Latest Boat Registration Statistics Now Available

by Jennifer Dennard

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) has released its 2006 U.S. Recreational Boat Registrations Statistics report, which presents a clear picture of trends in the recreational boating industry on a state-by-state basis. These statistics also form the basis for distribution of federal Aquatic Resources Trust fund money among the states.

Boat registrations (including PWCs) numbered 12.7 million in 2006 — a decline of 1.5 percent compared to 2005. Florida registered the most boats, with California, Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, Texas, New York, South Carolina, Ohio and Illinois rounding out the top 10.

The report is based on information reported in 2007 to the U.S. Coast Guard by all 50 states, as well as data gathered from the U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Info-Link Technologies Inc. and Statistical Surveys Inc.