142 million Americans went boating in 2016
An estimated 142 million Americans went boating in 2016–36 percent of U.S. households–according to the 2016 Recreational Boating Participation Study, released by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF) and Discover Boating. Of the 142 million individuals, half were children (under the age of 18), and 17 million individuals were first-time participants. The study profiled both active boaters and first-time boaters according to their demographic characteristics, including their ages and genders. Other topics featured in the study include boat ownership participation, the amount of time that active boaters spent boating during 2016, and the activities they engaged in while boating, including fishing and watersports. NMMA members receive access to the study as part of their membership. Contact Stephanie Vatalaro at svatalaro@rbff.org to download the report.