Retail expenditures for new boat, motor, trailer and accessory purchases in Michigan exceeded $1 billion in 2018, an increase of almost 11 percent over 2017 and the ninth consecutive year of growth in the state. That’s according to the Michigan Boating Industry Association (MBIA), citing new data from the National Marine Manufacturers Association.

“We’re the third largest marine market in the U.S., and that is very impressive since we’re a four-season state,” said MBIA executive director Nicki Polan in a statement.

Michigan has nearly one million boats registered, and another 600,000 legally non-registered paddle craft, also ranking third in the country for registrations.

The group is touting the growth in advance of its Metro Boat Show, slated for Sept. 12-15 at the Lake St. Clair Metropark in Harrison Township. The show is celebrating its tenth year of being produced by the MBIA.