor recreation gear for hiking, camping, diving, paddling, and boat fishing. Fishing, Camping, Watercraft Recreation, and Diving are the company’s four business segments. The fishing segment, which produces and sells goods under various brands like Minn Kota electric motors for quiet trolling or primary propulsion, marine battery chargers, and shallow water anchors; Humminbird sonar and GPS equipment for fish finding, navigation, and marine cartography; and Cannon downriggers for controlled-depth fishing, is where it generates the majority of revenue. Geographically, the United States accounts for the majority of its revenue, although it is also present in Europe, Canada, and other places.
In a competitive market, Johnson Outdoors Inc. (NASDAQ:JOUT) was able to retain a good financial position with a debt-free balance sheet. Under its Humminbird brand, the company effectively introduced innovative technology that was well accepted by retail partners and is attracting increasing consumer attention. Moreover, in an effort to boost production efficiency and foster future innovation, the firm recently finalized the $14 million acquisition of a longstanding supplier for its SCUBAPRO brand. The first quarter of 2025’s inventory levels dropped by over $66 million year over year to $201.6 million, highlighting the positive impact of effective inventory management on operations.
6. Malibu Boats, Inc. (NASDAQ:MBUU)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 16
Malibu Boats, Inc. (NASDAQ:MBUU) is a major designer and producer of motorized boats in the United States. The firm dominates the performance sport boat market with its Axis and Malibu brands. It purchased Pursuit Boats, a manufacturer of luxury offshore and outboard motorboats, in 2018 and Cobalt Boats, a top manufacturer of sterndrive boats in the US in the 24- to 29-foot market, in 2017. In 2021, it acquired Maverick Boat Group, a leading seller of flat fishing boats such as bay, dual-console, and center-console models. It is among the Best Boating Stocks.
In 2020, Malibu Boats, Inc. (NASDAQ:MBUU) started manufacturing its own engines (Monsoon) for its performance sport boats and, more recently, for Cobalt. The company has also dabbled in boat trailers and accessories. Its target market includes a diverse spectrum of water lovers who value an active outdoor lifestyle.
During what is usually a seasonally slower time, the business exceeded expectations with slightly better-than-expected performance in its second fiscal quarter of 2025. Malibu Boats, Inc. (NASDAQ:MBUU)’s Malibu Axis Year-End Sales Event performed well, with strong dealer involvement and a greater retail sell-through than the previous year, with little promotional support. An effective product mix and price adjustments for inflation drove a 6.6% rise in consolidated net sales per unit to $163.9. The business further strengthened its strong balance sheet by generating nearly $28 million in cash from operations during the quarter, investing $5.6 million in capital expenditures, and returning $10 million to shareholders through stock repurchases. These actions further proved the company’s sound financial discipline.
5. LCI Industries (NYSE:LCII)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 18
LCI Industries (NYSE:LCII) is ranked fifth on the list of the Best Boating Stocks. It provides parts in the United States and internationally to original equipment manufacturers of recreational vehicles and related industries, such as buses, as well as trailers for transporting equipment, boats, livestock, and other goods. The firm’s original equipment manufacturer segment and the aftermarket segment are its two reportable segments. For the OEMs of RVs and related industries, the OEM Segment produces or distributes parts for buses, trucks, pontoon boats, trains, manufactured houses, modular housing, trailers for transporting boats, animals, equipment, and other cargo, and trailers. It sells its products to RV OEMs like Thor Industries, Forest River, Winnebago, and others, as well as to manufacturers in related industries.
LCI Industries (NYSE:LCII) reported an almost steady yearly revenue of $3.7 billion, down just 1% year over year, displaying strong performance in an unstable RV and marine market. The company expanded across its top five product categories, which now account for 71% of RV OEM sales in North America, further solidifying its market leadership. Notably, market share gains propelled the automotive aftermarket segment’s 7% organic expansion. EBITDA grew by $89 million in spite of a weaker sales and mix environment, showing solid operational execution. The firm’s relationship with Camping World saw a 62% spike in sales, and in 2025, the company aims to open 100 more locations.
Furthermore, the company’s financial situation improved as it generated $370 million in operational cash flow and reduced net debt to less than 2x EBITDA. LCI Industries (NYSE:LCII)’s gross margin increased to 21.1% in Q4 2024 from 19.2% the previous year due to operational improvements, including decreased steel costs, exhibiting improved efficiency and cost control.
4. MarineMax, Inc. (NYSE:HZO)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 21
Market cap as of April 15: $426.44 million
MarineMax, Inc. (NYSE:HZO) is a US-based business that offers premium brands of new and used recreational boats along with engines, parts, and accessories. The company’s additional ventures include boat and yacht brokerage sales, yacht charter operations, management of associated boat financing, insurance, and other matters, and repair, maintenance, and storage services. Product Manufacturing and Retail Operations are the firm’s reportable divisions. The majority of the company’s revenue is produced by the Retail Operations field and comes from the selling of both new and old boats. It caters to clients all around the United States. HZO is one of the best boating stocks to invest in.
Notwithstanding a difficult retail climate, MarineMax, Inc. (NYSE:HZO)’s gross margin performance was strong, surpassing 36% throughout Q1 of 2025, due to sustained growth in higher-margin areas like marinas, super yacht services, finance, and insurance. By expanding its line of high-end products and introducing the Cruiser Yachts brand to every store in important Southern U.S. markets like Texas and West Florida, the company furthered its expansion strategy. The firm’s non-boat and higher-margin income sources have expanded dramatically since 2019, bolstering more stable profit margins. The business anticipates that January revenue will rise year over year, showing a possibly favorable trend for the rest of the quarter.
Ace River Capital stated the following regarding MarineMax, Inc. (NYSE:HZO) in its Q2 2024 investor letter:
“MarineMax, Inc. (NYSE:HZO) has received buyout interest from Island Capital and OneWater recently. This is positive news and serves as confirmation that the share price is indeed undervalued at these prices. My desire to have ownership in marinas and waterfront real estate in desirable areas is the main thesis for this investment. If a buyout occurs, I will have to reassess and may look to get similar exposure in the new company or elsewhere.”
3. Winnebago Industries, Inc. (NYSE:WGO)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 21
Market cap as of April 15: $868.23 million
Winnebago Industries, Inc. (NYSE:WGO) produces boats, components, towables, and customized specialized vehicles in addition to Class A, B, and C motor homes, making it one of the Best Boating Stocks. The firm has been manufacturing recreational vehicles since 1958. Fiscal 2024 revenue was close to $3 billion. The company bought SunnyBrook in 2011 to enter the towable market, then in November 2016, it purchased Grand Design. Compared to 31% in fiscal 2016, towables now account for 83% of the company’s RV unit volume. In fiscal 2024, the company’s total RV unit volume was 38,796. It entered the boating business in 2018 when it acquired Chris-Craft. In November 2019, Winnebago Industries, Inc. (NYSE:WGO) acquired luxury motor home manufacturer Newmar, and in August 2021, it acquired Barletta pontoon boats. Furthermore, it is creating autonomous and electric technologies.
The successful introduction of Grand Design’s motorized division with the Series M Class C and the first shipments of the Lineage Series F Super C Coach, which is aiming for over $100 million in revenue for fiscal 2025, were among the operational highlights reported by Winnebago Industries, Inc. (NYSE:WGO) in Q2 of 2025. The business also saw substantial growth in its market share, with Barletta’s pontoon market share climbing by 140 basis points to 9.5% and the motorhome market share improving by mid-single digits year over year.
As the gross margin rose by 110 basis points in a row, profitability improved because of lower allowances and discounts. Despite a drop in average selling prices per unit, the Marine segment still experienced revenue growth due to higher unit volumes and improved operating efficiencies.
2. Polaris Inc. (NYSE:PII)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 26
Polaris Inc. (NYSE:PII) is ranked second on our list of the Best Boating Stocks. It creates, develops, and produces power sports vehicles for the off-road, on-road, and maritime markets. The company’s sustained weak demand for recreational vehicles caused it to fail earnings estimates and reduce its FY2024 guidance. The firm has also had to provide dealers cheaper floor plan financing, advertising support, and more promotional activity through rebates since dealer inventories are still too high, all of which are putting pressure on margins. The pandemic’s strong sales, which pushed demand ahead, are also to blame for the retail downturn.
The business has historically operated well in the past, and the current management has shown operating discipline by selling off poorly performing companies that were purchased by the previous management, concentrating on the company’s power sports roots, and carrying on the tradition of giving money back to shareholders through buybacks and dividends. Business cycle returns are solid, with returns on tangible capital often in the mid-to-high teens. Despite a decline in cash generation, which is to be expected given the challenging retail environment, Polaris Inc. (NYSE:PII) is still well-funded.
The redesign of the helms in Bennington pontoons and the launch of the new Series M in 2024 show how innovation in the maritime industry continues to appeal to consumers, reaffirming Polaris Inc. (NYSE:PII)’s dedication to product quality across all market categories.
1. Brunswick Corporation (NYSE:BC)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 30
Under well-known names like Sea Ray and Mercury Marine, Brunswick Corporation (NYSE:BC) has a long history of producing engines and leisure boats. The firm has maintained its brand intangible asset and supports the narrow moat by capturing constant price power through a portfolio of innovative products. The company’s autonomy, connectivity, electrification, and shared access (ACES) strategy, which aims to improve user experience, accommodate the upcoming shift to electric products, and promote greater awareness through the Freedom Boat Club. It also supports its market leadership by enabling it to adapt to changing consumer preferences.
Brunswick Corporation (NYSE:BC) had a difficult start to 2025 because of the difficult retail marine market in the United States. The firm’s revenue in Q4 2024 fell 15%, mostly as a result of rising discounts along with ongoing production reductions and wholesale orders from dealers, OEMs, and retailers. Sales dropped 18% year over year in FY 2024, while EPS dropped 48% to $4.57. Moreover, 2025 revenue and earnings guidance fell short of expectations.
However, management believes that cost reduction and lower interest rates will bring some assistance. Along with large share increases at the 2025 early-season boat exhibitions, it also continued to outperform the market, gaining 110 basis points of U.S. retail outboard engine share for the year. It is among the Best Boating Stocks.
Overall, BC ranks first among the 10 Best Boating Stocks To Buy Now. While we acknowledge the potential of Boating companies, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter time frame. There is an AI stock that went up since the beginning of 2025, while popular AI stocks lost around 25%. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than BC but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.
READ NEXT: 20 Best AI Stock To Buy Now and 30 Best Stocks to Buy Now According to Billionaires.
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