NZ Marine recently released a snapshot of the New Zealand marine industry for 2021 makes for some very interesting reading. The estimated size of the industry is $2.4 billion, with exports of $700 million. The marine market is also New Zealand’s largest recreational activity with 1.9 million people participating in boating each year, which equates to around 40% of the population.
There are in excess of 500 members of the NZ Marine Industry Association, which are responsible for over 80% of the total industry turnover. Bolstering that there are in excess of 650 apprentices spread over through 240 companies training under the Marine and Specialised Technologies Academy (MAST).
A question I am often asked is how many boats are built every year and what is the total number of recreational boats in the country. As New Zealand does not have boat registration getting an accurate figure is impossible, but working with data such as trailer registrations, engine sales, and that provided by builders and importers, it is possible to get somewhere close.Â
The estimated number of boats in the country is 1.54 million, of which the vast majority (77%) are dinghies, inflatables, SUPs, windsurfers, canoes and sailing dinghies etc. Trailer boats make up around 14% (212,000), followed by PWCs at 6% (93,000), moored commercial boats 5% (7,200), yachts and launches on 2% (24,350) and trailer sailers round it out at 1% (16,200).
Imported boats are estimated around 250 trailerable and around 90 over 10m, from countries such as Australia, USA, EK, Italy, France, China and Scandanavia.
What makes very interesting reading is where the growth in boat numbers is (est 44,810 p.a), and it very much follows the trends of existing boat numbers. While dinghies, inflatables, canoes, windsurfers, SUPs, and sailing dinghies etc. make up the vast majority at 40,000, trailer powerboats are estimated to see a further 3500 sold, PWCs, 1000 units, and yachts & launches another 200 to be added to the fleet.
Outboard motor imports also give some indication as to the market trends, which for 2021 sees a small growth over 2020. Around 7600 outboards came into the country last year, an increase of about 500 units from 2020. The biggest number is outboards 40hp of less which accounted for around 3600 units, with 41hp-90hp at just over 1000 engines and over 90hp in excess of 3800 outboards.
Since 2012 there has been a steady growth in all sectors of the market and currently it has never been so strong. No matter if you are ordering a 20m motor yacht from Australia or Europe, or a 6-8m trailer boat from a local builder, you will have to wait.
ALL THE BEST FROM THE PACIFIC POWERBOAT TEAM: BARRY THOMPSON, DOUG DUKESON &N ALEX RAM
