Jose Sanchez
Research expert covering society, economy, & politics for Latin America
Recreational boating in the U.S. - statistics & facts
Whitewater kayaking down racing rapids, peaceful paddling on a lazy river, or sailing a yacht along the coastline, recreational boating can appeal to those from all walks of life. This is particularly true in the United States, where the number of registered recreational boating vessels amounted to around 11.6 million in 2023. From the freshwater coastline of Michigan to the Great Lakes of North America, there are many opportunities for Americans to get onto the water. However, some states have more opportunities for recreational boating than others. In 2023, Florida, boasting the longest coastline in the contiguous U.S., was the U.S. state reporting the most recreational boat registrations.
