Midwest Leads Overall Household Boating Participation Rate – Quimby's Cruising Guide

Midwest Leads Overall Household Boating Participation Rate


In a report recently released by the Coast Guard, the Midwest was singled out as having the highest boating participation rate and highest percentage of people who fished from a boat. The study focused on overall boating participation, boat ownership, the types of boats used and the amount of time that boats are used for different regions of the country during 2011.


The survey stated that the overall household boating participation rate was highest in the Midwest, at 34.6 percent. The Midwest also had the highest percentage of households with at least one person who fished from a boat, at 17.4 percent.


The Northeast had the highest percentage of households with one or more people who canoed or kayaked in 2011, at 14.7 percent. Canoeing and kayaking were especially popular in Maine, where 31.8 percent of households had at least one member who had kayaked or canoed, and New Hampshire, which had 31 percent.


California (3 million) and Florida (2.5 million) had the highest numbers of households participating in boating, and Alaska (53.2 percent) and Minnesota (50.7 percent) had the highest overall percentage of boating households.


More than a third, or 12 million, of all boating households in the United States were in the South.

Explore More from Quimby’s

Boating Beyond Chicago: Joliet to Ottawa

The bright city lights of Chicago have attracted boaters to its waterfront docks and activities for decades. But for boaters looking to escape city surroundings and enjoy the great natural beauty of the Illinois River, there are nearby options on a portion of the Illinois Waterway flowing from Joliet to Ottawa (and beyond). Starting roughly […] Read More

Be mindful of firework safety this Fourth of July

Every year, Americans gather with friends and family to celebrate Independence Day. As the holiday approaches, experts with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Disaster Assessment and Recovery, DAR, Unit are encouraging Texans to take precautions with firework safety. ‘Fundamental preventative measures’ The safest way to enjoy fireworks is simply leaving it to the professionals, said Payton Morris, […] Read More