Woman at the helm of a sailing boat

New data from Rightboat.com, an online marketplace for buying and selling boats, has revealed a significant surge in the number of female site visitors, rising from just over 13 per cent in 2017 to nearly 25 per cent in 2024.

The data assessed the US boating market and revealed that higher percentages of women are shopping for boats in the same states that are most popular among men. Florida leads the way as the top boating state, where women accounted for 24 per cent of searches in the first half of 2024—up from 20.7 per cent in the same period last year. The next most popular boating states – California, Texas, and New York—follow closely, with women contributing just over 23 per cent of searches in those states.

This shift, the company says, points to a growing interest among women in boating and reflects the platform’s commitment to developing an inclusive environment within the marine industry. 

schematic showing US female boat buying data

Last month (September 2024), Rightboat announced Josie Tucci as vice president of marketing and general manager of its expanding North American operation. 

According to Rightboat, noteworthy shifts were also observed in North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Georgia, with North Carolina experiencing the most significant increase—from less than 19 per cent to over 25 per cent of all searchers being female.

Of the top ten boating states, Virginia has seen the most rapid growth among women searching for boats, rising from 17 per cent to 24 per cent over the past three years, indicating a growing interest in boating across diverse regions. 

‘While this trend was already gaining momentum before the covid pandemic, buying behaviours shifted significantly as many women began to take a leading role in selecting family vessels. Boating offered a safe outdoor activity during this time, allowing families to enjoy quality time together while adhering to social distancing guidance’, Rightboat highlighted in a statement. 

As more women discover the benefits of boating, the industry is evolving to foster a more inclusive and diverse community.

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