What the Docks Are Telling Us in 2026
Looking Back to Look Ahead
Happy New Year, BoatFools Nation! ⚓
As we step into 2026, the sailboat market feels noticeably calmer.
After several years of noise, urgency, and unrealistic expectations, the market has slowed just enough to let both buyers and sellers think clearly again. From where we sit — boots on docks, bilges inspected, dozens of sailboats profiled, listings tracked — this feels less like a downturn and more like a reset.
And the national data backs that up.
A Quick Look Back at 2025
Across the broader U.S. boating industry, 2025 was a year of cooling:
New recreational boat sales declined roughly 7–9% year-over-year
Inventory levels increased as post-pandemic listings continued to come online
Time on market lengthened, with more price reductions needed to close deals
Used-boat pricing softened modestly — generally 5–10%, depending on region and condition
While sailboats aren’t tracked as cleanly as powerboats in national datasets, brokerage reports and dock-level experience tell the same story: fewer impulse buyers, more scrutiny, and a clear divide between boats that are ready to sail and boats that need excuses.
What That Means for 2026
In short: buyers now have leverage — but only if they’re prepared.
The strongest part of the market remains under $100K, especially in the $25K–$75K range, where simple, well-maintained boats continue to sell. Condition matters more than brand. Maintenance history matters more than pedigree. And honest pricing beats optimism every time.
We’re also seeing continued demand for:
Smaller boats and pocket cruisers
Shoal-draft, practical designs
Boats that can live on moorings or be moved affordably
People want more sailing and less project management…naturally this goes against grain of what we do at BoatFools Sailing, but so be it!
Our Outlook for the Year Ahead
We’re cautiously optimistic.
2026 looks like a year that rewards patience, education, and humility — and punishes impulse buying and nostalgia-based pricing. For sailors willing to slow down, look carefully, and do the homework, this is shaping up to be a very good time to get afloat.
As always, our mission stays the same:
help good people find good boats — without expensive mistakes. And maybe a dash of “do what we say, not as we do!”
Fair winds,
The BoatFools Sailing Team
BoatFools Sailing ⚓
First Boat Review of 2026!
Tune in 01/17/2026 to BoatFools Sailing on YouTube to see this sweetheart of a boat - and this one has an interesting back story as it relates to me! (Naturally)
Any guesses as to what she is? :)
If You’re In The Market For a Boat…
Check out our consulting services. With nearly 200 years of combined sailing know-how we can help you through the boat buying process - from phone consultation, survey reviews, to boots on the ground on-site consulting. Check out who we are and what we do by clicking the image below.
This & That
If you want a very entertaining podcast to listen to, check out. I binged this 8 episode series. It’s incredible.
ADRIFT - based on the true story, SURVIVE THE SAVAGE SEA.
I also just finished THE WIDE WIDE SEA, by NYT bestselling author, Hampton Sides. It’s an incredible account of Captain James Cook. Seriously. Read it.
I'm all in for the smaller, pocket cruisers and camp cruising sailing style. KISS...
Thanks for keeping the boating life and interest alive as can be expected.
You state” People want more sailing and less project management…naturally this goes against grain of what we do at BoatFools Sailing, but so be it!”
Can you clarify? It seems like y’all are trying to get folks on the water and often encourage simplicity. I think the industry’s gravitational pull towards complexity hurts the market long term as the overhead turns of owners.Although it is the customers love of stuff that drive the more is better death spiral. I think reality is simple promotes more days on the water and higher fun per $.