COLUMBUS, OH - Ohio ranked 8th nationally last year with a near-record 418,300 registered watercraft, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). The record in Ohio stands at 418,795 registered watercraft, which was achieved in 2000.
Last year's total included 22,352 boats that were registered in Ohio for the first time.
"These numbers not only reflect the popularity of boating in Ohio, but they also speak directly to the positive impact this pastime has on the state's economy," said Ken Alvey, chief of the ODNR Division of Watercraft, noting that recreational boating contributes about $1.7 billion to Ohio's economy each year.
The Ohio counties with the highest number of registered watercraft in 2003 were Franklin, Cuyahoga, Summit, Hamilton, Montgomery, Stark, Lucas and Butler. Registrations in Lake Erie and Ohio River Valley counties remained steady.
Watercraft registrations are valid for a three-year period. Online watercraft registration renewals and other boating information can be accessed online at ohiodnr.com.
All recreational boats and personal watercraft, including canoes, kayaks and johnboats must be registered in Ohio. Additional information about watercraft registration and titling requirements is available online at ohiodnr.com or by calling toll-free 1-877-4BOATER (1-877-426-2837). Recreational boating in Ohio contributes an estimated $1.7 billion annually to the state's economy and helps support about 19,500 jobs. Boaters paid nearly $13 million in state gasoline taxes and more than $5.5 in watercraft registration and titling fees in 2003.