Posted: Wed, 9 Jun 2010 11:25 PM - 164 Readers
By: PRWeb
Summer is here, and millions of Americans are looking for ways to
escape with loved ones without traveling too far or spending too much.
The U.S. recreational boating industry’s trade association, the
National
Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), today announced the 2009
top ten boating states based on annual sales. In conjunction,
Discover Boating, the
industry’s non-profit awareness program, has identified affordable,
must-visit boating destinations within each state.
“Considering 90 percent of Americans live within a one hour drive of a
body of water, boating is an ideal way to spend quality time outdoors
with family and friends,” says Carl Blackwell, vice president of NMMA
and Discover Boating. “To coincide with NMMA’s announcement of the top
boating states, we’ve identified must-visit nautical hot spots within
each state, illustrating just how easy it can be to get on the water
close to home without having to break the bank.”
Here are the top ten boating states, ranked in order by total annual
expenditures for new powerboats, motors, trailers and accessories in
2009* , including popular on-the-water destinations from Discover
Boating:
1. Florida ($1.2 billion)
Hot Spot: Treasure Island – A tropical community that’s part of the
Tampa Bay area is popular for cruising with the family and sport fishing
the infamous Kingfish. While the region currently remains untouched by
the recent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, residents remain cautiously
optimistic. The oil spill has been devastating to areas of the Gulf
Coast, however, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA), 68 percent of the Gulf remains open for fishing
at this time, including Treasure Island.
2. Texas ($906 million)
Hot Spot: Lake
Austin – In the heart of energetic Austin, Lake Austin offers an
ideal setting to cruise, water ski, fish and be entertained with a
plethora of restaurants and live music venues to dock at along the
shore.
3. California ($417 million)
Hot Spot: Big
Bear Lake – Cruising, sailing or water skiing, Big Bear Lake, just
100 miles northeast of Los Angeles, offers something for every boater.
Don’t own a boat? Boats and equipment can be rented at one of the many
marinas that dot this resort community’s 23 miles of coastline.
4. North Carolina ($395 million)
Hot Spot: Lake Norman – Just
north of Charlotte, Lake Norman is the largest man-made lake in the
Carolinas at 34 miles long, boasting 520 miles of shoreline. This
popular boating destination provides year-around water access with
boating activities of all types for novices and experienced captains,
plus chartered cruises for those just looking to take in the scenery.
5. New York ($381 million)
Hot Spot: Lake
Champlain – Spanning 120 miles from Quebec to Whitehall, N.Y., Lake
Champlain is renowned for its beautiful scenery and boating
opportunities, particularly fishing – named one of the top five bass
fishing destinations in the U.S. by FLW Outdoors magazine.
6. Louisiana ($370 million)
Hot Spot: Shreveport
– Louisiana's “Other Side” is a sportsman’s paradise. Straddling the
Red River where water sports are plentiful, and adjacent to Cross Lake,
which offers 13.4 miles of scenic cruising, excellent fishing and
sailing, there’s something for every outdoor enthusiast.
7. Washington ($339 million)
Hot Spot: San Juan Islands – The San Juan Islands, located in the
northwest corner of Washington – just 90 minutes north of Seattle, are
like no other archipelago, boasting diverse natural beauty with rocky
shores, sandy beaches, towering forests and sweeping grasslands. The
700-plus island chain is home to hundreds of anchorages and harbors and
is perfect for boating because their waters are protected, tucked away
behind Vancouver Island.
8. Delaware ($330 million)
Hot Spot: Rehoboth
Beach – Rehoboth Beach has everything needed to enjoy all facets of
recreational boating and offers hundreds of slip and boat rentals.
Whether interested in cruising, crabbing or clamming, water skiing or
fishing, the area offers a summer getaway perfect for the family.
9. Michigan ($317 million)
Hot Spot: Traverse
City – With 181 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and surrounded by
149 lakes that are 10 acres or larger, Traverse City is a hub for
recreational boating, offering a variety of ideal settings for sailing,
fishing, water skiing or Great Lakes cruising.
10. Minnesota ($305 million)
Hot Spot: Detroit
Lakes – With more than 400 lakes within a 25-mile radius, Detroit
Lakes offers a summer vacation for every type of boater and plenty of
family fun. An abundance of public boat launches, marinas and boat
rentals, makes it easy to discover boating in Detroit Lakes.
For more boating information and resources, visit discoverboating.com.
*Source: NMMA’s 2009 Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract
About Discover Boating
Discover Boating is a national awareness campaign developed by the North
American recreational boating industry and managed by the industry’s
trade group, the National Marine Manufacturers Association. Discover
Boating programs focus on improving the boating experience and building
interest in recreational boating by providing a resource for Americans
to explore the benefits, affordability and accessibility of the boating
lifestyle. To find out more, visit discoverboating.com.
