Forbes España

Nautik Magazine

The Spanish boating market continues to grow: up 5.5% through October despite the seasonal slowdown

Recreational boat registrations totaled 4,873 units between January and October 2026, although October ended with a 16.9% year-over-year decline.

by Forbes NautikReading time 2 minutes

The Spanish recreational boat market recorded 4,873 registrations between January and October 2026, compared to 4,617 during the same period in 2025, representing a 5.5% increase. The pace, however, has slowed: in October, 231 units were registered, 16.9% fewer than the 278 recorded a year earlier.

This is according to the Report on the Recreational Boat Market: January–October 2026, prepared by the National Association of Nautical Companies (ANEN) based on records from the General Directorate of the Merchant Marine.

Large vessels are driving the market

All length-based segments ended the period on a positive note. Boats over 16 meters led the growth, with 71 registrations and a 54.3% increase, followed by those between 12 and 16 meters, which totaled 175 units (+38.9%).

Vehicles up to 6 meters in length, which account for 68% of the market, totaled 3,316 registrations (+2.6%). Vehicles between 6 and 8 meters totaled 920 units (+9.8%), and those between 8 and 12 meters grew by 4.3%, with 388 registrations.

Motorboats, in the lead

Motorboats showed the strongest growth among the main categories: 2,101 registrations, up 14.5%, accounting for a 43.1% market share. Folding inflatable boats totaled 612 units (+4.6%), and sailboats totaled 230 (+3.6%). On the downside, personal watercraft (1,342 units) declined by 0.6%, and inflatable boats (501) fell by 4.8%.

Charter flights grow by 7.5%

The rental market has recorded 1,471 registrations through October, up 7.5%. In October, 31 vessels were registered for charter use, down 13.9%, in line with the overall market.

By length, the most notable increases were among vessels over 16 meters, which rose from 19 to 33 registrations, and those between 12 and 16 meters (+38.6%). Jet skis account for 44.3% of charter activity and grew by 13.4%; motorboats, with a 36.1% share, increased by 8.8%; and sailboats grew by 10.4%.

The Balearic Islands, Barcelona, and Madrid Lead the Way

The Balearic Islands lead in new car registrations with 760 units and a 15.6% share, ahead of Barcelona (563; 11.6%) and Madrid (378; 7.8%). They are followed by Murcia (290), Alicante (283), Girona (278), Málaga (264), and Cádiz (223).

In the charter sector, the Balearic Islands also lead with 364 registrations and a 24.8% market share, followed by Barcelona (186) and Girona (130).