Boot Düsseldorf 2026 welcomed more than 200,000 visitors over nine days (Jan. 17-25) and hosted about 1,500 exhibitors from 120 countries. The show was about the same size as that of the 2025 event, but last year’s show drew exhibitors from only about 67 countries.
Boot once again confirmed its position as the world’s leading indoor boat show. The event covered the entire spectrum of the marine industry, including motorboats, yachts and superyachts, catamarans, sailing boats, outboard and electric boats, engines, power generation systems, equipment and components, as well as touristic services, charter companies, and boating clubs.
Market Trends
Clear market trends emerged during the show. There is a strong shift toward outboard-powered boats, driven by increased usable space, lower maintenance requirements, ease of operation, and more competitive pricing. These boats are mainly used for day trips or short one- to two-day cruises, while long-distance boating currently appears less attractive to many buyers.
The luxury yacht sector continues to perform well. Interest in medium-sized boats with inboard engines remains stable, but sales are more challenging, reflecting ongoing economic and political uncertainty. Many manufacturers described 2025 as a difficult year marked by caution and observation.
Boating demand overall remains strong, particularly in the charter sector. Charter companies are performing very well, and catamaran manufacturers focused on charter fleets reported growth in their order books. Traditional sailing yachts, however, are under increasing pressure to evolve and adapt to the expectations of a new generation of boaters. As a result, many brands are revising their designs and introducing electric propulsion, appealing to environmentally conscious and slow-cruising sailors. PSR
Natasa Mulahalilovic is Marine Pleasure Boat Analyst-Europe for Power Systems Research
