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Summary
In the analysis of the global recreational craft market, France emerges as a leading player, home to major industry giants. Despite a sluggish period, the market has shown signs of growth, with an expected increase from $26.7 billion to $33.8 billion by 2027, growing at an average annual rate of 3.02%. Technology advancements, a growing high-net-worth population, and economic growth are driving forces behind this expansion.
The industry has seen consolidation with key players dominating, such as the Bénéteau Group holding nearly 69% of sector sales. Recreational boating is becoming more democratized, reflected in the rising number of boating licenses, positioning rental services and digital platforms as growing segments. The market is adapting to diverse customer needs with a segmented offering, catering to a wide comfort and price range, and the second-hand boat market showing promise. The French nautical services sector within this industry, as reported by the Nautical Industries Federation, continues to grow, reaching a turnover of 5.09 billion euros.
Trends and dynamics of the recreational boating market in France
The recreational boating market in France is characterized by a growing yet polarized demand, expansion in product offerings, and a robust position in the global market scene. On one hand, demand for pleasure boats largely emanates from the higher-income brackets, retirees, and affluent households. A significant portion of owners are males over the age of 35, with a tendency towards inherited practices and family-oriented sailing activities. Notably, retirees and leasing companies make up more than 30% of new yacht purchases, hinting at the strength of this demographic within the market. France continues to fortify its standing as a global leader in pleasure boat production, second only to Europe in manufacturing capabilities.
With a presence of over 1,000 registered pleasure boats and a market value exceeding 1.5 billion euros, the French pleasure boating scene is indicative of a sector prospering and open to new markets. The industry also reflects substantial employment in the region, with the number of personnel exceeding 8,000, which marks almost a 7% increase. A particularly promising facet of this market is the demand for rental services.
Rental provides accessibility to nautical activities for those who may find owning a boat financially restrictive. This segment has seen significant growth, with categories such as hyper-dynamic or new boaters favoring rental options over ownership due to the substantial costs of purchase and maintenance, which can start at prices like 90,000 euros for entry-level sailing boats from certain dealers. Serving this demand, the nautical industry has expanded to include a vast array of offerings from outboard and inboard boats to small vessels and inflatables.
The burgeoning used boat market also demonstrates an upward trajectory, particularly following policy shifts such as the abolition of the FSI. Online platforms further augment this landscape, simplifying boat rentals for various demographics without compromising on affordability.
Regulations play a critical role in maintaining sector standards in France. All pleasure boats from 2.5 to 24 meters must bear a CE marking as an affirmation of safety compliance per European Union guidelines. This legal framework ensures that construction and commercialization meet stringent quality and safety criteria, thereby bolstering the favorable market environment.
In terms of segmentation, industry leaders like Brunswick and Bénéteau dominate global sales, pulling in revenues in the billions and millions respectively, while specialists and online rental platforms carve out niches with multimillion revenues.
Notable titans and emerging players in the recreational craft market
As we navigate through the vast seas of the recreational craft market, it's paramount to spotlight some of the prominent players who have hoisted their sails and are charting courses as leaders and innovators within this dynamic industry. From seasoned shipbuilders to cutting-edge rental platforms, these entities are not only defining market trends but also shaping the future of nautical leisure.
- Brunswick Corporation – A colossus on the Waters : considered a global leader in recreational boating, Brunswick Corporation commands an impressive presence in the industry. Renowned for its diverse portfolio, this titan crafts a broad range of marine products, including outboard, inboard, and sterndrive engines, boats, and marine parts. With innovation and quality at the helm, Brunswick has carved out a significant slice of the market.
- Beneteau Group – Sailing beyond horizons : The French conglomerate Beneteau Group sails high among European manufacturers, having firmly anchored itself as a powerhouse with a sprawling suite of boat brands under its flag. Internationally recognized for its sailboats, yachts, and motorboats, Beneteau's commitment to craftsmanship and its expansive distribution network have established it as a key player and a beacon of excellence in the market.
- Multiplast – Specialists with a Cutting Edge - with precision as its mainstay, Multiplast specializes in high-performance composite materials, offering solutions that are light, strong, and dexterous. This specialist firm is known for pushing the boundaries of boat building technology, where its expertise comes to the fore in creating some of the world's fastest and most prestigious racing yachts and luxury vessels.
- Click&Boat – Riding the digital wave : In the realm of online boat rental platforms, Click&Boat has emerged as a frontrunner. Embracing the digital shift in consumer habits, the platform connects boat owners with sea enthusiasts looking for rental options, encapsulating a wide array of crafts for various nautical experiences. With innovation at its core, Click&Boat is dedicated to making boating more accessible and user-friendly.
- SamBoat – Creating ripples in Peer-to-Peer rentals, another key contender in the boat rental landscape is SamBoat. The company's peer-to-peer platform brings boat owners and renters together, offering an extensive catalog of vessels, from small fishing boats to luxurious yachts. SamBoat has quickly become synonymous with flexibility and choice in the boating community.
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- Number of pages : 30 pages
- Format : Digital and PDF versions
- Last update : 21/02/2022
Summary and extracts
1 Market overview
1.1 Presentation and definition of the recreational craft market
Pleasure boats are boats, sail or motor used in a leisure environment as opposed to professional and racing boats. Usually this class of vessel favours comfort and safety .
The recreational boating industry involves several players including :
- of builders
- of equipment manufacturers
- of engine manufacturers
- of ports and their related services
- other services, such as rental
This market can be segmented by type of product offered: propulsion boats (sail or motor) and by boat size (from small boats under 4 metres to yachts over 20 metres in length).
Thanks to its history, its culture of nautical practice and its large network of ports and industries, France is one of the leading markets in the world and in Europe. The sector is a stronghold of French industry . Growth in the recreational boating market today is driven by the dynamism of its actors, as evidenced by the movement of consolidation on the sector and the rise of a few large french giants .
L' innovation is also at the heart of the sector, with new boat models displaying increasingly complex technological capabilities (connectivity, artificial intelligence, capture and management of navigational data, etc.).
While the segment of new boat sales seems to be losing momentum, although production is driven by exports, recreational boating is tending to democratize little by little, building on the continued demand for the driver's permit The Group's strategy is based on the development of a buoyant rental market and the development of new offers such as the rental on digital platforms or via "boat clubs.
List of charts
- Evolution du chiffre d'affaires du marché des bateaux de plaisance
- Importation de bateaux de plaisance
- Exportation de bateaux de plaisance
- Valeur du marché de production bateaux de plaisance
- Structure of the pleasure boat fleet
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Latest news
Boating: Beneteau reaps the rewards of its transformation - 28/03/2024
- - Sales for fiscal 2023: 1.7 billion euros
- - Sales growth: 18.3
- - Increase in sailboat sales: 31
- - 17% growth in large powerboat sales
- - Day boating sales up 3% despite lower volumes delivered
- - Rooted in the "new boating professions" :
- - stakes in various boat rental companies and acquisition of the Wiziboat platform
- - Seanapps application included in around 8,000 boats
- - Partnership with Candela to invest in "flying boats
NVequipment gains in legitimacy thanks to French Fab - 30/08/2023
- NVequipement was taken over in 2010, and has grown from 40 employees at the time of the takeover to 180 today.
- It is now the European leader in fabric protection for the boating industry.
- Sales should reach 16.6 million euros by August 31, 2023, up 10% on 2022.
- 40% of sales come from exports.
- The company equips the boats of most of the major yachting manufacturers, including Beneteau, Dufour and Catana.
- It also distributes through a network of dealers in 45 countries.
- The company was awarded the French Fab label in 2018, enhancing its European audience and image.
- 100% made in France.
Jean-François Fountaine, from sea to town hall - 08/08/2023
- Fountaine Pajot, co-founded by Jean-François Fountaine in 1976, is a world leader in cruising catamarans.
- Fountaine Pajot has sales of 220 million euros.
- Fountaine Pajot employs 600 people.
- Jean-François Fountaine left the operational side of Fountaine Pajot in 2014 when he was first elected mayor of La Rochelle, but remains a majority shareholder via his family holding company.
Plastimo at the Cité de la Voile in Lorient - 28/07/2023
- Plastimo was founded in 1963.
- Since its inception, the company has grown by a staggering 30% a year.
- The company has 7,000 m2 of warehousing where it stocks some 13,000 product references.
- Plastimo generates sales of 30 million euros.
- The company is present in some one hundred countries. It employs around one hundred people.
Temo, Nantes-based specialist in electric motors - 13/07/2023
- Temo is a start-up specializing in electroportable propulsion solutions.
- The company was launched in 2018 by Alexandre Seux and Justine Perussel.
- To date, Temo has sold 4,000 of its electric motors in France and internationally
- Its sales reached 2 million euros last year.
- In February 2022, Temo raised 1.5 million euros from local business angels, the Morbihan fund Octave, and yachting professionals
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