19/08/2026
What we see and hear daily when speaking with customers is the way people use boats is changing.
And the numbers tell the same story.
In 2005, around 10,000 cabin boats over 35ft were sold in the US. Last year there were fewer than 1,000.
It’s not because they suddenly became bad boats. They’re still beautifully built, well engineered and incredibly capable. A majority of peoples lifestyle have changed.
Weekends are busier. Kids have sport. Families have commitments. And most boat owners simply don’t have an entire weekend to disappear offshore.
Here in Australia, a Boating Industry Association study found that around 92% of boat owners spend 8 hours or less on the water at a time.
People still want to go boating - they just want to, and need it to fit into their lives.
Easy on. Easy off. Maximum time enjoying the water and home again that afternoon.
Maybe the future of boating isn’t about spending more time onboard.
It’s about making the time we do have count.
Listen to the full podcast with Steve Heese (President of Chris Craft) now - link in my bio 🎧
