Seasonal Transition

As we move into September, the rhythm of boating in Southern California begins to shift. While summer remains the busiest stretch of the year on the water, early fall often brings some of the best boating conditions with warmer seas, lighter crowds, and a more relaxed pace. It’s also the point in the year when broader market signals begin to set the tone for the months ahead.

California Sales Snapshot (August 15 – September 15)

Reported sales figures for the past month continue to reflect steady activity, with particular strength in the mid-market segments:

  • 54 boats sold between $100K–$250K (no change from prior month; flat since start of summer)
  • 31 boats sold between $251K–$500K (+4 from prior month; +14.8% since start of summer)
  • 13 boats sold between $501K–$1M (+2 from prior month; +18.2% since start of summer)
  • 5 boats sold between $1M–$2M (+1 from prior month; +25% since start of summer)
  • 3 boats sold above $2M in the past 60 days (+2 from prior month; up from just 1 reported sale earlier this summer)

The clearest trend has been in the $251K–$1M range, which has shown consistent month-over-month gains since June. While the high end has technically grown in percentage terms, the absolute number of reported sales remains small, making the mid-market activity the more reliable indicator of overall health.

Financing Environment

The most notable development this month is the Federal Reserve’s recent rate cut, which has already filtered into marine financing. New-boat loan rates are now being offered as low as 5.99% OAC, with most borrowers landing in the 6–6.5% range for 20-year terms with 20% down. This shift has meaningfully improved affordability and may encourage sidelined buyers to re-engage. Compared with even a few months ago, the financing picture is markedly stronger.

Macroeconomic Backdrop

The economic outlook has improved on several fronts. Domestically, job growth and consumer spending remain stable, while inflation pressures continue to ease. Global markets have also responded positively to recent developments, calming in the Middle East, moderating oil prices, and steady demand trends in manufacturing and shipping. Tariff concerns remain on the radar, but for now, the overall macro environment feels more supportive than it did earlier in the year.

Perspective and Outlook

This time of year often brings a sense of perspective. After two decades in the business, I’m continually reminded how boating connects people to a different pace of life, one that feels especially valuable in a year filled with shifting headlines and uncertainty. Out on the water, the focus narrows to what matters most: time well spent with family and friends, and the clarity that comes with being away from the noise.

Looking ahead, the combination of improved financing conditions, solid sales activity, and a steadier economic backdrop suggests the close of 2025 could set up favorably as we transition toward 2026. The next few months will give us a clearer picture, but the signals so far are encouraging.