The Australian marine industry:
KEY TRENDS AND MARKET INSIGHTS
VANESSA RADER RAY WHITE GROUP HEAD OF RESEARCH
As the luxury property market continues to evolve in Australia, the marine industry represents a parallel ecosystem of high-value assets that offers fascinating insights into wealth distribution, consumer preferences, and emerging technologies. For those tracking Australia’s premium lifestyle sectors, understanding the marine industry’s trajectory provides valuable context about how affluent Australians are choosing to invest and enjoy their prosperity.
Australia’s marine industry continues to thrive in 2025, with over 2,000 businesses generating $10.12 billion in turnover - a 5 per cent increase from 2023. The data paints a vivid picture of a nation deeply connected to its waterways. With 2.5 million Australians holding boat licences (one in ten citizens) highlighting boating as one of the nation’s leading pastimes, the sector has become a cornerstone of Australia’s outdoor lifestyle economy.
What makes this industry particularly noteworthy for observers of luxury markets is how the patterns of ownership, the shift in vessel preferences, and the demographic changes among buyers mirror, and sometimes anticipate, broader trends in premium asset ownership. From cryptocurrency wealth to sustainability concerns, the marine sector offers a microcosm of Australia’s evolving relationship with luxury.
MARKET DYNAMICS AND BUYER PROFILES
The Australian boating market shows distinct regional differences, according to Ray White Marine CEO Brock Rodwell.
“Sydney is characterised by institutional wealth with buyers typically from blue chip office locations,” Rodwell explains, while the Gold Coast represents “a younger market that’s a bit more flashy” with more finance involvement.
Surprisingly, “Melbourne has the highest concentration of larger vessel registrations, though many of these vessels are kept overseas,” notes Rodwell. Meanwhile, Perth is emerging as a growth market centred around affluent areas like Peppermint Grove and Claremont, with buyers largely from mining and agriculture sectors.
Post-COVID, the industry has witnessed a shift in buyer demographics. “We’ve done one or two Bitcoin deals,” reports Rodwell, noting the emergence of tech entrepreneurs in the market. “During COVID, because digital entrepreneurs just skyrocketed, we saw younger buyers purchasing more expensive boats.”
While family decisions remain common in boat purchases, Rodwell observes more solo purchasers emerging: “Younger wealthy tech guys and entrepreneurs make solo decisions.”
Key trends shaping the market
LARGER VESSELS WITH APARTMENT-STYLE LIVING
The most significant trend is the shift toward larger vessels. Data shows boats in the 6-8m category experiencing 18.9 per cent growth over five years, followed by vessels over 10m (+8.4 per cent).
“Our average new boat size used to be about 50 foot and now it’s probably 70 foot,” Rodwell reports. “People after COVID want to stay on the boats longer and want further range.” This has created infrastructure challenges in Sydney, where berthing facilities are limited.
Australian buyers increasingly prefer “apartment-style living” on the water, with distinct layout preferences. “The Australian trend is they like having a raised galley. They like entertaining and cooking and preparing,” explains Rodwell, contrasting with traditional European layouts where galleys are located below deck.
HYBRID PROPULSION AND SUSTAINABILITY
The marine market is experiencing a surge in hybrid propulsion systems, combining traditional engines with electric motors and battery storage. These options now account for nearly 15 per cent of new boat sales in the 6-8m category, up from just three per cent in 2023.
“A lot of companies are doing hybrid models because the emissions have to come down,” Rodwell explains. “In Europe, you’ve got certain zones where you can’t go into national parks if you’ve got diesel engines.”
Advanced solar technology is also transforming the market: “You’ve got solar panels that are infused in the hull with unlimited range. As long as you’ve got some sunlight, you can just motor on.”
CURRENCY FLUCTUATIONS AND MARKET OPPORTUNITIES
Currency fluctuations significantly impact the market in 2025. “Foreign exchange rates can be difficult to navigate because our deals often involve euros and USD,” Rodwell explains.
However, this creates opportunities for Australian listings. “With the exchange rates where they are, people are focussing back on the local listings,” Rodwell notes. “Once you pay freight, duty, GST, and the currency, those local boats are looking more attractive.”
This is drawing international attention to Australian vessels. “When you tell them you’re saving a million or two just on the currency by itself, that pays for the shipping,” which can cost “between $100,000 to $250,000” depending on vessel size.
INNOVATIVE SALES APPROACHES
The industry is embracing new sales strategies, with Ray White Marine pioneering boat auctions at boat shows. “We’ve got six boats going in the Sanctuary Cove boat show and we’re auctioning two on the first day,” says Rodwell.
This auction approach mirrors real estate strategies: “It only works if you’ve got a genuine vendor ready to get it done. You need the reports that everyone wants because it’s 10 per cent on the day and five days settlement.”
Looking ahead
As we look toward the horizon for Australia’s marine industry, the confluence of larger vessels, advanced technology, and innovative sales methods creates a perfect environment for sustained growth. With hybrid propulsion technology rapidly gaining acceptance and Australian listings becoming more attractive to international buyers due to currency advantages, the industry is navigating toward a promising future.
The evolution toward more sophisticated, environmentally-conscious boating experiences aligns perfectly with Australia’s natural advantages - its vast coastline, diverse waterways, and outdoor lifestyle culture - positioning the Australian marine industry as an increasingly important player in the global market.
For investors, property professionals, and luxury market observers, the marine sector’s trajectory offers valuable insights. The parallels between high- end vessel ownership and premium property acquisition are striking, both markets are seeing similar buyer demographic shifts, sustainability concerns, and design preferences. As these twin pillars of Australia’s luxury lifestyle economy continue to evolve, they will likely influence each other in increasingly significant ways, creating new opportunities for cross-sector collaboration, investment, and innovation in the years ahead.
