According to the 2007 U.S. Recreational Boat Registrations Statistics report, U.S. recreational boat registrations increased one percent in 2007 compared to 2006. Registered vessels were counted at 13 million, compared to 12.9 million in 2006. Florida led the country in the most registered boats, and saw an increase in personal watercraft registrations.

State rankings for registered boats

Florida: 992,000
California: 965,000
Minnesota: 866,000
Michigan: 831,000
Wisconsin: 617,000
Texas: 600,000
New York: 494,000
South Carolina: 442,000
Ohio: 415,000
Illinois: 379,000

The Great Lakes region accounted for nearly 3.4 million registered vessels, while the Inland region accounted for 2.4 million and the South Atlantic region accounted for 2.2 million.

All regions except the North Atlantic region posted increases in boat registrations. The Pacific region climbed nearly five percent, reflecting California’s eight percent increase.

The report is primarily based on statistical data collected from the U.S. Coast Guard as reported by the individual 50 states. The report is available from the National Marine Manufacturers Association.