Increasing Costs of Marine Components for US Sailors

The shifting landscape of global trade, marked by the reintroduction of significant US tariffs, is prompting American boatbuilders and sailors to increasingly look towards domestic manufacturers for components such as rigging, masts and booms. This strategic pivot is driven by a complex interplay of escalating costs, supply chain vulnerabilities, and a growing preference for locally sourced products.

Since early 2025, the US government has implemented a series of sweeping tariffs on imports, with a universal 10% rate on all goods and much higher duties on specific trading partners and materials. President Trump announced a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports in February 2025, closing previous loopholes, and a further 25% on automobiles and automotive parts in March 2025. These tariffs have contributed to a significant increase in the global average effective US tariff rate, reaching 15.8% by August 2025, up from 2.3% at the end of 2024.

Effect of trade tariffs on the marine industry

The marine industry, including boatbuilding, is particularly susceptible to these measures because of its reliance on raw materials like steel and aluminum, and its integrated global supply chains. Importers initially bear the cost of these tariffs, but these expenses are eventually passed down to retailers and consumers. 

As a passion, pastime or family hobby, sailing might appear vulnerable to price sensitivity but our experience shows us that times like these actually drive consumers to make more informed decisions and seek solutions that offer longevity and performance. 

The cheaper alternative to carbon fiber masts and booms, aluminum, is subject to very high tariffs and the process of extrusion is energy intensive making the budget price point closer to a premium carbon fiber mast than ever before.

Sailboat rigs made in the USA

In response to these challenges, the "Buy American" sentiment has gained considerable traction. Both consumers and manufacturers are prioritizing locally made products to reduce lead times, ensure better traceability, and lower the carbon footprint associated with global shipping. This preference aligns with the broader goal of reigniting American manufacturing and creating jobs in local communities.

For mast and boom manufacturing, particularly those using advanced materials like carbon fiber, several advantages point towards US-based production:

• Material alternatives and innovation: With tariffs affecting traditional metals, carbon fiber emerges as a viable alternative for certain applications. Carbon fiber is 50% lighter than aluminum, offers a high strength-to-weight ratio, is chemical and weather-resistant, and robust against temperature fluctuations.
• Purchasing power: Despite imported raw composites materials being subject to tariffs, US-based carbon fiber manufacturing experts like Offshore Spars can leverage their purchasing power for domestic raw materials and offer engineering expertise to recommend optimization, such as material layups or different exterior quills for better aesthetics and reduced painting labor, potentially making solutions cost-neutral or even beneficial.

“All of a sudden a new carbon fiber mast and boom package could start to look like good value.”

• Specifying a domestically manufactured rig package: Even if the end consumer is importing a new build vessel from abroad this can be supplied “hull only” with Offshore Spars working closely with the boat builder to produce a mast to the designer’s specifications. Being Made in the USA a rig package from Offshore Spars would not be subject to the tariffs of an imported rig. 
• Replacement rigs are never something that any boat owner looks forward to funding but, in the current international trading climate, when this time inevitably comes - carbon fiber has the potential to be a viable option vs imported aluminum. Offshore Spars has an extensive tooling library, built up over thirty years of building carbon masts, booms and spinnaker poles, offering end consumers further savings potential. 
• Competitive differentiation and quality: US manufacturers, such as Offshore Spars and its sister company Peninsula Composites, focus on innovation, quality, and process efficiency. They offer custom-engineered solutions, ensuring durability and specific performance metrics for demanding applications, such as sailboat masts and booms. Unlike commodity manufacturers, a custom mast builder provides exceptional value through engineering expertise and rigorous quality control. This includes certifications like AS9100, which demonstrate adherence to high-quality standards. The ability to carry out third-party independent metrology analysis further ensures product integrity and builds trust.
• Supply chain resilience: Sourcing components locally reduces the risks associated with international logistics, such as shipping delays, cancellations, and geopolitical events. Having a deeply connected network of North American suppliers offers stability throughout the supply chain.
• Investment in American workers and economy: By choosing US-based manufacturers, boatbuilders support well-treated, well-paid American workers who contribute taxes to the local economy. This fosters innovation and creates new opportunities within the country.
  
  

The current US tariff regime, coupled with global supply chain complexities, is compelling American boatbuilders and sailors to prioritize domestic manufacturing for many yacht components, especially high value items such as masts and booms. 

The benefits of local sourcing, advanced material expertise, custom engineering, and a focus on quality and supply chain resilience offer a strategic advantage in navigating the unpredictable trade environment, ensuring that the American marine industry can continue to thrive.