RSS
Home
Today is National Boating Day
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
A sailboat sails into dock, Back Creek, Annapolis, Md.
Boaters across the Chesapeake may be taking a mental health day today by calling into work, faking a cough and convincing their boss they have a cold.
Last week Congress officially declared July 1 to be National Boating Day. The resolution recognizes the important role recreational boating and the boating industry play in the lives of the nation's 70 million boaters and the U.S. economy.
Industry experts continue to stress, for those in the market for a boat, that now is the time to buy. Like the car dealers, boat brokers and marinas are rolling out special incentives on boats, accessories, slips and services, to offer you once in a lifetime deals, according to Discover Boating.
The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) reports in its 2008 Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract, released this week, that there are more than 17 million recreational boats on the water, of which nearly 95 percent are less than 26 feet in length. What’s more, the Abstract shows that contrary to boating’s reputation as only for the ‘affluent,’ 76 percent of boat owners have a household income less than $100,000 per year. Other highlights from the NMMA’s data include:
• The U.S. recreational boating industry contributed $33.6 billion to the U.S. economy in 2008
• The average price of a new outboard boat, engine and trailer package in 2008 was $29,388
• May, June and July were the most active months for boat sales in 2008
• Adult participation in boating increased six percent to an estimated 70.1 million from 66.4 million
• There were 704,820 new boats sold in 2008 (including powerboats, sailboats, canoes, kayaks and personal watercraft)
• There were 203,00 new powerboats sold in 2008 for a dollar value of $7.6 billion
For more info:
National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is the leading association representing the recreational boating industry. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters in North America. The association is dedicated to industry growth through programs in public policy advocacy, market statistics and research, product quality assurance and promotion of the boating lifestyle.
About Discover Boating
Discover Boating is a national awareness campaign developed by the North American recreational boating industry and managed by the industry’s trade group, the National Marine Manufacturers Association. Discover Boating programs focus on improving the boating experience and building interest in recreational boating.
Related Articles:
Add a Comment
