Top 10 US boating states

THE US recreational boating industry’s trade association, the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), 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,” said Carl Blackwell VP 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)

2. Texas ($906 million)

3. California ($417 million)

4. North Carolina ($395 million)

5. New York ($381 million)

6. Louisiana ($370 million)

7. Washington ($339 million)

8. Delaware ($330 million)

9. Michigan ($317 million)

10. Minnesota ($305 million)