The numbers have been tallied, and a recent study has found that a grand total of 142 million Americans went boating in 2016 — that’s 36 percent of all U.S. households. The 2016 Recreational Boating Participation Study, released by the National Marine Manufacturers Association, Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation and Discover Boating this summer, found that of the total, 17 million were first-time boaters.
The study had a number of other interesting findings, such as: Active boaters spend an average of 71.5 hours per season boating; 95 percent of boaters spend time with friends or family while out on the water; and the median age for first-time boating experiences was 12 — these individuals are more likely to remain active boaters.
To view the report in its entirety, visit nmma.org.
