California Sails Away to Top Spot for Recreational Boaters

California Sails Away to Top Spot for Recreational Boaters Report reveals four other leading states for recreational boating CHICAGO, Jan. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- What do California, Michigan, Florida, Minnesota and Texas all have in common? They are the country's top five states for recreational boating, according to a National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) boating registration report released today. California now leads the country with 963,379 recreational boat registrations, with Michigan coming in second at 953,443. Florida is third with 939,968 followed by Minnesota (845,279) and Texas (619,088). NMMA's final recreational boat registration report will be released Feb. 17-21 during the Miami International Boat Show, one of the world's largest consumer marine exhibitions bringing together the widest variety of new boats, engines and marine accessories. The report -- which is based on 2003 recreational boat registrations -- also found that the top 20 boating states accounted for three out of every four of the nearly 12.8 million boats registered in the U.S. in 2003. NMMA used registration data supplied to the U.S. Coast Guard by the states to develop the registration statistics report. "With more than 72 million participants nationwide, it's clear that boating is one of America's favorite pastimes," said Thom Dammrich, NMMA president. "As evidenced by the vast array of products on display at the Miami International Boat Show and other boat shows across the country, there are boats and accessories geared toward every geographic region and every budget and lifestyle, from canoes to sportfishing boats to luxury cruisers." About the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is the leading association representing the recreational boating industry. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters and anglers in the United States. The association is dedicated to industry growth through programs in public policy, market research and data, product quality assurance and marketing communications. CONTACT: Rob Litt (rlitt@clynch.com 612/375-8509) Source: National Marine Manufacturers Association CONTACT: Rob Litt for NMMA, +1-612-375-8509, rlitt@clynch.com ------- Profile: International Entertainment