The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and a coalition of outdoor industry groups released a study on the importance of outdoor recreation to the national economy. The study shows that outdoor recreation generated $646 billion in national sales and services in 2011. The Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), a member of the coalition, produced The Outdoor Recreation Economy, which states that the outdoor activities industry supports 6.1 million domestic jobs and is responsible for $39.9 billion in federal and $39.7 billion in state/local tax revenues.

This research coincides with NMMA’s Annual Statistical Report, noting that boating has an estimated annual economic impact of $72 billion.