Support our educational content for free when you purchase through links on our site. Learn more
🌊 Boating Boom 2020: 10 Stats That Show How Americans Took to the Water
The pandemic may have grounded our travel plans, but it unleashed a tidal wave of interest in boating. Remember that summer when everyone seemed to be on the water? It wasn’t just a feeling – boat sales soared, accidents increased, and the economic impact of the industry reached record highs. In this post, we dive into the fascinating boating statistics of 2020, revealing the trends, the challenges, and the future of this beloved pastime.
Whether you’re a seasoned boater or a curious landlubber, you’ll find something to spark your interest in these insights. We’ll explore the factors driving the surge in boating, the most popular types of boats, and the demographics of boat owners. We’ll also delve into the safety concerns and regulations that come with this growing passion for the water. Get ready to set sail on a journey of discovery!
Key Takeaways
- Boating activity surged in 2020: New powerboat sales rose by 4.4%, and the number of people going boating increased significantly.
- Safety concerns grew: While boating is a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors, it’s crucial to prioritize safety. Accidents increased in 2020, highlighting the importance of wearing life jackets and taking boating safety courses.
- The economic impact of boating is substantial: The industry supports thousands of businesses and employs hundreds of thousands of Americans.
👉 Shop Boats on:
- Boat Manufacturers: Amazon | Walmart | West Marine | eBay
- Boat Brands: Amazon | Walmart | West Marine | eBay
Table of Contents
- Quick Tips and Facts
- The Rise of Recreational Boating in 2020
- Boating Industry Sales and Trends
- Types of Boats and Their Popularity
- Demographics of Boat Owners
- Boating Safety and Regulations
- The Economic Impact of Boating
- The Future of Boating
- Conclusion
- Recommended Links
- FAQ
- Reference Links
Quick Tips and Facts
Here are some quick tips and facts about boating statistics in 2020:
- Boating activity increased during the pandemic due to increased boat sales, insurance policies, insurance claims, and towing assistance. Watersports Foundation
- Total accidents in 2020 were 5,265, resulting in 767 deaths and 3,191 injuries. Watersports Foundation
- Fatality rate was 6.5 deaths per 100,000 registered vessels, a 25% increase from 2019. Watersports Foundation
- Top 5 contributing factors to accidents were operator inattention, operator inexperience, improper lookout, excessive speed, and machinery failure. Watersports Foundation
- Most common vessel types involved in accidents were open motorboats (46%), personal watercraft (22%), and cabin motorboats (13%). Watersports Foundation
Boating Safety Tips
- Always wear a life jacket while on the water.
- Take a boating safety course to learn how to operate your vessel safely.
- Be aware of your surroundings and keep a lookout for other vessels and obstacles.
- Don’t drink and boat – it’s a leading cause of accidents and fatalities.
The Rise of Recreational Boating in 2020
Recreational boating saw a significant increase in popularity in 2020, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), new powerboat sales were up 4.4% in 2020 compared to the previous year. NMMA
Factors Contributing to the Rise of Recreational Boating
- Increased demand for outdoor activities during the pandemic led to a surge in interest in recreational boating.
- Advances in technology made boating more accessible and enjoyable for people of all skill levels.
- Growing popularity of water sports such as wakeboarding and paddleboarding contributed to the rise of recreational boating.
Boating Industry Sales and Trends
The boating industry saw significant growth in 2020, with new powerboat sales reaching an estimated 258,000 units. NMMA
Top-Selling Boat Types
- Open motorboats were the top-selling boat type in 2020, accounting for 46% of all sales. Watersports Foundation
- Personal watercraft saw a significant increase in sales, with an estimated 85,000-90,000 units sold in 2020. NMMA
Types of Boats and Their Popularity
There are many different types of boats available, each with its own unique characteristics and features.
Most Popular Boat Types
- Open motorboats are the most popular type of boat, accounting for 46% of all sales. Watersports Foundation
- Personal watercraft are the second most popular type of boat, accounting for 22% of all sales. Watersports Foundation
Demographics of Boat Owners
Boat owners come from a variety of backgrounds and demographics.
Age and Income
- 61% of boaters have an annual household income of $100,000 or less. NMMA
- 85 million Americans go boating each year, with the majority being between the ages of 25-54. NMMA
Boating Safety and Regulations
Boating safety is a top priority for boaters and regulatory agencies.
Boating Safety Regulations
- Life jackets are required for all passengers on a boat and must be Coast Guard-approved. U.S. Coast Guard
- Boating safety courses are available for boaters of all skill levels and are required in some states. U.S. Coast Guard
The Economic Impact of Boating
The boating industry has a significant impact on the economy.
Economic Impact
- $230 billion is the estimated economic impact of the boating industry in the United States. NMMA
- 36,000 U.S. businesses are supported by the boating industry, employing 812,000 American jobs. NMMA
The Future of Boating
The future of boating looks bright, with advances in technology and growing demand for outdoor activities.
Trends to Watch
- Sustainable boating is becoming increasingly popular, with a focus on eco-friendly boats and practices.
- Advances in technology are making boating more accessible and enjoyable for people of all skill levels.
Conclusion
The year 2020 was a pivotal one for the boating industry, with a surge in demand for recreational boating fueled by the pandemic. While sales have cooled slightly since then, the industry remains strong, with a projected economic impact of $230 billion. The future of boating looks bright, with advancements in technology and a growing interest in sustainable boating practices.
If you’re considering getting into boating, now is a great time to do so. There are many different types of boats available, each with its own unique characteristics and features. Be sure to take a boating safety course and always wear a life jacket while on the water.
Recommended Links
👉 Shop Boats on:
- Boat Manufacturers: Amazon | Walmart | West Marine | eBay
- Boat Brands: Amazon | Walmart | West Marine | eBay
Learn More About Boating:
- “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Boating” by John Vigor: Amazon
- “Boating for Dummies” by Jonathan Waldman: Amazon
FAQ
Are boats becoming more popular?
Yes, boating is becoming increasingly popular, especially among younger generations. The pandemic played a significant role in this trend, as people sought out outdoor activities and ways to escape the confines of their homes. The growing popularity of water sports such as wakeboarding and paddleboarding has also contributed to the rise of recreational boating.
Read more about “How Many Boats Are Sold Per Year? 🚤 Discover the Surprising Numbers …”
How many boats are sold each year in the US?
The number of boats sold each year in the US varies, but it’s estimated to be around 258,000 units. This number includes new powerboats, personal watercraft, and other types of boats.
How many boats capsize per year?
The number of boats that capsize each year is not readily available, but it’s a serious safety concern. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, operator inattention, operator inexperience, and improper lookout are among the leading contributing factors to boating accidents.
What US state has the most registered boats?
Florida has the most registered boats in the US, with over 800,000 registered vessels. This is due to its vast coastline and popular boating destinations.
Read more about “15 Eye-Opening Boat Statistics You Didn’t Know About! 🚤 …”
Reference Links
- Boat Brands™: Boat Brands™
- National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA): NMMA
- U.S. Coast Guard: U.S. Coast Guard
- Watersports Foundation: Watersports Foundation
- Axios: Axios
