COLUMBUS, OH -- The number of boats registered in Ohio increased 2.3 percent last year to a record 416,798 vessels, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Watercraft.
Figures compiled by the division show recreational watercraft registrations increased from a total of 407,347 in 1999 to 416,798 in 2000, a gain of 9,451 registrations.
"Recreational boating remains very popular and continues to rank Ohio among the top 10 states in the number of recreational watercraft. Ohio offers excellent boating opportunities for all types of watercraft," said Jeff Hoedt, chief of the ODNR Division of Watercraft.
For the first time, Franklin County led the state with the highest number of watercraft registrations (28,364), surpassing Cuyahoga County (27,705) which traditionally had been the top county in number of registered watercraft. Other top counties included Summit (20,641), Hamilton (19,702) and Montgomery (17,461).
Recreational boating contributes an estimated $1.4 billion annually to the state's economy and supports 19,500 Ohio jobs.
Boating statistics also revealed that approximately 3.5 million Ohioans participate in boating each year. The typical boat-owning household owns 1.7 boats and/or personal watercraft, sold under brand names such as Sea-Doo®, Jet-Ski® or WaveRunner®. The average recreational boat in Ohio is 18 1/2 feet long and valued at $8,900. The typical boat owner takes 18 boating trips each year and spends about 50 percent of their time on the water fishing.
This year, Ohio is among four states participating in a five-year national campaign to promote recreational boating and fishing participation. National Fishing and Boating Week is scheduled for June 1-10. Ohio also joins with the U.S. Coast Guard and National Safe Boating Council to promote boating safety awareness during National Safe Boating Week May 19-25.