How Upcoming Tariffs Could Impact the Marine Industry – What Boat Owners in the Florida Keys Should Expect

Tariffs have long been a wildcard in global trade, and the marine industry may soon feel the effects in a big way. As new tariff policies are introduced or expanded in 2025, boaters and businesses across South Florida and the Florida Keys could face rising costs, supply chain delays, and fewer product options.

From marine electronics to boat builders, OEM manufacturers, and even smaller components like wiring and connectors, these changes will likely ripple across the industry—and Better Boat Electronics is preparing now to help customers stay ahead.

Marine Electronics Will Likely See Price Increases and Longer Lead Times

Marine electronics are heavily reliant on international manufacturing. Leading brands such as Garmin, Simrad, Furuno, and Raymarine produce many of their chartplotters, radar systems, and sonar technologies overseas. If tariffs on imported goods continue to expand, prices on these essential products will likely rise.

Here’s what may be impacted:

• Multifunction displays (MFDs)

• VHF radios and AIS systems

• Radar and sonar modules

• Autopilots and networking hubs

While pricing has remained stable through early 2025, these increases will likely show up later this year as distributors begin receiving tariff-affected inventory.

OEM Manufacturers and Boat Builders Will Likely Pass Along Higher Costs

Boat builders and OEMs depend on raw materials and components like aluminum, wiring, and control systems. Tariffs on these goods could lead to:

• Higher MSRPs on new boats

• Longer production and delivery timelines

• Fewer electronics bundled with base models

Manufacturers will be forced to either absorb the added costs or increase pricing to remain profitable—costs that ultimately reach dealers and boat buyers.

Smaller Components Like Wires and Connectors May See the Sharpest Spikes

One of the most overlooked areas of tariff impact will be on marine-grade wiring, connectors, fuses, and networking parts. These smaller components are often imported and used in every installation and repair project.

Expect potential price increases on:

• NMEA 2000 connectors

• Marine-grade cable spools

• Battery switches and fuse panels

• Crimp terminals and housing

At Better Boat Electronics, we’ll continue to monitor these shifts closely to minimize disruption to our clients’ installs and timelines.

When Will Tariffs Affect Marine Electronics Prices?

Although pricing on major marine electronics like the Garmin GPSMAP 8616 and Simrad NSS4 has remained stable into early 2025, those prices are expected to change by late summer or fall. Here's a forecasted timeline:

Projected Tariff Impact Timeline

• Q3 2025 (Summer): Expect gradual increases as older stock is sold and new, tariff-priced inventory enters the market.

• Q4 2025 (Fall): The impact could be more visible during the following boat show and retrofit season, with updated pricing on most marine electronic brands.

Estimated Price Changes

Product Category	Estimated Increase	Notes
Marine MFDs (Garmin, Simrad, etc.)	+5–10%	Reflecting new cost of goods imported
Sonar & Transducers	+8–12%	Especially high-end CHIRP models
Wire, Fuses & Connectors	+10–15%	Smaller parts, but essential for installs
OEM Electronics Bundles	+7–10%	Likely reflected in boat MSRP or trims

Increased freight and container costs, along with limited promotional flexibility, may also add pressure. Some brands might develop tariff-exempt alternatives, but these would take 6 to 12 months to reach consumers.

How to Prepare as a South Florida Boater

At Better Boat Electronics, we recommend boat owners in the Florida Keys and surrounding areas take a proactive approach:

• Schedule upgrades early to avoid paying higher prices in late 2025.

• Explore alternative components that may be made in tariff-free regions.

• Partner with a local expert who stays on top of market trends and stock availability.

We’ll continue to offer transparent guidance, competitive pricing, and smart planning to help our clients make informed decisions—before rising costs affect their projects.

Serving the Florida Keys and South Florida with Expert Marine Electronics Service

Whether you’re outfitting a new vessel or upgrading your electronics in Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine, or Key West, Better Boat Electronics is your trusted partner. We bring mobile marine electronics installation and repair service directly to your dock—done right, the first time.

📍 Serving Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine Key, and Key West, as well as South Florida!

📞 Call us at (305) 849-8129

🌊 Visit us at www.betterboatelectronics.com