N.J. boating is multi-billion-dollar business

MANASQUAN, N.J. – Results of a two-year economic impact study on recreational boating in New Jersey released this morning indicates that the state’s boaters spent approximately $2.1 billion dollars on in-state recreational boating activities in 2006 and that the industry provides about 18,000 jobs to New Jersey.

Of the money spent, $1.1 billion were trip-related expenditures and $938 million were in annual boating purchases (such as registration fees, maintenance, etc., the study – conducted by the Marine Trades Association of New Jersey – showed.

This study was the first of its kind in New Jersey, directly measuring expenditures related to recreational boating and their impact on the state’s economy, MTA/NJ said.

“The data captured from this study finally proves how recreational boating substantially contributes to the economy and how important the industry is to the state,” said Melissa Danko, executive director of the MTA/NJ. “Boating in New Jersey is serious business and this study clearly demonstrates how much we need to work to protect and promote it. The report is also a valuable resource that will be extremely helpful to decision makers, managers, planners and anyone concerned with recreational boating and New Jersey’s economy,”

The data used in the study was captured from a survey of New Jersey’s registered boaters, who were asked to provide information on how much was spent on boat purchases, equipment, boat repair, insurance, services, and annual fees associated with the use of marinas. Information on trip-related expenditures such as launching fees, lodging, food, gas, boater profile and geographic information was also collected.

The project was funded in part from an I BOAT NJ Program Grant. The I BOAT NJ program, in turn, is funded from revenue derived from the boater registration fees and managed by the NJDOT Office of Maritime Resources.

The MTA/NJ retained the services of HDR Engineering, Inc. to conduct the study with a team of economists led by Project Manager, Jennifer Curran.

The report can be viewed at www.mtanj.org and clicking on “Economic Impact Study” on the homepage.

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