Data gathered by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) indicates that recreational boating in the U.S. is a $121 billion business and supports nearly 1 million jobs and thousands of businesses.
The NMMA released its annual U.S. Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract earlier this week. Among the highlights:
> Retail sales of new power and sailboats spiked 10.7 percent last year.
> Sales of small fiberglass and aluminum outboard boats (26 feet or less) increased 11.3 percent.
> Outboard boats now make up approximately 82 percent of the boating market.
> Jet boats continue to represent a growth area in the boating market as sales jumped more than 36 percent in 2012.
To read the complete NMMA report, click here.
