According to DF Capital, a specialist bank headquartered in the UK’s Manchester, the marine sector is showing continued signs of renewed momentum in 2025.
The bank says average stock turn (how frequently a company sells and replaces its inventory within a specific period) significantly improved in Q2 2025 to 186 days, down from 243 days in Q1 and 230 days in the same quarter last year.
Although this doesn’t match the post-pandemic high, where average turn was 199 days between 2022 and 2023, the latest figures point toward a more stable and sustainable pace of trading across the industry.
“We’re encouraged to see the marine sector normalising after several years of volatility,” says Angela Goulding, MD, Powersports at DF Capital. “Stock is turning more quickly, aged units are being worked through, and dealers are generally reporting a more consistent trading environment. While there are still some challenges, particularly relating to macroeconomic uncertainty and geopolitical pressures, we believe the second half of 2025 could offer more upside than we’ve seen in some time.”
The company says a key factor has been more effective stock management by marine dealers. DF Capital data shows nearly 70 per cent of units on finance are now under 270 days old, indicating a substantial reduction in aged inventory. This marks a notable shift from previous periods when overstocking and inconsistent consumer demand left dealers carrying older stock for longer. Now, with more balanced inventories and better-aligned supply chains, the market appears to be returning to a healthier rhythm.
There is also evidence that the upper end of the market is driving performance. Demand for higher-value boats remains strong. While this doesn’t yet represent full-scale growth across all categories, it’s a clear indicator that confidence is returning among well-capitalised buyers, Goulding’s team believes.
A combination of stable interest rates, improved consumer confidence, and a more disciplined approach to stock holding has created a foundation for cautious recovery into the latter part of 2025 and beyond.
The findings reflect what DF Capital is seeing across its dealer network and should be viewed as an indicator of dealer sentiment and operational dynamics, not the company’s formal financial results or stock turn performance. Data correct as at 14 July 2025.
Read all the latest news about boat dealers