As of January 2025, several notable developments have occurred in the motorboat industry:

Uber’s Motorboat Service in Venice

In July 2024, Uber launched a motorboat taxi service in Venice, directly competing with the city’s traditional gondoliers. Partnering with local water transport company Blitz, Uber offers boat rides bookable through its app, with fares ranging from €120 to €150. This initiative has raised concerns among gondoliers about increased water traffic and potential damage to their handcrafted boats. Additionally, there are worries about water turbulence affecting the foundations of historic buildings. Despite these concerns, Uber reports a positive response to the service.
THE TIMES & THE SUNDAY TIMES

Sunseeker’s Ownership Change and Legal Issues

In October 2024, British luxury yacht manufacturer Sunseeker was acquired by U.S. private equity firm Lionheart Capital and Italy’s Orienta Capital Partners from the Dalian Wanda Group. This acquisition aims to strengthen Sunseeker’s global brand and expand its presence in the North American and European luxury yacht markets. Subsequently, in November 2024, Sunseeker was fined £358,760 by Bournemouth Crown Court for illegally importing teak wood from Myanmar, violating the United Kingdom Timber Regulation. In December 2024, the company announced temporary staff layoffs in its production operations due to challenges in the luxury yacht industry.
WIKIPEDIA

International Boat Industry Magazine

For ongoing updates and in-depth coverage of the motorboat industry, the “International Boat Industry” (IBI) magazine serves as a valuable resource. Established in 1968 and based in London, IBI is a business magazine focused on the global recreational boating industry. It is published six times a year and provides insights into industry trends, company profiles, and market analyses.