Statistics, Reports & Data Archives - Water Sports Foundation

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 […]

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.

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.

Special Report on Paddlesports & Safety

Each year, the Physical Activity Council (PAC) conducts the largest single-source research study of sports, recreation and leisure activity participation in the U.S. The PAC is made up of eight of the leading sports and manufacturer associations who are dedicated to growing participation in their respective sports and activities.

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.

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.

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.

US Coast Guard Data Access Query System (DAQS)

A service from the 2018 Coast Guard Recreational Boating Safety Survey called Data Access Query System (DAQS). The DAQS allows a user to quickly sort the boating data off a number of pivot points.

Info-link: U.S. Powerboat Market Snapshot

US Powerboat Market includes all recreational powerboats (including PWCs) registered in the US as of year-end 2019. Not included are sailboats and self-propelled craft such as canoes and kayaks.

Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) Job One, Dec. 2020

RBS Job One is the flagship publication for the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Recreational Boating Safety (RBS). Its purpose is to inform all members of the Auxiliary of current developments affecting their job performance in conducting the core mission assigned by the Coast Guard and to share best practices.

Statistics, Reports & Data