Outboard Motor Sales Up

Sales of outboard engines in the United States last year grew by 6% over 2016, according to new data released by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA).

Unveiled this week as the first instalment in the association’s 2017 US Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract, the Outboard Engine Sales Trends report notes that sales of outboard motors in the US increased for the sixth consecutive year in 2017. It has been further reported that the average horsepower sold today is 116.1 hp, up from an average of 85 hp in 2010.

Sales of large, V6-powered outboards continue to lead all other categories. In an address to boat builders at the recent METSTRADE marine equipment trade show, Brunswick Corp. CEO Mark Shwabero noted that the 300 horsepower-and-up segment – a category that didn’t even exist 10 years ago – currently represents 20% of outboard sales value.