# Italian leisure boating industry market trends

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/italian-leisure-boating-industry-market-trends
> Updated: 2026-10-01T08:58:53.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2.

The Italian leisure boating industry is characterized by a sharp divergence between market segments. While the small vessel sector has faced a significant decline due to high costs—with registered leisure units falling 22% between 2015 and 2024—the luxury yacht market remains a major driver of economic strength.

By 2025, the industry reached a record turnover of 8.72 billion euros, fueled largely by high-end segments and international exports, which accounted for 4.4 billion euros. Italy maintains a dominant global position in the superyacht market, holding 52% of worldwide orders for vessels exceeding 24 meters. Despite the continued decline in small boating, such as outboard units and sailboats, the broader sector has seen rising employment and a significant contribution to Italy’s GDP.

## Claims

- The Italian leisure boating industry reached a record turnover of 8.72 billion euros in 2025. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Total turnover increased by 1.4% compared to 2024. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Direct employees in the sector rose to 32,420, a 3% increase from 2024. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The small boating segment, including outboard units, inflatable boats, and sailboats, continues to face difficulties. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Exports reached 4.4 billion euros in 2025, representing a 2.6% increase. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Italian shipyards hold 52% of global orders for units over 24 meters, with 568 units currently in production. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The sector's contribution to Italy's GDP is estimated at 7.51 billion euros, or 0.332%. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-01: Italian boating industry hits record 8.72 billion euro turnover in 2025

Italy's leisure boating industry reached a record 8.72 billion euro turnover in 2025, driven by superyacht exports, despite ongoing challenges in the small boating segment.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italian-boating-industry-hits-record-872-billion-euro-turnover-in-2025

### 2026-09-18: Italian leisure boating faces decline in small vessels amid luxury yacht growth

Italy's small leisure boating sector has seen a 35.7% decline in vessels over ten years due to high costs, even as the luxury yacht market continues to grow in size and value.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italian-leisure-boating-faces-decline-in-small-vessels-amid-luxury-yacht-growth

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Cite as: Italian leisure boating industry market trends. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/italian-leisure-boating-industry-market-trends