U.S. Boat Rental Market (2026 - 2033) Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Boat Type (Yacht, Sailing Boat, Catamaran), By Power Source (Hybrid, ICE), By Activity Type (Fishing, Watersports), By Booking Channel, By Rental Duration, By Region, And Segment Forecasts

U.S. Boat Rental Market Summary

The U.S. boat rental market size was estimated at USD 4,075.2 million in 2025, and is projected to reach USD 5,635.3 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.5% from 2026 to 2033. The presence of high-spending tourists in the country drives the market growth.

The increasing adoption of electric or hybrid boats and the growing popularity of water-based recreational activities in the country are driving the growth of the U.S. boat rental industry. The consumers in the U.S. are increasingly preferring eco-friendly electric vessels that reduce emissions and lower fuel costs, to support sustainable boating trends and fleet electrification. For instance, in February 2026, Vision Marine Technologies unveiled its new Specter electric tritoon platform, designed for high performance and emission-free leisure and rental use, thereby highlighting the market’s shift toward electric boating solutions. Moreover, adventure activities such as jet skiing, wakeboarding, and parasailing are being promoted to attract younger, experience-seeking renters, boosting boat rental utilization across lakes, rivers, and coastal areas.

Technological advancements are increasingly being adopted to enhance customer experience and improve operational efficiency in the boat rental market. Online and mobile booking platforms are being implemented to facilitate instant reservations and seamless payment processing, making rental services more convenient for users. For instance, in December 2025, Boatsetter Inc. and GetMyBoat Inc. announced enhancements to their platforms, including AI-driven search capabilities and unified booking features aimed at streamlining the reservation process and improving overall user experience.

Startups and established companies are investing in digital platforms and premium fleets to capture growing demand in the U.S. market. Collaborative ventures with tourism operators are being pursued to create integrated marine tourism experiences that combine boat rentals with guided tours or recreational packages. For instance, in February 2025, Vision Marine Technologies expanded its partnership with Aileron Residences in Dania Beach, Florida, to launch an electric boat rental club and retail hub, strengthening its electric fleet presence. In addition, in June 2025, Vision Marine Technologies acquired Nautical Ventures Group, a major Florida‑based boat dealership network, to accelerate retail access and the adoption of electric boating solutions across the U.S. market.

Strict environmental and safety regulations are being enforced in the U.S., significantly influencing boat rental operations and compliance requirements. In October 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency implemented the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (VIDA), establishing a streamlined and uniform federal regulatory framework for managing incidental discharges from commercial vessels measuring 79 feet or more in length. The act is administered jointly by the EPA and the United States Coast Guard and replaces the earlier Vessel General Permit (2013). VIDA introduces updated standards for managing ballast water, deck runoff, oil discharges, biofouling, and the use of environmentally acceptable lubricants (EALs), thereby strengthening environmental protection requirements for vessel operations.

Recreational vessels operating in the U.S. waters must also comply with sewage discharge regulations under the Clean Water Act. These regulations require boats to be equipped with U.S. Coast Guard-certified Marine Sanitation Devices (MSDs) to control sewage discharge and prevent contamination of waterways. Such regulatory measures are designed to strengthen environmental protection while ensuring safe boating practices across the country.

Elevated operating expenses are restraining the growth of the U.S. boat rental market. Costs such as fuel, insurance, labor, and routine maintenance increase overall operating burdens for rental companies, thus reducing profit margins and limiting fleet expansion, particularly for small and medium-sized operators. Further, revenue generation is affected by seasonal demand fluctuations and by reliance on favorable weather conditions. Off-peak months experience lower bookings, making it challenging for companies to maintain consistent cash flow and optimize fleet utilization across lakes, rivers, and coastal areas.

Boat Type Insights

The motorboat segment led the U.S. boat rental market, accounting for the largest share of 41.8% in 2025. This growth is attributed to its versatility, ease of handling, and widespread appeal among casual and recreational users. Motorboats are especially popular for activities such as fishing, watersports, sightseeing, and family outings, making them a preferred choice for short leisure trips and weekend getaways. Their relatively lower rental costs and familiarity among new and experienced renters also support high utilization rates across major U.S. boating hubs, such as Florida’s Gulf Coast, the Great Lakes, and California’s coastal regions, helping maintain strong demand and revenue contribution.

The catamaran segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. The growth of the segment is driven by increasing demand for spacious, premium leisure experiences. Catamarans offer wide decks and improved stability compared with monohull vessels, thus making them especially attractive for family outings and multi‑day charters. This design advantage supports higher rental yields and greater comfort on longer trips.

Power Source Insights

The internal combustion engine (ICE) segment held the dominating share of the U.S. boat rental industry in 2025. ICE‑powered propulsion systems have continued to dominate owing to their performance and reliability enhancements that appeal to recreational boaters and rental operators. Product innovations in outboard engine technology have been rolled out that maintain the relevance of internal combustion propulsion in boating, including engines with improved power delivery, fuel efficiency, and durability. For instance, in June 2025, Yamaha Motor Co. launched portable outboard models (2.5-15 hp) available through select West Marine retail locations, expanding the accessibility of ICE outboard propulsion for small and mid‑size boats commonly used in rental fleets and recreational activities. The availability of updated ICE outboard engines has supported continued reliance on traditional internal combustion power in the recreational and rental boating segments, helping to sustain strong market utilization rates for ICE‑powered vessels.

The full-electric segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. The growth of the segment is attributed to operators' and consumers’ preferences for sustainability and lower operating costs. Electric boats deliver reduced emissions and lower long‑term energy expenses compared to traditional engines, aligning with growing environmental awareness among U.S. renters. For instance, in December 2025, Electrified Marina LLC in Norfolk, Virginia, expanded its electric vessel offerings, shipping dozens of all‑electric pontoons, cruisers, and watercraft, thus reinforcing the shift toward electric boats and boosting visibility of zero‑emission options within rental fleets.

Activity Type Insights

The leisure sailing/cruising segment dominated the U.S. boat rental market in 2025. The growth is attributed to its popularity among families, groups, and tourists seeking extended on-water experiences. These activities are preferred for scenic coastal cruises, sunset tours, and short multi-day trips along U.S. destinations. The segment’s dominance is supported by the availability of well-equipped sailboats and cruising yachts suitable for novice and experienced renters. For instance, in June 2025, Freedom Boat Club experienced a record-breaking year, with members logging over 640,000 trips worldwide, the third consecutive year surpassing 600,000, reflecting strong participation in weekend boating and increased demand for the club’s shared-access model across its 400+ locations, thus highlighting strong ongoing demand for leisure cruising experiences.

The watersports segment is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. The growth is driven by rising interest in water activities. These activities attract younger demographics, adventure seekers, and tourists seeking short-duration, thrill-based experiences. For instance, in April 2025, Boatsetter Inc. launched its 2025 Summer Collection, featuring curated on-the-water experiences, including luxury yacht days in Miami and specialized, high-demand watersports rentals. By July 2025, the company offered active rentals in popular locations such as Lake Tahoe, with packages tailored to jet skis and motorboats for watersports, reflecting the increasing demand for experiential recreational activities among U.S. renters.

Booking Channel Insights

The marina/offline desk segment dominated the U.S. boat rental industry in 2025. The growth is driven by many customers' traditional preference for in-person interactions when booking boats. Renters often rely on on-site staff at marinas and rental offices for guidance, boat orientation, and equipment handling, which is particularly important for first-time users or families. In addition, established offline channels provide immediate access to boats in popular U.S. boating hubs. For instance, in June 2025, Freedom Boat Club experienced high demand during the summer months, with members frequently utilizing both the online booking system and direct, on-site, or telephone reservations for vessels at marina locations in Florida and Michigan. 

The subscription and club model segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. Consumers increasingly favor flexible and all‑inclusive access over ownership. These models allow members to hassle‑free boating without the costs and responsibilities of private ownership, including maintenance, storage, or any insurance. For instance, in September 2025, Carefree Boat Club expanded its fleet and service offerings in key U.S. markets such as San Diego and Lake Lanier by adding boats and yachts, thereby improving member choice and reinforcing demand for subscription‑style boating experiences that appeal to both frequent and occasional users.

Rental Duration Insights

The full-day segment accounted for a significant market share in 2025. Extended rental durations have consistently been preferred by consumers seeking comprehensive and uninterrupted recreational experiences, including activities such as cruising, fishing, watersports, and family outings. The segment has been further supported by the operational efficiencies provided to rental operators, as full‑day bookings reduce the frequency of fleet turnover and allow for more predictable management of vessels compared with shorter-duration rentals. In addition, full-day rentals have been recognized as offering better value and greater flexibility to customers, thus enabling them to enjoy activities without the constraints of hourly limits.

The multi-day/weekly segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. Travelers increasingly prefer longer rental durations as they provide a more immersive recreational experience than short-term rentals. In addition, the rising popularity of shared-access boating models such as charter services, boat clubs, and peer-to-peer rental platforms has been observed to support longer bookings, as consumers seek cost-efficient alternatives to boat ownership for extended trips. For instance, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association in January 2026, around 85 million Americans participate in recreational boating annually, while the market continues to benefit from growing shared-access options, including rentals and charter services that make multi-day boating trips more accessible to consumers.

Key U.S. Boat Rental Company Insights

Some of the key companies in the U.S. Boat Rental market include GetMyBoat, Inc., Boatsetter, Inc., Click&Boat, Sailo Inc., and others. Organizations are focusing on increasing the customer base to gain a competitive edge in the industry. Therefore, key players are taking several strategic initiatives, such as mergers and acquisitions, and partnerships with other major companies.

• GetMyBoat Inc. is an online marketplace connecting boat owners, renters, and water activity providers. The company offers more than 180,000 listings across over 184 countries. Their platform offers a wide range of vessels and supports both bareboat and crewed charters. Its digital interface allows users to compare and book boating experiences easily. In the U.S., GetMyBoat Inc. has a strong presence in major boating destinations such as Miami, San Diego, Lake Tahoe, and New York, where the platform facilitates rentals for sightseeing cruises, watersports, and private charters. This strong U.S. footprint contributes significantly to the company’s transaction volume and market reach.

• Boatsetter Inc. is a U.S. based boat rental platform connecting boat owners, renters, and licensed captains. The platform features over 50,000 vessels across more than 700 locations, including fishing boats, sailboats, and luxury yachts. The company offers both hourly rentals and extended charters. Through its technology-driven interface, they enable secure payments, insurance coverage, and booking management, ensuring a seamless experience for both owners and renters.

Recent Developments

• In December  2025, U.S. based Boatsetter Inc. and GetMyBoat Inc. announced a merger to form a unified boat rental marketplace with more than USD 500 million in bookings across 50 countries. This combined platform aims to integrate inventory, improve booking experiences, and accelerate product development and technological investment across both brands.

• In January  2026, GetMyBoat, a boat rental marketplace, announced an exclusive partnership with American Sailing (ASA) to enhance access to sailing and powerboating experiences across the U.S. ASA members gain immediate perks such as discounted boat rentals through GetMyBoat's platform, which features over 180,000 listings in 184 countries, alongside seamless booking for lessons, curated trips, and educational resources to build boater confidence. Boat owners and captains in ASA's network can also list services to expand their business, aligning GetMyBoat's marketplace with ASA's mission for safe, enjoyable sailing. 

U.S. Boat Rental Market Report Scope

U.S. Boat Rental Market Report Segmentation

This U.S. boat rental market report offers forecasts in terms of revenue growth at the country level and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2021 to 2033. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the U.S. boat rental market report based on boat type, power source, activity type, booking channel, and rental duration:

• Boat Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

  • Yacht

  • Sailing Boat

  • Catamaran

  • Motorboat

  • Others

• Power Source Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

  • ICE

  • Hybrid

  • Full-Electric

• Activity Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

  • Fishing

  • Leisure Sailing/Cruising

  • Watersports

  • Others

• Booking Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

  • Online Aggregator Platform

  • Marina/Offline Desk

  • Subscription and Club Models

• Rental Duration Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

  • Hourly

  • Half-Day

  • Full-Day

  • Multi-Day/Weekly