Poland Pleasure Boat Market
The pleasure boat building industry in Poland is very well developed, and Poland is ranked fifth in the world in yacht production volume. Poland is the world’s second largest producer of small yachts up to 10 meters in length (after the United States). It is one of the few countries in Europe bucking the trend with increased boat production each year. According to Polboat, the Polish Chamber of Marine Industry and Water Sports, the annual production of yachts in Poland ranges at 22,000 units. Cost-effective labor rates, a skilled workforce and the excellent quality of Polish yachts have created an attractive base for Poland’s boat building. Many globally known brands are produced in Poland, including Brunswick, Jeanneau-Benetau Group, Windy, Sea Ray, Bayliner and Askeladden. Every third yacht sailing in Europe was built in Poland.
Some of the Polish builders produce parts of the boats for European shipyards, and there are many shipyards that are subcontractors for foreign brands. Although builders are mostly focused on boats from 6 to 10 meters, there are shipyards producing larger boats, superyachts and luxury catamarans for individual orders. Seventy percent of total annual output is provided by seven leading shipyards: Galeon (yachts and motorboats up to 25 meters), Delphia Yachts (yachts and motorboats of 7-15 meters), Sunreef Yachts (large custom-made luxury yachts: catamarans, power boats and superyachts), Ostroda Yacht (motorboats and sailing boats for Jeanneau-Beneteau brands), BaltYacht, Model Art/Parker, and Slepsk.
Nighty five percent of local production is exported worldwide, mainly to Western Europe (Norway, France, Germany, Sweden, Finland), North America, the Middle East, Asia and Australia. The local market is supplied in similar proportions by local and imported boats. With an import value of $2.2 million, the U.S. is the fourth largest import market of pleasure boats for Poland, with motorboats being the major category imported.
The total number of boats registered in Poland is estimated at 27,000 (while the total number of boats stationed in Poland is estimated at 60,000). Motorboats represent the major market segment (80% of all boats registered), and pleasure boats of up to 10 meters dominate the local market (89% of all registered boats). Although the number of registered yachts of more than 10 meters long is increasing every year, small boats enjoy the best popularity. The demand for high-end yachts and motorboats is small.
Since the local production of pleasure boats is very well developed, the boat accessories segment represents good prospects for local and foreign suppliers. Opportunities include almost all accessories, including also high-end products. The local production of boat engines is insignificant, and the majority of them are imported. Major engine brands present in the Polish market are Yamaha, Suzuki, Honda (outboard engines) and Mercury. There are plenty of companies involved in yacht chartering that also represent a significant market opportunity.
During last several years, with funds available from the EU infrastructure cohesion program, Poland has witnessed development of marinas and yacht ports. There are 38 marinas and 1236 harbors in the country, including over 60 marinas and ports located on the Baltic Sea, with capacity to accommodate 3,600 boats. Inland ports and marinas located on various waterways and lakes can accommodate over 60,000 boats. Also, local authorities’ strategy is to integrate existing waterways for better sailing opportunity.
For more information contact office.warsaw@trade.gov.