A two-year economic study on recreational boating in New Jersey indicates that in 2006, the state’s boaters spent about $2.1 billion on in-state recreational boating activities. Trip-related expenditures account for $1.1 billion and annual boating purchases, such as registration fees and maintenance, account for $938 million. The industry also provides about 18,000 jobs to N.J.

The study, which was the first of its kind in N.J., surveyed registered boaters about their spending on boat purchases, equipment, boat repair, insurance, services and annual fees associated with marina use. The surveyalso collected information on trip-related expenditures, such as launching fees, lodging, food, gas, boater profile and geographic information.

The I Boat NJ Program Grant, which is funded by boater registration fees and managed by the NJDOT Office of Maritime Resources, funded part of the study. The Marine Trades Association of New Jersey and HDR Engineering Inc. conducted the study.