Definition
The boat building industry comprises of establishments primarily engaged in the manufacturing of boats. Boats are defined as watercraft suitable or intended for personal or recreational use.
The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this industry is 336612—Boat Building.
The industry includes the following products and activities:
- Boats (suitable or intended personal use), manufacturing
- Canoes and kayaks, manufacturing
- Fibreglass boats, building
- Fishing boats (suitable or intended for personal use), building
- Rigid hull inflatable boats
- Houseboats, building
- Hydrofoil vessels (recreational type), manufacturing
- Underwater ROV (remotely-operated vehicle), manufacturing
- Yachts, building (not done in shipyards)
Statistical summary
| Economic Indicators | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | % change 2014-15 | CAGR 2011-15 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gross Domestic ProductFootnote 1 | 170.0 | 166.9 | 125.7 | 144.1 | 130.8 | -9.3% | -6.3% |
| Shipments | 494.7 | 470.3 | 367.9 | 441.4 | 472.4 | 7.0% | -1.1% |
| Total Imports | 579.4 | 653.5 | 684.1 | 704.8 | 693.2 | -1.6% | 4.6% |
| Total Exports | 376.0 | 419.0 | 441.9 | 381.1 | 384.5 | 0.9% | 0.6% |
| Re-Exports | 7.2 | 13.6 | 23.7 | 26.0 | 37.3 | 43.4% | 51.1% |
| Apparent Domestic Market | 698.1 | 704.8 | 610.1 | 765.0 | 781.0 | 2.1% | 2.8% |
| Domestic Market Share | 17.0% | 7.3% | -12.1% | 7.9% | 11.2% | 3.4% | -1.4% |
| Trade Balance | -203.4 | -234.5 | -242.2 | -323.6 | -308.6 | 4.6% | -11.0% |
| Import Penetration | 83.0% | 92.7% | 112.1% | 92.1% | 88.8% | -3.4% | 1.4% |
| Export Orientation | 76.0% | 89.1% | 120.1% | 86.4% | 81.4% | -4.9% | 1.3% |
| Manufacturing Intensity RatioFootnote 2 | 34.4% | 35.5% | 34.2% | 32.7% | 27.7% | -5.0% | -1.7% |
| EstablishmentsFootnote 3 | 234 | 207 | 196 | 165 | 154 | N/A | N/A |
Definitions:
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| Sources: Statistics Canada, Trade Data Online | |||||||
Economic Overview
The recreational boat manufacturing industry has exhibited sound growth in shipments following a 22% contraction in 2013. In 2015, total shipments amounted to $472.4 million, nearly reaching the 2011 total of $494.7 million. Between 2011 and 2015, import growth outpaced export growth, resulting in an increasing trade deficit that amounted to $308.6 million in 2015. The apparent domestic market for products and goods increased moderately during the time period from $698.1 to $781 million, however, Canadian recreational boat manufacturer’s share of the market decreased by an average annual rate of 1.4%. In 2015, the recreational boat manufacturing industry captured 11.2% of the domestic market, down from 17.0% in 2011. Between 2010 and 2014, the total number of establishments contracted by 29% or 69 establishments, and in 2014, there were 165 establishments operating in the sector.
Trends in the industry
Canadian boat building companies supply specialty markets, usually producing a narrow product line, and are known for product quality, design and performance. Firms vary from modest, family-owned operations to major, internationally competitive companies with substantial resources and management skills.
Boating is a popular recreational activity and the manufacturing industry is supported by a cross-Canada network of representatives, associations, sales agents, accessory and parts distributors, retail dealers, and national and regional trade and consumer shows. Despite a strong domestic market, international sales represent an opportunity for greater stability and production than is allowed during the short North American boating season. As the boating industry is quite susceptible to economic highs and lows, exports can also assist manufacturers during weak domestic economies.
Associations
Industry promotion is undertaken by the following associations:
- Association Maritime du Québec (AMQ)
- Atlantic Marine Trades Association (AMTA)
- Boating BC Association (BBA)
- National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA)
Boating safety promotion is supported by the following organizations:
Promotion of the sport is undertaken by:
- Sail Canada (SC)