NMMA Certification
NMMA Certification is your assurance that every Sportsman Boat meets or exceeds the marine industry’s highest standards for safety, construction and quality. Certified boats are built to stand the test of time, offering greater reliability, performance and peace of mind for you and your family.
To achieve NMMA Certification, every Sportsman model is backed by third-party inspections and strict compliance with American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) guidelines. This independent verification ensures our boats are not just compliant but set a higher standard across the entire boating industry.
Certification also means fewer recalls, enhanced resale value and potential insurance benefits — giving you even more confidence that you’re investing in a boat that’s built better, inspected thoroughly and trusted worldwide.
For more information, please visit nmma.org
What Does It Mean for a Boat to Be NMMA Certified?
NMMA Certification goes beyond the minimum U.S. Coast Guard regulations by requiring full adherence to ABYC standards, third-party inspections and continuous improvement. Studies show that NMMA Certified boats are 7 times less likely to be recalled by the Coast Guard for safety issues. Every Sportsman model is certified and built with certified components to provide unmatched peace of mind.
Benefits of Buying an NMMA Certified Boat Like a Sportsman
- Built to meet or exceed ABYC and U.S. Coast Guard safety and construction standards
- Annual third-party inspections and verification
- Lower risk of defects or recalls
- Higher consumer confidence and brand trust
- Potential insurance discounts for certified models
- Participation in the Marine Industry Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) program
What Are the Steps for a Boat to Become Certified?
Every Sportsman Boat model undergoes a detailed certification process each year. The NMMA inspection covers all major safety systems, including:
- Bilge pumps
- Fuel hoses and tanks
- Horn and navigation lights
- Steering helms and wheels
- Fuel system integrity
- Maximum weight and horsepower capacities
Any non-conformities found during inspection must be corrected within 30 days. Once compliance is verified, the boat is officially NMMA Certified.
Global Certification Impact
NMMA Certification sets the global standard for recreational boats, with certified manufacturers in 13 countries and counting. Our network of inspectors has expertise in manufacturing, operations and quality assurance, ensuring certified products meet both domestic and international standards.
Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) Program
As part of NMMA Certification, Sportsman Boats participates in the Marine Industry CSI program, which surveys every new owner within the first 12 months of ownership. Feedback collected through this program is used to drive improvements in boat design, customer service and overall experience.
Look for the Label
Every Sportsman Boat proudly displays the NMMA Certified logo. When you see it, you can be confident that the boat you are buying meets the highest safety, design and performance standards in the industry. It's one more reason you can trust Sportsman Boats to deliver a better boating experience, year after year.