Statistics in 2006

MAY 2007

Review

[Market size of the boating industry]

History of the total value of shipments (Domestic products for domestic use + Domestic products for export + Imported products for domestic use)                                                                                                                (Unit: billion yen)

The market size of the so-called boating industry recorded 240.7 billion yen in 2006 (January to December 2006) (including domestic shipments and exports) as shown in the Total of above Table, which marked 106% of the previous year.

The total value of shipments including boats and marine engines was 231.1 billion yen, which marked 106% of the previous year. In particular, the total shipment value of boats was 25.6 billion yen, which marked 123% of the previous year. The ratio of the total shipment value of boats to engines was about 1:9, showing an exclusive ratio of engines successively.

As for domestic shipments, the total number of boats was 22,218 including domestic products and imports which marked only 91% of the previous year; however, the shipment value was 24.5 billion yen, which marked 124% of the previous year. The domestic shipment value of marine engines was 18.5 billion yen which marked 125% of the previous year.

As for export of boats, the total number of boats was 3,966 which marked 96% of the previous year; however, the export value was 1.1 billion yen, which marked 103% of the previous year. As for import of boats, the total number of boats was 10,549 which marked 90% of the previous year; however, the shipment value was 8.6 billion yen, which marked 119% of the previous year. Where, the boats include all types of boats such as categorized in Motor boats, Hobby fishing boats, Sailboats, PWC, Row boats, Commercial boats, and Fishing boats and the marine engines include all engines such as categorized in Outboard engines, In-outboard engines, Inboard engines and PWC engines.

[Shipments of boats]

The history of the boat shipments in the total number shows: 28,519 in 2005 that was 97% of the previous year, and 26,184 in 2006 that was 92% of the previous year.

Those in the total shipment value shows: 20.8 billion yen in 2005 that was 97% of the previous year, and 25.6 billion yen in 2006 that was 123% of the previous year. Although the number of shipments decreased in 2006, the total shipment value increased significantly while the unit prices increased to 134% of the previous year.

The boat shipments in the total number except rowboats are remarkably different by type of boats. By type of engines, for instance, outboard engine type boats decreased, while those other than the outboard engine type increased. By length, on the other hand, small boats below 5m marked 86% of the previous year, and medium boats of 5m to 8m marked 89% of the previous year, but large boats over 8m marked a 113% increase from the previous year. The total shipment value of boats showed an increasing trend due to increase in unit price as well as increase in number of large boats.

(* Notes: The above data does not reflect about 1,000 mini boats, which are estimated not included in the statistic in 2005 and 2006.)

[Shipments of marine engines]

The number of shipments of domestic marine engines including outboard engines and PWC was 614,957 in 2005, and 600,313 in 2006 that was 98% of the previous year; however, the total value marked 104% of the previous year. Among these, the number of shipments for export was 98% of the previous year; however, the total value marked 103% of the previous year.

The number of domestic shipments (including imports) was 30,417 in 2005, and 28,102 in 2006 that was 92% of the previous year; however, the total value marked 125% of the previous year.

With increasing environmental consciousness, the ratio of environment conscious type engines (4 cycle, 2 cycle with direct-injection) marked 127% of the previous year.

[Environment for use]

Starting with Toyoshima Island in Hiroshima Prefecture, the "Marine Station" counts 82, spreading from Tohoku to Kyushu area as of December 2006; thus the cruising environment for pleasure boats has been developed. Taking various opportunities at a boat show and investigating cruising, our association has recommended model courses and actively conducted public relations, such that easy-to-visiting harbors have been increasing in various areas all over Japan.

Ｉｎ the river and canal water areas in Tokyo Bay, Osaka Bay, Mikawa Bay, etc., the relevant government attempts utilizing the waterfront and water area as a pleasant place for residences, as well as an arena for marine leisure. The “Canal Renaissance” project in Tokyo is a good example. The leisure use of rivers and canals will spread to various areas, triggered by such governmental projects and the successful results.

On the other hand, the recycle of plastic ships, started in December 2005 in compliance with the guidance by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, was implemented in 29 prefectures in 2006, as the recycle system was established. It will be implemented all over Japan in 2007.

In order to cover personal watercraft (PWC) accidents, a group liability insurance system for the PW safety association members will start on April 1, 2007. Three PWC manufacturers are under examination of selling their 2007 model and later, for a limited period of time, with coverage for bodily injury liability for one year.