From Matt Foxcroft of Matt’s RV Review: Hey everyone welcome back to another video! Today I am super honored to be able to debut the 1st OFFICIAL WORLD DEBUT of the All NEW @GrandDesignRVTV Lineage by Grand Design VT! This is an amazing Class B Camper van and I know these styles and features are going to change the RV #Vanlife Industry!
The post Video: World Debut of Grand Design Lineage Series VT B-van first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum joined Shannon Bream on Fox News Sunday to discuss how mining rare earth minerals in the United States is critical to increasing electricity production and winning the AI arms race against China. They also discussed government efficiency efforts in the Department of the Interior and how we are staffing up for peak season at our National Parks in anticipation for a great summer.
The post Interior Sec. Burgum Addresses National Parks on Fox News first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.
ELKHART, Ind. – Sevna Composite Cabs is showcasing its composite cab designed for people who work. The flexible electric cab was engineered specifically to meet the needs of fleet operators, upfitters and dealer distributors in the medium duty commercial vehicle market.
The Sevna cab will be paired with a Harbinger medium-duty electric stripped chassis and E-Van composite body to be featured at Booth 4883 at the upcoming ACT Expo to be held April 28 – May 1 in Anaheim, Calif.
“Our team has made amazing progress over the past year as we worked to make our vision for a composite EV cab with the flexibility and features designed for the modern trades, and now we are on the cusp of commercial production,” said Mike Schoeffler, CEO of Sevna Composite Cabs. “Whether you are an entrepreneur working in a range of trades or an operator managing a fleet of delivery vehicles, the Sevna Cab features the ergonomic design, ease of maintenance and light weight to make your total cost of ownership comparable to current ICE options.”
“We are currently in the process of internal and third-party certification processes for the cab and we expect to enter full production in July 2025,” said Schoeffler. “We are convinced the Sevna Composite Cab will prove the flexibility the commercial vehicle market demands, allowing customers to integrate our cab with a variety of chassis sizes, making the ultimate customized vehicle.”
For more information on the work-focused Sevna cab or to schedule a meeting at the ACT Expo, please contact [email protected].
The post Sevna to Showcase Next Generation Commercial Cab Design first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.
NAPPANEE, Ind. – Gulf Stream Coach Inc. has a lot to be excited about and wants to share that feeling as over the next few weeks team members will be hosting dealers during a spring showcase at company headquarters at 503 S. Oakland Ave. in Nappanee.
President Phil Sarvari says the event is a perfect example for how Gulf Stream relates to its dealers
“They’ve asked us to put something together so they can come in and see some of the new products,” he said. “And it’s a perfect example how we listen to our customers and we respond.”
Sarvari says there’s a lot of uncertainty in the marketplace, but there’s something dealers can count on.
“We are not increasing our prices,” Sarvari said. “So if they want to come here now and buy at the great prices we already have, it gives them an opportunity to do so. To coin a phrase, we answer to Main Street, not Wall Street.”
National Sales Manager and Product Manager for the Lightweight and Laminate Division Tim Dennig says dealers need to attend.
“We totally rejuvenated the entire lineup,” he said. “From the graphics on the exterior to new features, new options, and even a new footprint inside on some of the floor plans. We learned from our dealers and customers – they said ‘Move this over here and move that over there.’ So we did, and we do that because being the largest family-owned RV business in the country, we can react on a dime.”
Metal-Sided Division Product Manager Pete Nottoli added to Dennig’s point, saying there are many new products for dealers to see up close and personal.
“We have about six new floor plans, three décor pilots, some stuff that’s going to be coming offline in the next week or so,” he said. “We want opinions from dealers on the décor pilots to see what direction we should go for model change.”
Nottoli says dealers should be excited about what Gulf Stream has to offer for the current market.
“We’re starting to see an uprise, but it is a relatively soft market,” he said. “Everything that we carry, you should be excited about seeing because we have every segment that you could possibly need in price points… Every segment you need in what your market is seeing right now to get the customers in the door and turn a profit, we have to show you.”
Motorized Division General Manager Matt Buckman is excited to showcase the new additions to the tried-and-true Conquest Class C Motorhome.
“We’re really excited about the fact we’re bringing out products that can provide dual A/Cs,” he said. “In the sunbelt down in Florida – down in Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona – it’s almost imperative.”
One of Gulf Stream’s other iconic lines, the BT Cruiser, is also getting some new features.
“We’ve done some nice things in terms of aesthetics,” Buckman said. “We have a new paint job that we brought to market. It really follows today’s current trends. We’ve manipulated the floor plan and improved the functionality.”
One of the first dealers to visit was Tony Sines. The owner and founder of Tony’s RV in Bryan, Ohio, was glad to make the trip to Nappanee to spend time with the Gulf Stream team.
He’s been exclusively selling Gulf Stream RVs since 2018 for a simple reason.
“[It’s a] family owned business,” Sines said. “If I ever need anything, I get ahold of who I need to and they always take care of me. Tony’s RV is family owned, too, so it’s family owned meets family owned. I love that.”
The post Dealer Partnerships Drive Gulf Stream’s Spring Showcase first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.
EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is the latest list of RV and RV-related recalls compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Per strict NHTSA protocols, manufacturers will next notify its dealer partners of the recall notice. Each notice will include details of the affected vehicles as well as the appropriate remedy.
Alliance RV, LLC (Alliance) is recalling 152 2025 Avenue 23ML travel trailers. The Federal Placard may have the incorrect Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW) and Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC) information, allowing the trailer to be overloaded. Dealers will replace the Federal Placard, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2025. Owners may contact Alliance customer service at 1-574-218-7165.
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling 23 2025 Coachmen Brookstone BKF398MBL fifth wheels. The wastewater holding tank pipe may not extend to the exterior of the vehicle, allowing sewer gas to enter the cabin. Dealers will extend the ventilation pipe, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 20, 2025. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-825-7101. Forest River’s number for this recall is 110-1914.
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling 27 Coachmen Catalina BCAT154RBX travel trailers. The wastewater holding tank pipe may not extend to the exterior of the vehicle, allowing sewer gas to enter the cabin. Dealers will extend the ventilation pipe, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 20, 2025. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-825-4995. Forest River’s number for this recall is 203-1917.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling 457 2024-2025 E-Transit Chassis Cab vehicles. The tray side rails for the high voltage battery pack may buckle and crack, allowing water to enter the battery. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace, or repair the battery assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 5, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 25S36.
Jayco, Inc. (Jayco) is recalling 34 2025 Entegra Aspire, 2025-2026 Entegra Anthem, and Cornerstone motorhomes. The fuel filter housing may become damaged from contact with the rear cap support bracket, causing a fuel leak. Dealers will install a new mounting plate and relocate the rear cap support bracket, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 16, 2025. Owners may contact Jayco customer service at 1-800-283-8267. Jayco’s number for this recall is 9903625.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling 4,625 2022-2023 Transit vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 23V-598. The rearview camera, or 360-degree view camera if equipped, may not display a rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse. Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 19, 2025. Ford’s number for this recall is 25S38.
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling 4,270 2024-2025 Coachmen Catalina, Forest River Aurora, Cascade, Cedar Creek, Cherokee, Sandpiper, Sierra, 2025 Campsite Reserve, Impression, Pause, Puma, Sabre, Salem, Vengeance, and Wildwood fifth wheel and travel trailers, equipped with a removable step assembly. The clip-on bracket mounting bolts may come loose, allowing the steps to detach. Dealers will inspect and repair or replace the clip-on bracket as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 24, 2025. Owners may contact customer service at Aurora & Catalina (1-574-825-4995), Campsite Reserve, Cascade, Cherokee, Sabre, Vengeance (1-260-499-2100), Cedar Creek (1-260-593-4000), Impression (1-574-327-2716), Pause (1-574-327-2681), Puma (1-574-642-0588), Sierra & Sandpiper (1-574-534-4574), and Salem & Wildwood (1-574-534-3167). Forest River’s number for this recall is 51-1915.
The post NHTSA Releases its Most Recent Installment of RV Recalls first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.
EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is the latest list of RV and RV-related recalls compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Per strict NHTSA protocols, manufacturers will next notify its dealer partners of the recall notice. Each notice will include details of the affected vehicles as well as the appropriate remedy.
Alliance RV, LLC (Alliance) is recalling 152 2025 Avenue 23ML travel trailers. The Federal Placard may have the incorrect Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW) and Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC) information, allowing the trailer to be overloaded. Dealers will replace the Federal Placard, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2025. Owners may contact Alliance customer service at 1-574-218-7165.
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling 23 2025 Coachmen Brookstone BKF398MBL fifth wheels. The wastewater holding tank pipe may not extend to the exterior of the vehicle, allowing sewer gas to enter the cabin. Dealers will extend the ventilation pipe, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 20, 2025. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-825-7101. Forest River’s number for this recall is 110-1914.
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling 27 Coachmen Catalina BCAT154RBX travel trailers. The wastewater holding tank pipe may not extend to the exterior of the vehicle, allowing sewer gas to enter the cabin. Dealers will extend the ventilation pipe, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 20, 2025. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-825-4995. Forest River’s number for this recall is 203-1917.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling 457 2024-2025 E-Transit Chassis Cab vehicles. The tray side rails for the high voltage battery pack may buckle and crack, allowing water to enter the battery. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace, or repair the battery assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 5, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 25S36.
Jayco, Inc. (Jayco) is recalling 34 2025 Entegra Aspire, 2025-2026 Entegra Anthem, and Cornerstone motorhomes. The fuel filter housing may become damaged from contact with the rear cap support bracket, causing a fuel leak. Dealers will install a new mounting plate and relocate the rear cap support bracket, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 16, 2025. Owners may contact Jayco customer service at 1-800-283-8267. Jayco’s number for this recall is 9903625.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling 4,625 2022-2023 Transit vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 23V-598. The rearview camera, or 360-degree view camera if equipped, may not display a rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse. Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 19, 2025. Ford’s number for this recall is 25S38.
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling 4,270 2024-2025 Coachmen Catalina, Forest River Aurora, Cascade, Cedar Creek, Cherokee, Sandpiper, Sierra, 2025 Campsite Reserve, Impression, Pause, Puma, Sabre, Salem, Vengeance, and Wildwood fifth wheel and travel trailers, equipped with a removable step assembly. The clip-on bracket mounting bolts may come loose, allowing the steps to detach. Dealers will inspect and repair or replace the clip-on bracket as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 24, 2025. Owners may contact customer service at Aurora & Catalina (1-574-825-4995), Campsite Reserve, Cascade, Cherokee, Sabre, Vengeance (1-260-499-2100), Cedar Creek (1-260-593-4000), Impression (1-574-327-2716), Pause (1-574-327-2681), Puma (1-574-642-0588), Sierra & Sandpiper (1-574-534-4574), and Salem & Wildwood (1-574-534-3167). Forest River’s number for this recall is 51-1915.
The post NHTSA Releases its Most Recent Installment of RV Recalls first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.
The latest Outdoor Industry Association Retail Trends Report shows a market in transition, according to an OIA release. Participation is at an all-time high, retail dollars are moving, and outdoor gear has officially crossed over into the fashion and lifestyle world. On the surface, things look alright, but when we dig a little deeper, things get far more complicated.
We’re seeing more and more casual consumers getting outside, and they’re buying differently. That shift isn’t inherently bad; more people outside is something everyone has been pushing for. But here’s the tension: despite growth in participation, fewer consumers are leveling up into committed, gear-hungry outdoorists. Casual users tend to buy less and buy on sale. And the more we condition them to expect discounts, the harder it becomes to maintain pricing power or build long-term brand equity.
Discount addiction
Sales numbers may look relatively stable, but unit sales have plateaued. The post-COVID discount cycle, with prevalent blanket promotions and endless markdowns, has trained customers to wait for the next deal.. This undermines specialty retail, devalues premium products, and creates a dangerous dependence on discounting to move inventory.
To break that cycle, brands will need more than just a better pricing strategy. They’ll need better engagement through loyalty programs that reward activity, not just spending; educational content that builds confidence; and in-store and online experiences that create an emotional connection. In a flat market, market share is won not with less expensive products, but with more reasons to care about your brand vs others.
Where the spending is
So where are people still spending? Accessories are one of the few bright spots where lifestyle trends and healthy margins still align. They’re convenient entry points and impulse buys and often satisfy the ‘multi-use’ desires of casual participants. But, they can also be trend-driven, which means that pace and ‘taste’ matter. Think fast-turn, lower-volume SKUs that are sustainable, stylish, and versatile.
Meanwhile, big-ticket technical gear is a tougher sell. Fewer consumers are dropping $1,000 on kayaks. Instead, they’re birding, backyard lounging, or wrapping up overlanding trips at a brewery. These types of big purchases are a harder sell in a market built around comfort and convenience. This doesn’t mean the hardcore segment is gone, but it might mean that the demand isn’t there right now.
And we can’t ignore running. It’s still booming, reshaping how brands and buyers approach footwear and apparel and shows no signs of slowing. If your brand doesn’t have a strategy to engage runners—either through product or positioning—you’re missing one of the biggest growth opportunities in the space.
Demographics matter as well, and the industry is still missing the mark with nearly half its audience. Women make up nearly half of outdoor participants and consistently outspend men on apparel, yet men’s categories continue to lead in overall sales. This feels like old news, but it seems like most progress in this vein has been made outside the core outdoor industry. Legacy outdoor brands continue to lag behind more athleisure-forward competitors (both in and outside the “core” outdoor space) who have been able to successfully tap into branding and marketing approaches that resonate more strongly with women outdoorists.
The elephant in the room
While not yet reflected in the data, rising import costs threaten to push prices beyond key psychological thresholds, particularly in categories where demand has been driven by casual, discretionary purchases. Tariffs may be designed to incentivize domestic production, but for many outdoor brands, that’s not realistic. OIA recently hosted a webinar on the new tariffs, and I’ve previously written about how even “Made in the USA” labels often mask a deeper global dependence: zippers from Japan, membranes from Taiwan, stitching in Vietnam, etc. While some brands assemble products domestically or run small-scale production operations, the vast majority of outdoor gear manufacturing still happens in Asia. Brands can’t simply swap in domestic factories without losing access to innovation, capacity, and speed.
When those prices inch up, consumers may hesitate to buy accessories that currently feel like impulse buys. Will the ‘drinkware’ category survive a 20-30% price increase? Running is a hot market, but shoes creeping from $170 to $200 (or more) could slow growth. And big-ticket technical gear? Even tougher to move. Depending on overall economic trends, seasonal or infrequent users may simply drop out of the funnel.
The outdoor market is deeply tied to emotionally driven spending. Customers don’t always “need” gear—they want to feel inspired by it (or look good in the newest styles). As prices inch up, the balance between that emotional and financial value could start to tip in the wrong direction. As prices increase, casual consumers who don’t carry “the outdoors” as part of their core identity will likely spend less.
The timing couldn’t be worse. Consumers have grown price-sensitive, and the industry has trained them in recent years to expect discounts. As tariffs push MSRPs higher, retailers may struggle to maintain margins without deepening discounts, which cuts against their ability to grow or even survive. It’s a Catch-22: raise prices and lose customers, or discount and destroy margin.
Can circularity move more mainstream?
This is where circularity becomes more than a sustainability talking point. It’s likely that rising prices will push more consumers toward secondhand platforms, whether that’s peer-to-peer marketplaces, local consignment, or white-label resale programs. Some brands have already invested in resale infrastructure, largely in the name of sustainability. But 2025 might be the year where circularity becomes a core part of more business strategies. Not just to meet ESG goals, but to offer consumers more price-accessible options (and sustain brand relationships and revenue) in a market where the price points of new gear feel out of reach, or at least make consumers more apprehensive.
The smartest brands will integrate resale more directly into their digital and retail ecosystems, as well as their overall brand story. Circularity isn’t just a defense against pricing pressure. It can be a way to extend the product lifecycle, capture value from second sales, and keep customers in your ecosystem longer.
Where does that leave us?
Tariffs, pricing pressure, and shifting behaviors will test every assumption. There’s no doubt that we’re entering the first months of 2025 with significant uncertainties about almost everything in the industry. But brands that stay nimble, invest in community and experience, and build for both the first purchase and long-term engagement? Those are the ones that may weather the uncertain waters ahead with the greatest stability.
Want to dive deeper into the data behind these trends? Download the 2025 Outdoor Industry Retail Trends Report Executive Summary. OIA members get access to the full report and 2024 data in the OIA Member Portal.
The post What Does the Outdoor Retail Market Look Like in 2025? first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.
The latest Outdoor Industry Association Retail Trends Report shows a market in transition, according to an OIA release. Participation is at an all-time high, retail dollars are moving, and outdoor gear has officially crossed over into the fashion and lifestyle world. On the surface, things look alright, but when we dig a little deeper, things get far more complicated.
We’re seeing more and more casual consumers getting outside, and they’re buying differently. That shift isn’t inherently bad; more people outside is something everyone has been pushing for. But here’s the tension: despite growth in participation, fewer consumers are leveling up into committed, gear-hungry outdoorists. Casual users tend to buy less and buy on sale. And the more we condition them to expect discounts, the harder it becomes to maintain pricing power or build long-term brand equity.
Discount addiction
Sales numbers may look relatively stable, but unit sales have plateaued. The post-COVID discount cycle, with prevalent blanket promotions and endless markdowns, has trained customers to wait for the next deal.. This undermines specialty retail, devalues premium products, and creates a dangerous dependence on discounting to move inventory.
To break that cycle, brands will need more than just a better pricing strategy. They’ll need better engagement through loyalty programs that reward activity, not just spending; educational content that builds confidence; and in-store and online experiences that create an emotional connection. In a flat market, market share is won not with less expensive products, but with more reasons to care about your brand vs others.
Where the spending is
So where are people still spending? Accessories are one of the few bright spots where lifestyle trends and healthy margins still align. They’re convenient entry points and impulse buys and often satisfy the ‘multi-use’ desires of casual participants. But, they can also be trend-driven, which means that pace and ‘taste’ matter. Think fast-turn, lower-volume SKUs that are sustainable, stylish, and versatile.
Meanwhile, big-ticket technical gear is a tougher sell. Fewer consumers are dropping $1,000 on kayaks. Instead, they’re birding, backyard lounging, or wrapping up overlanding trips at a brewery. These types of big purchases are a harder sell in a market built around comfort and convenience. This doesn’t mean the hardcore segment is gone, but it might mean that the demand isn’t there right now.
And we can’t ignore running. It’s still booming, reshaping how brands and buyers approach footwear and apparel and shows no signs of slowing. If your brand doesn’t have a strategy to engage runners—either through product or positioning—you’re missing one of the biggest growth opportunities in the space.
Demographics matter as well, and the industry is still missing the mark with nearly half its audience. Women make up nearly half of outdoor participants and consistently outspend men on apparel, yet men’s categories continue to lead in overall sales. This feels like old news, but it seems like most progress in this vein has been made outside the core outdoor industry. Legacy outdoor brands continue to lag behind more athleisure-forward competitors (both in and outside the “core” outdoor space) who have been able to successfully tap into branding and marketing approaches that resonate more strongly with women outdoorists.
The elephant in the room
While not yet reflected in the data, rising import costs threaten to push prices beyond key psychological thresholds, particularly in categories where demand has been driven by casual, discretionary purchases. Tariffs may be designed to incentivize domestic production, but for many outdoor brands, that’s not realistic. OIA recently hosted a webinar on the new tariffs, and I’ve previously written about how even “Made in the USA” labels often mask a deeper global dependence: zippers from Japan, membranes from Taiwan, stitching in Vietnam, etc. While some brands assemble products domestically or run small-scale production operations, the vast majority of outdoor gear manufacturing still happens in Asia. Brands can’t simply swap in domestic factories without losing access to innovation, capacity, and speed.
When those prices inch up, consumers may hesitate to buy accessories that currently feel like impulse buys. Will the ‘drinkware’ category survive a 20-30% price increase? Running is a hot market, but shoes creeping from $170 to $200 (or more) could slow growth. And big-ticket technical gear? Even tougher to move. Depending on overall economic trends, seasonal or infrequent users may simply drop out of the funnel.
The outdoor market is deeply tied to emotionally driven spending. Customers don’t always “need” gear—they want to feel inspired by it (or look good in the newest styles). As prices inch up, the balance between that emotional and financial value could start to tip in the wrong direction. As prices increase, casual consumers who don’t carry “the outdoors” as part of their core identity will likely spend less.
The timing couldn’t be worse. Consumers have grown price-sensitive, and the industry has trained them in recent years to expect discounts. As tariffs push MSRPs higher, retailers may struggle to maintain margins without deepening discounts, which cuts against their ability to grow or even survive. It’s a Catch-22: raise prices and lose customers, or discount and destroy margin.
Can circularity move more mainstream?
This is where circularity becomes more than a sustainability talking point. It’s likely that rising prices will push more consumers toward secondhand platforms, whether that’s peer-to-peer marketplaces, local consignment, or white-label resale programs. Some brands have already invested in resale infrastructure, largely in the name of sustainability. But 2025 might be the year where circularity becomes a core part of more business strategies. Not just to meet ESG goals, but to offer consumers more price-accessible options (and sustain brand relationships and revenue) in a market where the price points of new gear feel out of reach, or at least make consumers more apprehensive.
The smartest brands will integrate resale more directly into their digital and retail ecosystems, as well as their overall brand story. Circularity isn’t just a defense against pricing pressure. It can be a way to extend the product lifecycle, capture value from second sales, and keep customers in your ecosystem longer.
Where does that leave us?
Tariffs, pricing pressure, and shifting behaviors will test every assumption. There’s no doubt that we’re entering the first months of 2025 with significant uncertainties about almost everything in the industry. But brands that stay nimble, invest in community and experience, and build for both the first purchase and long-term engagement? Those are the ones that may weather the uncertain waters ahead with the greatest stability.
Want to dive deeper into the data behind these trends? Download the 2025 Outdoor Industry Retail Trends Report Executive Summary. OIA members get access to the full report and 2024 data in the OIA Member Portal.
The post What Does the Outdoor Retail Market Look Like in 2025? first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.
As the recreational boating industry faces shifting economic tides, understanding the sentiments of its leaders has never been more critical. NMMA recently launched the Marine Leadership Barometer, a quarterly survey with the first one fielded for Q1 2025, designed to capture the insights and expectations of its member CEOs and senior executives regarding the industry’s current and future state.
Respondents completed the survey between March 10-21, 2025. During this two-week period, which fell ahead of April 2 “Liberation Day” and subsequent tariff announcements, in a cautiously optimistic signal for the U.S. recreational boating industry, 45% of marine manufacturers reported a guardedly positive outlook for the year ahead.
The Q1 survey was sent to 1,500 boat, marine engine and accessory component member manufacturer executives across the CEO, founder and owner level, in addition to other senior executives across the C-suite and senior leadership. Responses from the two-week period the survey was fielded represent a 12% response rate, which is within the average response rate benchmark.
Key Findings in the Q1 Report Include:
Trade and economic policy continue to be a divisive factor. While government measures such as tax and regulatory reforms are seen as positive by some, trade-related policy uncertainty remains the most frequently cited concern among those projecting negative outcomes.
Taken together, the data paints a picture of a sector preparing for headwinds, yet not without its bright spots. With cautious optimism and a focus on strategic adaptation, marine manufacturers appear poised to navigate a complex economic seascape in 2025.
More than just a survey, this quarterly initiative strengthens NMMA’s suite of research tools, helping members navigate trends, challenges, and opportunities. The findings will also support NMMA’s advocacy work in advancing the industry’s policy priorities and government relations on behalf of members, as well as the association’s market expansion strategic priorities—ensuring the industry’s voice is well-represented.
Industry-wide engagement is essential to making the Marine Leadership Barometer a powerful tool. By participating, leaders contribute to a comprehensive, data-driven understanding of the industry’s trajectory.
Only participating companies (those who responded to the survey) are eligible to receive the quarterly report in full. NMMA manufacturing member companies who did not complete the survey will receive the executive summary and are encouraged to participate in future surveys to obtain the full report. All NMMA members are eligible to purchase an annual subscription that includes all four quarterly reports for $3,500, or a one-time purchase per report for $1,000.
For more information or to take part in the survey, contact NMMA’s Rebecca Lark at [email protected].
The post Marine Execs Report Cautious Optimism in Q1 2025 Survey first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.
As the recreational boating industry faces shifting economic tides, understanding the sentiments of its leaders has never been more critical. NMMA recently launched the Marine Leadership Barometer, a quarterly survey with the first one fielded for Q1 2025, designed to capture the insights and expectations of its member CEOs and senior executives regarding the industry’s current and future state.
Respondents completed the survey between March 10-21, 2025. During this two-week period, which fell ahead of April 2 “Liberation Day” and subsequent tariff announcements, in a cautiously optimistic signal for the U.S. recreational boating industry, 45% of marine manufacturers reported a guardedly positive outlook for the year ahead.
The Q1 survey was sent to 1,500 boat, marine engine and accessory component member manufacturer executives across the CEO, founder and owner level, in addition to other senior executives across the C-suite and senior leadership. Responses from the two-week period the survey was fielded represent a 12% response rate, which is within the average response rate benchmark.
Key Findings in the Q1 Report Include:
Trade and economic policy continue to be a divisive factor. While government measures such as tax and regulatory reforms are seen as positive by some, trade-related policy uncertainty remains the most frequently cited concern among those projecting negative outcomes.
Taken together, the data paints a picture of a sector preparing for headwinds, yet not without its bright spots. With cautious optimism and a focus on strategic adaptation, marine manufacturers appear poised to navigate a complex economic seascape in 2025.
More than just a survey, this quarterly initiative strengthens NMMA’s suite of research tools, helping members navigate trends, challenges, and opportunities. The findings will also support NMMA’s advocacy work in advancing the industry’s policy priorities and government relations on behalf of members, as well as the association’s market expansion strategic priorities—ensuring the industry’s voice is well-represented.
Industry-wide engagement is essential to making the Marine Leadership Barometer a powerful tool. By participating, leaders contribute to a comprehensive, data-driven understanding of the industry’s trajectory.
Only participating companies (those who responded to the survey) are eligible to receive the quarterly report in full. NMMA manufacturing member companies who did not complete the survey will receive the executive summary and are encouraged to participate in future surveys to obtain the full report. All NMMA members are eligible to purchase an annual subscription that includes all four quarterly reports for $3,500, or a one-time purchase per report for $1,000.
For more information or to take part in the survey, contact NMMA’s Rebecca Lark at [email protected].
The post Marine Execs Report Cautious Optimism in Q1 2025 Survey first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.