RBFF Celebrates Boating’s Important Economic Role

With the arrival of peak boating season, the U.S. Senate passed S. Res. 199 late last week, declaring July 1, 2009 as National Boating Day. The resolution recognizes the important role recreational boating and the boating industry play in the lives of the nation’s 70 million boaters…

With the arrival of peak boating season, the U.S. Senate passed S. Res. 199 late last week, declaring July 1, 2009 as National Boating Day. The resolution recognizes the important role recreational boating and the boating industry play in the lives of the nation’s 70 million boaters and the U.S. economy. The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF), which works to increase participation in both boating and fishing, is encouraged by recent program statistics that show growing interest in the sport, despite the current economic situation.

“We’re happy to see boating get its own day of recognition,” said RBFF President and CEO Frank Peterson. “Over the past several weeks, we’ve seen a 302 percent increase in traffic to the boating pages on our Take Me Fishing™ campaign Web site and more than 25,000 people have entered our ‘Catch A Boat’ promotion with the hopes of taking home a brand new boat, motor and trailer. Participation in boating helps sustain our nation’s waterways, contributing money to fish and wildlife management efforts, and we are encouraged by these numbers.”

A new report from the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) shows that there are more than 17 million recreational boats on the water, of which nearly 95 percent are less than 26 feet in length. The 2008 Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract, which was released last week, also reveals that contrary to boating’s reputation as only for the ‘affluent,’ 76 percent of boat owners have a household income less than $100,000 per year. Other highlights from NMMA’s data include:

The U.S. recreational boating industry contributed $33.6 billion to the U.S. economy in 2008

Adult participation in boating increased six percent to an estimated 70.1 million from 66.4 million

There were 704,820 new boats sold in 2008 (including powerboats, sailboats, canoes, kayaks and personal watercraft)

There were 203,00 new powerboats sold in 2008 for a dollar value of $7.6 billion “The entire marine industry and recreational boaters nationwide look forward to celebrating National Boating Day,” said NMMA President Thom Dammrich. “Not only is recreational boating a beloved pastime, but marine businesses are important parts of their communities and our national economy, creating business opportunities and local jobs.”

RBFF’s boating-focused initiatives include programs that introduce newcomers to boating, generate prospects for the industry, drive boating-related purchases, improve water access and increase boat registration renewals. The Take Me Fishing campaign directs people to TakeMeFishing.org where they can find a ‘Boat Explorer’ tool, boating glossary, navigation, safety information and more.

About RBFF RBFF is a nonprofit organization established in 1998 to increase participation in recreational angling and boating. RBFF helps people discover, share and protect the legacy of boating and fishing through national outreach programs including the Take Me Fishing™ campaign and Anglers’ Legacy™.

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