Boating Statistics

23 Fascinating Boating Statistics for Water Enthusiasts

About 71% of the earth is water. Therefore it makes sense that humankind has been fascinated with water for so many years. Whether it’s surfing, doing laps in the pool, or, yes, boating, many people spend lots of time in the water.

In this article, we’ll be looking at the latest boating statistics and facts to gain some insight into the leisure activity, the industry, and even the accidents that happen during recreational boating.

So what are you waiting for? Let’s dive into some intriguing stats and facts about boating.

The Top 8 Boating Statistics and Facts

  • More than 87 million adults partook in recreational boating in the United States in 2019.
  • There were almost 12 million boating vessels used for recreational purposes registered in the United States in 2016. 
  • There are around 140 million people who actively participate in boating and watersports around the world.
  • Boaters are starting to use more smart technology on board their boats.
  • In 2017 in the US, there were 2,629 boating injuries, statistics show.
  • In 2016, the overall expenditures in the market covering recreational boating and boating accessories were as high as $36 billion.
  • North America and Europe have the highest demand for fishing and cruising activities, as well as the outboard boats that these activities require.
  • The Middle East and Africa are expected to emerge as major revenue contributors to the recreational boating industry. 

General Recreational Boating Statistics and Facts

1. More than 87 million adults partook in recreational boating in the United States in 2019.

(Statista)

This is the number for the United States alone. Recreational boating activities include canoeing, kayaking, water skiing, fishing, traveling, and more. 

2. There were almost 12 million boating vessels used for recreational purposes registered in the United States in 2016. 

(Statista)

In 1980, this number was 8.58 million. The number of registered recreational boats was at a high of 12.94 million in 2005. Afterward, it started to decrease, show the latest boat ownership statistics.

3. In the US, 12.16% of people between the ages of 18 and 29 claimed to have been boating regularly in 2018.

(Statista)

This was the result of a survey that showed how frequently people of specific age groups went boating for fun within the 12 months prior to the survey.

(MarketWatch)

This is largely because diesel isn’t as explosive as regular gas. These engines also last a lot longer and are more efficient when compared to the alternative—and diesel is better for larger boats because it offers more power. 

5. There are around 140 million people who actively participate in boating and watersports around the world, say boating market statistics.

(Mordor Intelligence)

Nearly 100 million are in the United States and Canada, another 36 million are spread throughout Europe, and over 5 million are in Australia. These numbers are most likely associated with the high levels of growth in the water sports tourism industry.

6. The most expensive yacht in the world is the Eclipse. 

(Marine Insight)

It’s owned by the Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich. It requires 70 crew members and measures 528 feet in length, according to the boating facts. The yacht also has the most current technology on board for communication and defense. 

7. There are around 36 million regular boaters in Europe. 

(European Boating Industry)

There are around 43,500 miles of coastline in Europe and more than 23,000 miles of waterways inland. Furthermore, close to 6 million boats call the European waters home.

8. Boaters are starting to use more smart technology on board their boats.

(Pocket Mariner)

These include using devices that work through Amazon Alexa and Echo. There are now programs, such as Amazon’s Boat Beacon, that can provide users with important information like boat position or wind speed.

Boating Accident Statistics

(United States Coast Guard)

Boating fatalities had decreased by 3.8% since the previous year, 2017. Recreational boating fatalities can happen for a variety of reasons, from accidents to drowning. 

(United States Coast Guard)

In 2018, this dropped to 2,511 injuries, representing a 4.5% decrease in injuries. While a decrease in accidents is a good sign, this isn’t enough of one to show a clear trend toward fewer boating accidents in the United States.

11. The US Coast Guard has statistics on boating accidents showing that more than 27% of these accidents are fatal when they occur between 10:31 p.m. and 11:59 p.m. 

(United States Coast Guard)

Between 2:31 am and 4:30 am, 30% of accidents are likely to turn fatal. There’s a different likelihood of accidents turning fatal depending on the time of day or night—although the chances are generally worse during the night. 

12. In California in 2016, according to the boating statistics by state, most accidents happened during the month of July.

(California State Parks)

There were 136 accidents in July 2016—August came in second with 81 accidents. The day of the week with the most accidents was recorded as Sunday, followed closely by Saturday. 

13. In 2016, the most frequent type of boating accident in California was collision with a vessel.

(California State Parks)

There were 209 collisions with vessels in that year alone. The second most common type of accident was grounding (with 83 accidents), followed closely by flooding and/or swamping. The US coast guard provides boating accident statistics showing that these accidents happen more frequently than some may think.

(California State Parks)

Of 2016’s 43 towing-related accidents, 39% had to do with wakeboarding, and only 11% had to do with traditional water skiing.

15. In 2018, alcohol was the main factor involved in fatal boating accidents.

(The Maritime Executive)

Approximately 19% of all fatalities were due to alcohol consumption, which translated to 100 deaths that year, according to the Coast Guard’s drunk boating accident statistics. 

(CBS Local)

In Texas, boating statistics show that there were 12.62 alcohol-related boating accidents per 100,000 registered watercraft in the state. The other states in the top five include Maryland (19.37 per 100,000), Utah (19.21 per 100,000), Washington (16.35 per 100,000), and Alabama (13.08 per 100,000). Texas came in fifth.

Boating Industry Statistics and Facts

17. In 2016, the value of all the recreational boats sold came up to more than $3.6 billion.

(Statista)

Most of these sales were for boats between 36 and 45 feet in length. These boats are categorized as sailboats, sterndrive boats, personal watercraft, outboard boats, and inboard boats. 

18. In 2016, the overall expenditures in the market covering recreational boating and boating accessories were as high as $36 billion.

(Statista)

These boating sales include boat trailers, outboard engines, wakeboard and ski boats, cruisers, new and pre-owned outboard boats, sterndrive boats, jet boats, houseboats, sailboats, and more. 

19. In 2019, the recreational boating market size was valued at more than $43 billion. 

(Global Market Insights)

Based on 2019’s data, it was expected to grow at a CAGR of more than 5% from 2020 to 2026, according to boating industry trends. This was due to the increased disposable income in regions like the United States and Europe, allowing people to spend more on leisure activities, such as boating.

20. North America and Europe have the highest demand for fishing and cruising activities, as well as the outboard boats that these activities require.

(Global Marketing Insights)

After North America and Europe, the third-largest market for recreational boating is Asia, followed by Latin America, according to the boating statistics.

21. According to MarketWatch, there are key manufacturers that dominate the recreational boating industry.

(MarketWatch)

These are Pursuit Boats, Groupe Beneteau, Porter Inc., Yamaha Motor Corp., the Rossiter Boat Co., Grady-White Boats Inc., Bavaria Yachtbau, Correct Craft, and American Sail Inc. 

22. The Middle East and Africa are expected to emerge as major revenue contributors to the recreational boating industry. 

(MarketWatch)

Recreational boating industry statistics show that this is because of a flourishing tourism industry. Increasing investments are being made in both public and private enterprises for the purpose of modernizing boating infrastructures.

23. The boating industry in Europe includes around 32,000 companies.

(European Boating Industry)

These businesses build boats, manufacture engines and equipment, trade, and provide additional services. More than 280,000 people are employed by this industry in Europe.

FAQs

According to U.S. Coast Guard statistics, what is the main cause of most fatal boating accidents?

The main cause of fatalities during boating accidents is either alcohol or not using life jackets, according to the United States Coast Guard. Alcohol reduces people’s ability to move precisely and concentrate. While inebriated, people’s defenses are down, and they make mistakes. As a result, they’re also less likely to be able to swim well.

(The Ellsworth American)

How often do boating accidents happen?

There were 4,168 boating accidents in 2019 alone. Out of all those accidents, there were 613 deaths and 2,559 injuries. The damage done to property amounted to around $55 million. The death rate came to 5.2 deaths out of every 100,000 registered boats or recreational vessels.

(United States Coast Guard)

Are planes safer than boats?

When it comes to airplanes, there’s a one in 10,000 chance of a fatality. Whereas there are five or six deaths for every 100,000 recreational boats. This means that, just on the numbers alone, flying in an airplane is slightly more dangerous than traveling by boat. 

(Go Downsize)

Which state has the most boating accidents?

Florida has the most boating accidents out of all the states. There were 679 accidents involving recreational boating in Florida in 2019. Of those accidents, there were 62 fatalities. California had the second-highest number of boating accidents, with 324 accidents. Of those accidents, there were 39 fatalities.

(Miami Herald)

Conclusion

With the vast majority of the earth being covered in water, it’s no wonder human beings enjoy exploring our rivers, lakes, and oceans in every way they can. The above boating statistics and facts show just how popular recreational boating is, how big the industry is, and how many accidents happen and why.

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Jessica is a writer and editor from Cape Town, South Africa. She started her journey studying journalism and media studies, along with English literature. Since then, she’s written for many different websites on a number of subjects. She loves any topic that she can really sink her teeth into, and she makes sure that everything she writes is thoroughly researched.

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