Statistics, Reports & Data

Royalty-free image - A smiling young child wearing an orange life jacket is outdoors near water. Text on the image reads “2024 Recreational Boating Statistics,” published by the U.S. Coast Guard in July 2025.

Recreational Boating Statistics 2024

An annual compilation of recreational boating statistics in the United States, compiled by the U.S. Coast Guard using data supplied by the U.S. states and territories.

Recreational Boating Statistics 2023

An annual compilation of recreational boating statistics in the United States, compiled by the U.S. Coast Guard using data supplied by the U.S. states and territories.

Recreational Boating Statistics 2022

An annual compilation of recreational boating statistics in the United States, compiled by the U.S. Coast Guard using data supplied by the U.S. states and territories.

Recreational Boating Statistics 2021

An annual compilation of recreational boating statistics in the United States, compiled by the U.S. Coast Guard using data supplied by the U.S. states and territories. Recreational Boating Statistics 2020 was released on June 30, 2021. New reports are published in early summer using certified data from the previous year.

First-Time Boat Buyers Exceed 415,000 for Second Time in 15 Years

The NMMA and Info-Link, a market intelligence firm serving the recreational boating industry, reported today that 420,000 first-time boat buyers of new and pre-owned boats entered the market in 2021, on par with 2020 – levels the industry hasn’t seen since 2007. First-time boat buyers accounted for 34 percent of boat sales in 2021, driving […]

2020 Recreational Boating Statistics - Published June 2021

Recreational Boating Statistics 2020

Deaths by Vessel Type by Year, including Canoe, Kayak & SUP, 2011-2020

Table showing deaths by vessel type, by year, from 2011 through 2020, including canoe, kayak and SUP.

Three young people in life jackets jump off a boat into a lake, smiling and holding hands. Text reads, “U.S. Coast Guard Recreational Boating Statistics, 2019 Data, Published June 2020.” Trees and blue sky are in the background.

Recreational Boating Statistics 2019

Boating Statistics 2019, the 61st annual report, contains statistics on recreational boating accidents and state vessel registration. This publication is a result of the coordinated effort of the Coast Guard and those states and territories that have Federally-approved boat numbering and casualty reporting systems.

NRBSS Exposure Survey Final Report, October 2020

This report focuses on boat ownership and use, different estimates of exposure (e.g., person hours of boating), and risk ratios.

Infographic showing data on the U.S. offshore fishing boat market in 2019, featuring a map, a photo of a fishing boat, and statistics such as total fleet size, average boat age, purchase rates, and buyer demographics.

Info-link: U.S. Offshore Fishing Boat Market Snapshot

Offshore Fishing Boats are 27’ and larger fiberglass boats generally used for deep water fishing. They are most commonly multi engine outboard powered center consoles, typically found in coastal areas with ocean access. The category has achieved impressive growth over the last ten years and has decidedly favored ever larger boats.

Infographic about the U.S. Runabout Market showing a map with boat locations, statistics on boat numbers, purchases, scrap rate, boat age, and buyer demographics for 2019.

Info-link: U.S. Runabout Market Snapshot

Runabouts are fiberglass outboard and stern drive boats between 16’ and 21’ in length. Popular with entry level boaters and used for general recreation, they are found in both salt and freshwater environments. They are frequently referred to as bowriders. New runabout sales have been slow to recover from the 2008 downturn, but there is a very large pre-owned market for these boats.