According to Unmuted Consumer Insights’ 2025 US Boat Owners Sustainability Study, 54% of boaters would consider an electric boat if they were in the market for a new vessel today, with 68% indicating that when shopping for a new boat, a brand’s commitment to sustainability is an important factor in their purchase decision.
The importance of sustainability
Based on the responses, the study provides insights into recreational boaters’ perceived benefits and concerns about electric boats, as well as their willingness to consider purchasing an all-electric vessel.
Bridget Millar, president of Unmuted Consumer Insights, said, “Our findings confirm what we’re seeing across many markets – sustainability matters. Over two-thirds of boat shoppers now consider a brand’s environmental practices as part of their decision-making process – a trend that’s reshaping the future of recreational boating.”
Methodology
The study was conducted among 772 US boat owners via an online survey. Fielding took place from May 21 – 28, 2025, using a sample provided by Veridata Insights.
The survey began by asking about a variety of factors, including how often they go boating, the types of waterways they frequent, how many boats they’ve owned over their lifetime, as well as about technical details such as fuel and drive type. Understanding these behavioral and technical factors was intended to provide context for interpreting how sustainability influences purchase decisions. The findings revealed that owners’ satisfaction with their current boat increases significantly with both boat length and use frequency.
In related news, DNV recently released the Energy Efficiency Measures and Technologies – Key solutions and strategies for maritime’s decarbonization journey report, which provides an overview of more than 40 energy-efficiency (EE) measures and details their fuel-saving effects, cost figures and suitability for specific ship types. Read the full story here