What is an average boater? That’s the subject of a recent marine survey conducted nationwide. Findings, besides our tremendous economic impact, went like this:

• 42 million Americans boated last year. Of that number, 61 percent of all boaters fish.
• Boaters spend about 17.2 days per year on the water. 27 percent of boats are 19 feet or longer.
• Over 60 percent of Americans trailer their boats and 50 percent of recreational boaters and fishermen must trailer 20 miles or more to launch.
• 28 percent of trailer boaters must travel over 50 miles or more to launch ramps and marinas.
• 35 percent of boaters wear PFDs at all times; 22 percent have completed a safe boating class.

Results of this study beg us to ask the big question:

Why aren’t more tax dollars used for procuring and upgrading public launch ramps?

A report prepared for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission indicates that Florida boat ramps and piers handle millions of people each year who shell out hundreds of millions on goods and services.

FS