According to a sector forecast presented at Confindustria Nautica’s annual members’ assembly in December, the Italian marine industry is entering 2026 with a more stable and cautiously positive outlook. The assessment draws on survey responses collected from member companies in early December and reflects conditions across recreational boating, superyachts, engines, components, and marine services.
Superyacht segment maintains strong footing
The superyacht sector closed 2025 on a solid note. Half of the companies surveyed reported year-on-year growth in turnover, while a further 25% indicated stable results. Order books suggest that growth rates are normalising, with around half of shipyards maintaining steady order levels and one quarter recording an increase compared with the previous year.
Smaller boat production shows mixed performance
Production trends for vessels under 24 metres—including motorboats, sailing yachts, and inflatable boats—remained more uneven during 2025. Over half of surveyed companies expect turnover to decline, with reductions ranging from 5% to more than 30%. At the same time, roughly one quarter anticipate stable results, while another quarter foresee growth, reflecting a pattern similar to that seen in 2024.
Looking ahead to the 2025/26 nautical year, expectations improve. Nearly half of respondents now anticipate growth, while around one third expect stability. Just under a quarter continue to factor in the possibility of a downturn.
Sales networks reflect improving sentiment
Recreational boat sales networks experienced a difficult 2025, with more than 60% of respondents expecting negative results and the remainder forecasting stability. However, the outlook for the current nautical year appears more balanced. The share of respondents expecting negative performance falls, while half now anticipate stable conditions and a smaller portion expect growth to return.
Marine engines outlook turns more positive
Forecasts for the marine engine segment in 2025 remain evenly distributed, with equal shares of companies predicting growth and decline, and half expecting stable turnover. For the nautical year ahead, expectations strengthen, as more respondents anticipate growth while stability remains the dominant outlook.
Components and equipment sector remains diverse
The components and equipment segment continues to show wide variation. In 2025, responses are evenly spread between stability, growth, and decline, with performance changes ranging from gains of up to 20% to declines of as much as 30% compared with 2024. This reflects the sector’s broad exposure across superyachts, small craft, and aftersales markets.
For 2025/26, the share of companies expecting positive performance increases, indicating gradually improving confidence across the supply chain.
Leasing and charter activity stands out
Leasing and rental operators report comparatively stronger conditions. In 2025, a majority recorded turnover growth, while most of the remainder experienced stable results or only modest declines. Expectations for the current nautical year strengthen further, with nearly two thirds forecasting growth and very few anticipating contraction.
Trade shows point to broader recovery signals
Early indications of a wider market recovery expected in 2026 and 2027 have begun to emerge. Autumn boat shows, including the 65th Genoa International Boat Show, reflected renewed interest driven by new product launches and evolving market dynamics.
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Source: Confindustria Nautica
