The recreational boating market - France

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. 

Informations

• Nombre de pages : 30 pages
• Format : Version digitale et PDF
• Dernière mise à jour : 21/02/2022

Sommaire et extraits

Liste des graphiques

• 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 de la flotte de bateaux de plaisance
• Evolution de la flotte de bateaux de plaisance
• Répartition du chiffres d'affaires de la filière plaisance
• Permis délivrés suite à un examen selon la région
• Répartition des permis délivrés par examen en France par type
• Évolution de la dépense et du pouvoir d'achat des ménages
• Acheteurs de bateaux neufs par catégorie socio-professionnelle (CSP)
• Importance des critères de choix d'un bateau
• Nombre d'établissements dans le marché, Nombre d'effectifs-salariés
• Nombre total de navires de plaisance par longueur
• Intérêt pour "Bateau"
• Évolution des ventes de bateaux d'occasion
• Le marché exterieur des bateaux de plaisance
• Top 5 des pays d'Exportations de bateaux de plaisance
• Top 5 des pays d'importations de bateaux de plaisance