Scuttlebutt Magazine - March 2008 - (Page 9)

www.scuttlebutt.com March 2008 • Page 9 Minnesota moves to third in boat registrations, but nationwide registration down slightly Boat registrations in the United States declined 1.5 percent in 2006 compared to 2005, according to a new report from the National Marine Manufacturers Association. A total of 12.7 million vessels were registered in 2006, compared with 13 million in 2005, according to the 2006 U.S. Recreational Boat Registrations Statistics report The report also ranks all 50 states by the number of boats registered. Florida again received the top ranking among the states in terms of registered boats, with a total of 988,652. That figure reflects a 1.5 percent increase over 2005, led by a 4.4 percent increase in personal watercraft registrations. California ranked second overall, with 893,828 registrations, and Minnesota edged out the 2005 thirdplace holder, Michigan, with 862,937 registered vessels. The remaining top ten states for powerboat registrations in 2006 include Michigan (828,529); Wisconsin (635,751); Texas (596,934); New York (497,974); South Carolina (436,075); Ohio (412,256); and Illinois (383,615). “The boat registrations report provides an excellent tool for understanding what’s happening within the recreational marine industry on a state-by-state basis,” Jim Petru, NMMA director of industry research and statistics, said in a statement. “The study provides valuable, in-depth information about the number of boats registered in each individual state, as well as meaningful data comparisons with previous years and specific information about state registration requirements.” On a regional basis, the Great Lakes states earned the top spot in the regional registration rankings, accounting for nearly 3.3 million of the total 12.7 million registered vessels in 2006. The inland and south Atlantic regions, ranked number two and three, respectively. The inland region accounted for 2.4 million of total boat registrations in 2006, while the south Atlantic made up a little more than 2.1 million. The 2006 U.S. Boat Registrations study is based on data collected from the Coast Guard in 2007, as reported by the individual 50 United States. Other sources used in compiling the report include the U.S. Census Bureau, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Info-Link Technologies, and Statistical Surveys. Boat registration statistics are the basis for allocating Aquatic Resources Trust Fund dollars among the states each year. Boat names can reveal much about the personality, lifestyle, passions or experiences of a boat owner. For 2007, the BoatUS list of top ten most popular boat names is particularly revealing: • Black Pearl: The name of a fast, stealthy and intimidating fictional ship from the Disney “Pirates of the Caribbean” films, a recreational boat with this moniker was probably named by the kids. • Liberty: A patriotic name BoatUS annual list of top ten boat names and what they may tell you about the owner –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– that first appeared on the Top Ten List just after 911, the owner of this vessel is clearly passionate about the freedoms enjoyed in the U.S. • Second Wind: Perhaps this boat owner has had a life changing experience and feels that their boat now gives them a new lease on life. • Amazing Grace: It could be that this boat name borrowed from a hymn provides the boat owner with a new spiritual out- –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Topping the list for 2007 is Black Pearl, the name of the ship from the Disney film, “Pirates of the Caribbean” let. • Aquaholic: This name illustrates a boater’s chronic love for the waterways. This boat is probably the first one out of the slip in the morning and the last one back in at the end of the day. • Knot on Call: Perhaps named by a boater in a professional field or industry with non-traditional work hours, this boat name affirms a desire break away from work pressures. • Second Chance: See number three, Second Wind. • Wanderlust: Defined as “A very strong or irresistible impulse to travel,” this boat owner clearly has a passion to cruise and explore the waterways. • The Dog House: Being in one (dog house) isn’t necessarily bad for this boat owner as their vessel likely provides a “walled-off” escape away from the distractions of everyday life. • Carpe Diem or Seas the Day: This boat owner likely believes that boating allows them to enjoy life at its fullest. The BoatUS Boat Graphics service offers a free library of over 8,000 boat names and also allows boaters to easily select, custom design and preview boat names online – without having to pay up front. For more information, visit www.BoatUS.com/boat graphics Boat Owners Association of The United States is a leading advocate for recreational boaters providing its 650,000 members with a wide array of consumer services. – BoatUS on-line FOR THOSE WHO DEMAND TECHNOLOGICAL (or PERFECTION just want to go fishing) Rugged and reliable offshore boats. EdgeWater continues to lead the pack in offshore performance. Powerful, deep-V hulls, and proprietary PermaGrid®, CarbonGrid® and SPI® structural systems deliver superior performance and unsinkability. Matched with Yamaha four-stroke power, an EdgeWater is the most reliable, fuel-efficient, and technologically advanced boat on the water. Whether running 40 miles offshore to chase billfish or cruising across the bay for dinner with friends, these boats are precisely designed and engineered for those who are serious about having fun on the water. 245 Edgewater We invite you to compare Edgewater to competitive center consoles - Powered by Yamaha's amazing new V8 5.3 four stroke outboard 350 horses to get you where you need to be - THE CHOICE WILL BE CLEAR 170 Edgewater 145 Edgewater FAST. http://www.scuttlebutt.com http://www.BoatUS.com/boatgraphics http://www.ericksonmarine.com

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Scuttlebutt Magazine - March 2008

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