Top Boat Brands Making Waves in the Nautical World

When it comes to investing in a boat, choosing a reliable brand is crucial for ensuring a delightful and hassle-free experience on the water. With numerous manufacturers vying for attention, discerning boat enthusiasts need a guide to navigate the sea of options. The best brands offer a combination of quality craftsmanship, innovative design, and dependable performance, catering to both novice sailors and seasoned mariners alike. To discover which boat brands stand out in the industry, read on below and find the perfect match for your seafaring adventures.

Illustration of boat

Best brands of boat in 2025

Sea Ray

Sea Ray, a renowned brand under Brunswick Corporation, remains a leader in the recreational motorboat industry, having sold over 2,869 units worldwide in 2018 and historically producing more than 25,000 new boats annually at its peak before the 2008 recession. Despite a temporary decline, Sea Ray has seen a strong resurgence, with a 35% increase in units and an 80% increase in revenue at the 2023 Palm Beach International Boat Show. The brand is known for its innovative designs, such as the SDX 250 Surf boat featuring the NextWave(tm) surf system and MerCruiser(r) 6.2L engine. Sea Ray's models range from 17-foot power boats to over 65-foot motor yachts, including the Sundancer and "L" Series luxury yachts. The brand's commitment to quality and technology has maintained its position as a top choice in the boating market. For more information, visit the official Sea Ray website.

Boston Whaler

Boston Whaler, founded in 1958, is renowned for its innovative and durable boats, earning the nickname "The Unsinkable Legend" due to its foam-filled, twin-sponson hull design. The company has consistently delivered high-quality, safe, and reliable boats, with recent achievements including winning NMMA Innovation Awards for models like the 210 Vantage and 365 Conquest in 2024. Boston Whaler is owned by Brunswick Corporation, which reported increased unit sales and retail revenue for the brand, particularly in larger boats, with 50% of units sold being 30'+ vessels at the 2024 Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show. The brand's commitment to safety, comfort, and performance has made it a preferred choice for boaters worldwide. Boston Whaler's boats are designed for various activities, including fishing, cruising, and water sports, ensuring a premium boating experience. For more information about Boston Whaler, visit their official website.

Yamaha

Yamaha is a leading producer in the boat and marine products industry, boasting a significant market share. As of recent data, Yamaha holds around 30% of the US outboard market, making it the second-largest player after Mercury. The company has a strong presence in coastal states, particularly dominating the market in Florida. Yamaha's production capacity includes the ability to produce up to 32 boats per day, although actual annual production figures can vary. In the first quarter of 2024, Yamaha reported revenues of JPY$141.9 billion ($911.9 million) for its marine products business, despite a 2.5% decrease from the previous year. For a comprehensive overview of Yamaha's financial performance, visit their financial factbook.

Grady-White

Grady-White Boats, founded in 1959, is a leading manufacturer of ruggedly elegant outboard powerboats, offering 26 models ranging from 18 to 45 feet in categories such as center console, dual console, walkaround cabin, and express cabin boats. The company has a strong market share and generates revenue per employee greater than the industry average, with an annual revenue of $72.7 million. Grady-White has consistently ranked highest in customer satisfaction, receiving 22 consecutive National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) Customer Satisfaction Index awards and all nine J.D. Power and Associates Marine Industry Customer Satisfaction Surveys from 2001 to 2009. Known for their superior rough water performance and exceptional engineering, Grady-White boats are built in their state-of-the-art facility in Greenville, North Carolina, employing around 350 people. The company's commitment to customer satisfaction has earned it world-class recognition, comparable to the finest brands in the industry. For more information, visit their official website.

Bayliner

Bayliner is a renowned brand in the recreational boat industry, known for putting more people on the water than any other recreational boating company. Founded in 1957, Bayliner was the first manufacturer to package a boat, motor, and trailer together, an innovation that significantly impacted the industry. Acquired by Brunswick in 1986, Bayliner has continued to expand its offerings, including the introduction of the Bayliner Element line in 2013. Despite some criticisms on material quality and resale value, Bayliner remains a popular choice, especially for its value-oriented boats like the 16-foot Element. The brand's influence is evident in its widespread presence, with a significant number of Bayliners on the water globally. For further details, visit the Bayliner official website.

Lund

Lund Boats, a renowned brand under the Brunswick Corporation, has been a staple in the boat manufacturing industry, particularly known for its aluminum crafts but also venturing into fiberglass models since 2009. With a revenue of $250.4 million, Lund Boats ranks among the top boat manufacturers globally. Their entry into the fiberglass market was driven by customer demand, with designs inspired by their successful aluminum models like the Tyee and Pro-V hulls. Despite the challenging boat market, Lund remains cautiously optimistic, aiming for fiberglass boats to make up 5% of their sales. Their expansive dealer network and strategic partnerships, such as with Ted Takasaki, a noted competitive walleye angler, further solidify their market presence. For more insights on their move into the fiberglass market, you can read the detailed article on Lund Boats Enter Fiberglass Market.

MasterCraft

MasterCraft Boat Holdings, Inc. is a prominent player in the boat manufacturing industry, renowned for its high-quality and performance-driven vessels. As of Q3 2024, MasterCraft holds a market share of approximately 17.69% in the Ship & Boat Building sector, with revenues of $327.06 million over the past 12 months. The company has experienced a decline in net sales, with a 42.6% decrease in the third quarter of fiscal 2024 compared to the prior year, but it continues to innovate with new product launches like the luxury pontoon brand, Balise. MasterCraft's unit sales volume has also been impacted, with a 48% decline in MasterCraft units sold in the third quarter of fiscal 2024. Despite these challenges, the company remains a significant competitor in the market. For more information, visit their investor relations page.

Chaparral

Chaparral, a leading brand under Marine Products Corporation, is renowned for its high-quality fiberglass boats, including sterndrive models like SSi and SSX, and outboard offerings such as OSX Luxury Sportboats and the Chaparral Surf Series. In the first quarter of 2023, Chaparral contributed to a 55% increase in net sales for Marine Products Corporation, reaching $118.9 million, driven by a 40% increase in unit sales and a 12% increase in average selling price per boat. The brand's market share, combined with Robalo, held a significant 6.9% of the outboard market as of 2020. Chaparral's strong performance is attributed to its favorable model mix and improved manufacturing efficiencies. The brand continues to support dealer inventory needs and meet strong retail demand.

Beneteau

Groupe Beneteau, a leading marine brand since 1884, has demonstrated exceptional performance in recent years, with a record 2023 featuring a 17.1% increase in sales to EUR1.465 billion and a net income of EUR185 million, representing a 12.6% margin. The company saw significant growth in its sailing sector, with a 31% increase, and strong demand for higher-end boats, offsetting a decline in small motorboats. Beneteau's Boat division achieved a 48% growth in the first half of 2023, with operating income more than doubling, and the group is aiming for a 30% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030. Despite expectations of a market downturn in 2024, Beneteau remains confident in its organizational and industrial reorganization efforts. The company continues to innovate, including the use of recyclable resin and alternative propulsion solutions.

Tracker

Tracker, a renowned brand in the recreational boat market, is known for its high-quality and performance-driven boats. As part of the White River Marine Group, Tracker boats benefit from the parent company's extensive resources and expertise. The global recreational boat market, which includes brands like Tracker, is projected to grow from USD 18.9 billion in 2023 to USD 25.9 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 6.5%. Tracker boats, particularly those with outboard engines, are in high demand due to their superior speed and cruising capabilities, making them a popular choice for water sports and cruising activities. With the rising interest in outdoor recreation, Tracker is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing market.