Boat ownership statistics 2024

Boat ownership statistics

U.S. boat owners spend significant money and time on boating and boat ownership.

• About 11.9% of U.S. households were estimated to own or co-own a boat in 2018.
• In 2018, most registered boats in the U.S. (65.6%) were open powerboats.
• Total annual U.S. sales of boats, marine products and services reached $56.7 million in 2021.
• In 2018, 13.4 million unregistered boats were owned in the U.S., compared to 11.82 million registered boats.
• The average boat in the U.S. was operated 54 days in 2018, or nearly 15% of the year.

Registered boats by year

In 2022, the number of registered boats in 2022 was 11.77 million, down slightly from 11.98 million in 2021. Annually, boat registration appears to fluctuate — the number of boats owned in the U.S. may be more than the number of registered boats. Since 1987, when the number of registered boats was at its lowest (9.96 million), the highest number of registered boats was in 2005, with 12.94 million.

The number of registered boats does not entirely reflect the number of boats owned in the U.S. Many states do not require the registration of kayaks, canoes and certain rowed boats. About 42% of U.S. households reporting boat ownership owned only those that did not necessitate registration. Furthermore, in 2018, as many as 7% of boats owned in the U.S. were not operational.

What is the most purchased style of boat?

The average boat sold in the U.S. is classified as a Class 1 — measuring between 16 and 26 feet. In 2022, most sold registered boats were for recreational purposes and mechanically propelled.

How many are injured by boats?

The number of boating accidents decreased to 4,040 in 2022 from the year prior, when they totaled 4,439, marking an 8.9% decline. At least 636 people died in recreational boating accidents in 2022, and 2,222 were injured.

In 2022, the most common primary boating accident type was a collision with another recreational vessel, with 1,085 such incidents. This was followed by collisions with a fixed object, accounting for 477 accidents, or less than half of the accidents involving another recreational vessel. Overall, in 2022, some type of collision accounted for over half (55%) of all boating accidents. Aside from those with recreational vehicles and fixed objects, collisions also occurred with submerged objects, government vessels, commercial vessels and floating objects.

The most common boating injury associated with boating accidents is a laceration. In 2022, 493 people received cuts to the arm, foot, body, hand, head, leg, neck or trunk as a result of a boating accident.

Boat owner demographics

U.S. boaters tend to be older than the average American as well as the overall U.S. median age. In 2022, the median age of U.S. boaters was 54, whereas the overall median age in the country was 48.

On average, boaters typically have higher incomes and higher net worths, allowing them disposable capital to spend on expensive boats, maintenance and other fees associated with boating. However, many households have lower household incomes than might be assumed. Almost a quarter of boat-owning households have an income of less than $50,000. In 2018, the most significant percentage of boat-owning households in the U.S. reported incomes between $75,000 and $149,000.

Boaters in America are also more likely to be men and identify as Caucasian. Less than 1% of boat-owning households identified as Black or African American, while 16.3% identified as other or multiracial.

How much does boat ownership cost?

Boat ownership comes with various costs, including the price of buying a boat. The down payment on an average boat is typically 15% of the entire cost. However, down payments can range between 10% and 30%.

The initial price of a recreational boat can vary greatly depending on the type. For example, the average price of a powerboat will typically exceed that of an entry-level fishing boat.

Boat taxes and registration costs may vary by state. If you live in a state with sales tax, boat taxes will be applied to the initial purchase of the boat. Also keep in mind that every U.S. state requires boat registration, if you plan to legally operate a motorized boat.

On average, boats consume 8 to 12 gallons of fuel per trip. Considering the price of fuel, this cost can add up over time.

Boat owners must plan for regular upkeep, including maintenance and unexpected repairs. On average, annual maintenance for a new boat is 2% of the purchase price, while for used boats, it’s 10%.11 An estimated $500 to $2,000 should be set aside for yearly maintenance and boat repairs.

References

1. “National Recreational Boating Safety Survey.” RTI International. Evaluated on May 20, 2024.Link Here
2. “Recreational Boating Maintains Momentum Heading into 2023 as Americans Continue Prioritizing Outdoor Recreation in Record Numbers.” National Marine Manufacturers Association. Evaluated on May 20, 2024.Link Here
3. “Number of registered recreational boats in the United States from 1980 to 2022.” Statista. Evaluated on May 20, 2024.Link Here
4. ”Types of Boats: A Complete Guide.” Boatsetter. Evaluated on May 20, 2024.Link Here
5. “Number of recreational boating accidents in the United States from 2011 to 2022.” Statista. Evaluated on May 20, 2024.Link Here
6. “Number injuries and deaths caused by recreational boating accidents in the United States from 2002 to 2022.” Statista. Evaluated on May 20, 2024.Link Here
7. “2022 Recreational Boating Statistics.” U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard Office of Auxiliary and Boating Safety. Evaluated on May 20, 2024.Link Here
8. Stafford, J. “NMMA releases demographic research.” BoatingIndustry.com. Evaluated on May 20, 2024.Link Here
9. “Boat Ownership Costs Checklist.” America’s Credit Union. Evaluated on May 20, 2024.Link Here
10. Healy, J. “Costs to Consider Before Buying a Boat.” Dockwa. Evaluated on May 20, 2024.Link Here
11. ”20 Boat Maintenance Statistics - The True Cost of Boating.” Marine Depot Direct. Evaluated on May 20, 2024.Link Here
12. “Number of registered recreational boats in the United States in 2022, by state.” Statista. Evaluated on May 20, 2024.Link Here
13. “U.S. boat sales cool following COVID-era demand surge.” Marine Fabricator. Evaluated on May 20, 2024.Link Here