Gen Z Is Driving Boating’s Boom — and They’re Changing the Way We Celebrate Fall
Last Updated on September 17, 2025 by Boatsetter Team
A Generational Shift on the Water
Boating is no longer just a summer pastime or a coastal luxury — it’s becoming a year-round lifestyle. This fall, Boatsetter’s data shows that Gen Z is quickly catching up to Millennials, now making up nearly one-third of all bookings.
Millennials are still the top spenders, driving most $1,000+ bookings, but Gen Z is setting the tone for the future. Their rise signals long-term health for boating as an industry and a lifestyle.
Bigger Groups, Stronger Connections
Fall is the season of togetherness, and Boatsetter bookings reflect that. Trips with large groups (9+ passengers) remain steady — only down 16% year-over-year. Compare that to a 44% decline for smaller trips, and the story is clear: consumers want social, shared experiences.
Medium-length trips (5–8 hours) are also holding strong, down just 14% compared to steeper drops for very short or very long outings. The sweet spot? Enough time to connect without feeling rushed.
From Coastlines to Inland Lakes
Miami, LA, and Chicago will always be iconic boating hubs. But here’s what’s new: emerging inland markets are holding steady or growing year-over-year. Lake Austin, Seattle, and Salt Lake City are proving that boating isn’t just a coastal escape — it’s a lifestyle that resonates everywhere.
For fall, that means locals are using nearby lakes and rivers as easy, spontaneous escapes. Which brings us to…
Spotenuity: The Rise of Spontaneous Booking
We’re calling it “spotenuity” — spontaneous + opportunity. 40% of holiday-week trips were booked just days in advance.
That’s the on-demand mindset at work. Just like ordering a rideshare or booking a last-minute concert ticket, consumers want boating to be there when the mood strikes. Fall weather makes that even more appealing, since trips can be planned around the best days for sunshine and foliage.
The Takeaway
Millennials may still spend the most, but Gen Z is driving the boom in boating. They’re booking more, bringing larger groups, choosing medium-length experiences, and embracing both captained and self-driven adventures. With inland markets growing and spotenuity on the rise, boating is expanding beyond summer and becoming a lifestyle that fits every season.
Ready to see why Gen Z is leading the way? Book your fall boat day — whether it’s a last-minute sunset cruise, a lake day with friends, or a milestone celebration.
Boatsetter empowers people to explore with confidence by showing them a world of possibility on the water. Rent a boat, list your boat, or become a Boatsetter captain today.
