Word on the water is that 2020 saw big increases of boat buying, especially smaller boats and PWDs. No surprise - families were looking for a safer forms of recreation. A survey of boat buyers by Info-Link Technologies (Florida) showed that the average age of new powerboat buyers dropped by almost two years between mid-summer 2019 and 2020. The number of new boat buyers under 40 surpassed those over 60 in the U.S.A. for the first time.
‘The Economic Impact of Recreational Boating in Canada’ report prepared by the National Marine Manufacturers Association Canada (NMMA) tells us that about 12.4 million adult Canadians go boating every year. Recreational boating adds $5.6 billion to Canada's GDP with over $10 billion in revenues. About 75,000 Canadians are employed by the core of the recreational boating industry while boaters themselves spend $1.4 billion annually on boating trips.
Emissions from marine engines have declined up to 95% over the past 20 years and fuel efficiency has increased by more than 40%. Ontario is proposing to increase ethanol levels to 15% in regular gasoline by 2025. This would be problem for carburetors and injectors on many boats, PWCs, and other small engines. The industry is promoting bio-isobutanol (BI), a more efficient fuel additive also made from corn that does not result in marine engine failures.
According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association Canada (2018), an estimated 12.4 million Canadians enjoy our rivers, lakes and oceans each year - and for good reason. Recent research shows people experience emotional and psychological benefits being around water, and while participating in activities such as boating. One of the leading researchers on the health benefits of the water is Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, Ph.D, a marine biologist and author of Blue Mind, the bestselling book on the scientific connection between water and happiness. So even if you just want to cruise to a place in your mind – a boat will get you there.
Drowning is the 3rd leading cause of unintentional death for Canadians under 60. According to preliminary data in the Lifesaving Society's 2018 Canadian Drowning Report, Ontario had 93 water-related fatalities in 2017, and 117 in 2016. The highest numbers during 2011-15 were among seniors aged 65 and older (1.8 per 100,000) and young adults aged 20 to 34 (1.5 per 100,000.) 80% of victims were male. The major risk factors contributing to boating-related fatalities include not wearing a personal flotation device (84%), cold water (64%) and consuming alcohol (34%).
The Canadian Drowning Report was prepared for the Lifesaving Society Canada by the Drowning Prevention Research Centre Canada: Canadian Drowning reports
Compared with a five-year period between 2005-2009, the water-related fatality rate decreased in most province and territories in 2010-2014. In 2014 there were 428 drowning deaths in Canadian waters, the lowest number in the last 25 years.
| The Northwest Territories | -44% |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | -24% |
| Nova Scotia | -24% |
| Yukon | -14% |
| Nunavut | -13% |
| BC | -12% |
| Ontario | -11% |
| Alberta | -9% |
| Quebec | -5% |
| Saskatchewan | +35% |
Lifesaving Society Canada: Canadian Drowning reports
In 2017, the Canadian recreational marine industry generated $2.3 billion. The average cost of units sold was $50,000, down 6.8% from 2016. Large powerboats and sailboats generate about 40% of total sales. Speedboats now account for 25% of the Canadian market.
Total boat sales declined by 2.5%, but number of units sold increased 4.7% to 39,000. Outboard-powered boat sales increased 4.3%. Small aluminum fishing boat sales increased 4.8%, with an average selling price of $19,000. These boats have 78.7% of the outboard engine market. Aluminum pontoon boats continue to grow in popularity, increasing 8.9%. PWC sales increased a whopping 12.8%. Inboard wakeboard boat sales increased 2.3%, for a total of $255 million, and now occupying 12.75% of the entire boat market.
Engine sales were 20% higher compared to 2010 - 40,826 engines sold for a total of $321 million. Engines sold are also getting more powerful. Average power in 2010 was 46 hp, but by 2017, engines averaged 58 hp, with median power of 100 hp, and an average value of $7800.
The National Marine Manufacturers Association announced new statistics showing that in 2016 the recreational boating industry had estimated revenue of $10 billion (12.4% increase from 2012) that added $5.6 billion to Canada's GDP (12% increase from 2012). The core boating industry supported about 75,000 jobs, generating $2.9 billion in annual salaries and wages (11.5% increase from 2012).
43% of Canadians went boating in 2016. Canadians owned about 8.6 million boats.
The Economic Impact of Recreational Boating in Canada: 2016 available to NMMA members.
National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA announced new statistics for 2015. The Canadian recreational marine industry remains steady as sales increase in certain categories and boater participation rises. Some highlights from 2015:
National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA announced data from their Canadian Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract at the Toronto Boat Show January 2015. Generally boating participation rates were up and sales were down from October 2013 through September 2014. Here are some highlights.
Boat Sales:
In 2014, new boat and engine sales were $2 billion, down 2.3%, while unit sales were down 7.2%. Most categories were down, but 3.9% more personal watercraft were sold. New boat and engine sales declined in every provinces except British Columbia, up 3%. BC had 7.5% growth in new outboard engine sales. BC had 14.2% of all new boat and engine sales.
Pre-owned boat sales in Canada totaled 60,085 units, down 3.5% from 2013. All segments had fewer sales. Total sales value was $985.2 million, down 6.9%. The average pre-owned boat cost $2,533 to $110,194 depending on boat type.
Pre-owned boat sales in Alberta and Saskatchewan were up 3.3% and 3.5% respectively, with declines in other provinces.
Economic Impact of Boating Industry:
Canada's recreational boating industry continues to be a significant contributor to the Canadian economy, with $2 billion in sales from new boat and engines and $985.2 million in pre-owned boat sales during the period of the study.
Canadian Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract is published by NMMA
Highlights from the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA Canadian Boating Statistical Abstract):
2013 Exports and Imports:
Value of exports and imports reached a five-year high totals of $419.7 million for boats and $890.6 million for engines. Import growth was up 6.5%. Export growth was up 3.3%, declining in all categories except inboard and “other” boats.
The number of boats exported declined in nearly every category in 2013, except inboard and “other” boats, which grew by less than 1%. Imports were up 0.5%.
A new report from National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) finds Canada?s core recreational boating industry contributed an estimated economic impact of $5 billion, supports about 67,000 jobs, generating $2.6 billion in annual salaries and wages. The core recreational boating industry generated approximately $8.9 billion in total revenues, and contributed $774 million in taxes and subsidies to Canada?s economy in 2012. Included were manufacturers of boats and accessories, dealers, marinas, repair and maintenance shops, schools, boat clubs, and related companies. Industries such as fishing (sportsman activities and equipment), outfitters, and tourism were not included.
They also estimated there are 4.3 million boats in Canada. 35% of Canadians went boating last year. (Based on a published population of 35 million, that's over 12 million people!)
Reported by BoatingIndustry.com.
A new report from National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) indicates that sales of recreational boats in Canada increased 13% in 2012 after several years of a slow economy. ($2 billion to Sep. 2012) Used boat sales rose 17% ($935 million). The biggest sellers were aluminum pontoon boats (23%) and sport jetboats (13%). Canadian boat makers exports rose 50% ($479 million) in 2011, the last year data was available.
In 2012, more than one in five Canadian households owned at least one recreational boat, while just over one third participated in boating. Ontario leads the way with 40% of residents participating in boating. The NMMA estimates there are 3 million recreational boats in Canada.
The survey explodes the myth that boating is the preserve of the rich. The average boater in Canada is from 31 to 49 years old, has children at home, and has a household income $44,000 to $99,000 a year. Boating is solidly a middle class activity.
Data from the National Marine Manufacturers Association using statistics from Statistics Canada and Transport Canada. Reported at TheStar.com
According to statistics from NOAA, nearly 79 million Americans ? or 32% ? will enjoy an outing by boat this year. There are about 12 million registered recreational vessels in the U.S., 50% more than 20 years ago. Although recreational boating deaths have decreased during the last 30 years, the number of accidents and injuries have steadily climbed.
Between 1991 and 2009, an average of 752 boaters died while on the water. In 2009, the U.S. Coast Guard reported 4,730 accidents, 3,358 injuries, $36 million of damage and 738 deaths. Florida has the most boats and the most boating accidents and fatalities - 79 in 2010.
Wearing a life jacket - that one simple choice - could save as many as 84% of the boating fatalities who drowned.
In Florida, all children under 6 must wear a USCG approved Type I, II or III PFD while aboard a vessel under 26 feet. U.S. federal regulation mandates that beyond state waters (3 miles off Florida's Atlantic coast) each child aboard under 13 must wear a USCG-approved PFD. PWC riders and anyone being towed behind a vessel must wear an appropriate PFD. Every vessel must carry at least one USCG-approved Type I, II, III or V PFD for each person aboard.
Source: www.tcpalm.com, noaa.gov
In 2010, 322.1 million metric tons of cargo were handled by all U.S. and Canadian ports and marine terminals on the Great Lakes-Seaway system, generating 226,833 jobs and creating US$33.6 billion & Cdn$34.6 billion in business revenue. Maritime businesses spent US$6.4 billion & Cdn$6.6 billion in their local economies, and paid US$4.6 billion & Cdn$6.6 billion in total taxes.
Source: 2011 study Economic Impacts of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway System
A 20-year study [PDF] 1991-2010 by the Canadian Red Cross examined boating deaths across Canada. It found 50% of boating deaths could have been prevented by simply wearing a PFD (life jacket).
Only 4% of persons who fell overboard were wearing a PFD. Non-swimmers were least likely (only 4%) to wear a PFD, and wearing increased with a person's ability to swim. Only 8% of weak and non-swimmers aged 5-14 years were wearing a PFD; 3% for 15-19 years. Between 36% and 61% of the boats involved were in violation of regulations with no PFDs aboard. In 24% of deaths, a PFD was not present, and 39% of deaths PDF presence was unknown - as many as 63% of deaths, in spite of legislation requiring presence of a PFD for every person in the boat.
Trauma deaths most frequently involved personal watercraft (PWC). 41% of traumas involved head injury. The 5% who died wearing a PDF most often involved capsizing and hypothermia.
Enforcement of current regulations which require only the presence of an appropriate number of flotation devices in boats is relatively ineffective and inefficient ... regulations requiring wearing of flotation should be considerably easier, faster, less invasive, and less costly.
There were 10,511 water-related deaths, 9,961 from drowning and hypothermia - 37% (3.324) of these were boating deaths. 86% of boating deaths involved recreational or daily life activities. Capsizing, falling overboard, and swamping caused over 75% of boating deaths. Men accounted for 88% of boating deaths. Indigenous people were five times less likely to wear a PFD than other boaters, and few even carry them on board. Alcohol was a factor in 43% of boating deaths. Small fishing boats and canoes were most common type of boat involved in fatal incidents.
2016 National Drowning Report by The Lifesaving Society found that water-related deaths has fallen steadily over the past 20 years, from a yearly average of 2.1 per 100,000 population from 1993?1997 to 1.4 per 100,000 population from 2008?2012. 2008-2012: The average age of drowning victims in Canada was 42.8 years. The highest death rates were among those 20 to 34 years old and 65 and older. 20- to 24-year-olds had the largest number of drowning deaths of all age groups.
Boating-related deaths: research by Canadian Red Cross & The Royal Life Saving Society Canada
2010 June : Canada has six million boaters prepare to go boating this summer, while some are trying to buy a boat. Two out of five boat shoppers (40%) are first-time buyers, according to research by Ipsos Reid. Boat buyers and sellers are part of a marine industry worth $26.8 billion in Canada. (National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) Canada, 2010)
2009: According to Canadian government statistics, as many as nine million Canadians participate in recreational boating each year. About 200 of these will die in accidents on the water, with another 6,000 suffering non-fatal injuries.
An article in the National Research Council journal Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism describes research by the Canadian Red Cross showing that 60% of those who survived cold-water emersions swam for shore or other dry sanctuary. Only 30% of survivors stayed with their craft.
The researchers claim that people wearing a lifejacket can swim in water temperatures of 10-23 degrees Celsius for 800 to 1,000 metres, or about 45 minutes, before their arms and legs stopped working from hypothermia. Also, staying calm the first few minutes helps thinking and breathing - and survival. The old advice of "stay with the boat" may not help you survive, unless you get rescued quickly. Read more at: Toronto Star, Jun27/07
The Canadian Discover Boating program has released an Economic Impact Study of Recreational Boating in Canada 2006. Canada's recreational boating had a $26.8 billion impact on Canada's economy in 2006 - in jobs, sales, travel, repairs, taxes, tourism revenues and consumer spending. Canadian boaters spent C$15.6 billion on boat and engine sales, accessories and other boating expenses in 2006. The report also indicates 373,606 jobs and 10% of Canada's tourist dollars come from recreational boating. (Study by: Genesis Public Opinion Research Inc. with Smith/Gunther Associates)
[Canadian Boating Index - Marine Industry: Discover Boating, National Marine Manufacturers Association, International Boat Industry] Originally posted in Boating in Canada News Jan/2008
There are an average of 36 boating deaths in Ontario every year - 31% of these involve alcohol. The Canadian Medical Association says that alcohol is detected in two-thirds of boating-related drownings who are tested, and many are well above the legal limit for driving a boat.
A recent Canadian Red Cross study covering 15 years of boating deaths in Canada (1991 to 2006) found that boating-related deaths have fallen to half what they were 20 years ago. The 2006 data suggests these figures are still falling. Of 2,232 people who drowned or died of hypothermia, only 12% were wearing a life jacket properly.
| 5-Year Period | Boating Fatalities |
|---|---|
| 1991 - 1996 | 873 |
| 1996 - 2000 | 718 |
| 2001 - 2005 | 555 |
The annual occurrence of all boating fatalities (drowning, hypothermia, trauma related to crashes) shows that the rate of water deaths in Canada has fallen from 0.84 per 100,000 population in 1991 to 0.45 per 100,000 in 2006, or roughly half. In other words, Canadians today are almost twice as safe on the water as they were two decades ago. You are more likely to drown in a bathtub than drown falling out of a boat.
Approximately 85% of boating deaths occur in Canada's fresh waterways, according to a 10-year study by the Canadian Red Cross published last year. According to the study, 393 recreational boaters drowned in B.C. between 1991 and 2006, accounting for 18% of all such deaths in Canada. Contributing factors in the deaths were lack of flotation devices, water temperature and drinking. 68% of drowning victims were not wearing a flotation device, and of those, 27% of motorboaters had life-vests on board but chose not to wear them, while 13% of people in nonmotorized boats died with their flotation devices stowed out of reach.
Canadian Recreational Boating Trend Reports show that between 1991-2008, boating accounted for an estimated total over 3000 fatalities in Canada, 86% of which occurred while participating in some form of recreational boating activity.
From: Vancouver Sun, Canadian Recreational Boating Trend Reports 1991-2008
| Year | Inicidents | Deaths | Liquor Offences | Boats Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 56 | |||
| 2000 | 38 | 44 | ||
| 2001 | 40 | 938 | ||
| 2002 | 40 | 1,175 | 37,161 | |
| 2003 | 22 | 27 | 1,167 | 49,961 |
| 2004 | (23) | (29) |
2003: 23 incidents to August involved: 14 outboards, 1 sailboat, 7 canoes and 1 kayak. Ontario Police checked 49,961 boats to ensure operators were licenced, the vessel had proper safety equipment, and operators were not impaired.
The Canadian Red Cross says 500 Canadians drown each year. Children are vulnerable because they do not appreciate the danger. A study by Canadian Institute for Health Information [Canadian Boating Index] shows:
Drowning is the second leading cause of injury-related death of Canadian children up to 14 years of age, according to "Safe Kids Canada" [Canadian Boating Index: Organizations], an injury prevention program of the Hospital for Sick Children (2007). About 58 Canadian kids drown each year; 140 are hospitalized from near-drowning. Backyard pool drownings happened mostly in Quebec (47%) and Ontario (37%).
Boating deaths in Canada have been decreasing. During 2000 (the most recent year for which national data are available), there were 147 boating fatalities - a new low. During 1996-2000, 888 people died in boating incidents, down by 17% from the previous five years (1991-1995).
Half of Canadian boating deaths occur on lakes (53%). Oceans (23%) and rivers/streams (22%) account for the balance.
By region, one-quarter (28%) of Canadian boating fatalities occurred in Ontario during 1996-2000; 21% in British Columbia; 18% in Quebec; 17% in Atlantic Canada; 13% in the Prairie provinces; and 3% in the northern territories.
Powerboats are the most prevalent pleasure craft and account for more than half of all Canadian boating deaths. Small open powerboats under 5½ metres (18 feet) in length are more often involved than larger powerboats. Canoes are the second-most involved craft. The absolute number of personal watercraft fatalities is low. However the water-related death rate for PWCs, at 11 deaths a year per 100,000 boats, is higher than for powerboats at six deaths a year per 100,000 boats, and higher than unpowered craft (e.g. canoes, sailboats and rowboats) at 2 to 5 deaths a year per 100,000 boats.
From 1996 to 2000 in Canada, 85% of those who died boating were not wearing personal-flotation devices, and alcohol was involved in 38% of fatalities.
Source: The Lifesaving Society, national boating fatalities report
Although there are no Canadian statistics about safety training and boating fatalities, a U.S. Coast Guard investigation found that 47% of all boating deaths occurred on vessels where the operator had not taken a boat safety course.
Fast Facts:
Boating accounts for 1/3 of water-related deaths in Canada. 33% of victims were powerboating, 27% were sport fishing and 13% were canoeing. More than 90% of boating victims are male and 50% are 18 to 34 years old.
In 1999, there were about 250 boat manufacturers employing 6,000 people. Annual shipments were $925 million and $100 million for equipment. $580.6 million of the total was exported. (Canadian Dollars)
Canadians own two million recreational boats including 637,350 canoes, 148,500 sailboats, 349,650 rowboats, 823,200 outboards and 120,000 other boats of all sorts. Estimated expenditures on recreational boating in Canada, including storage, fuel, marina and club rental, membership fees, boats and accessories total $2.0 billion or 1.8% of total estimated world expenditures of $40.5 billion USD.
Canadian exports of motorboats (cabin cruisers, outboard and inboard/outboard boats) were valued at $187,75 million in 1998, making up 33% of the total boating exports. Aluminum outboard boats sold especially well because of new designs and innovative deck layouts.
Sailboat exports reached $16.5 million in 1998. Personal watercraft by Sea-Doo by Bombardier make up 55% of Canadian boating shipments and 61% of boating exports. Nearly 275 manufacturers exported $50 million worth of marine equipment and accessories, such as life jackets, electronics and hardware.
In 1997, Canada's boat industry consisted of approximately 235 boat manufacturers and employed about 6,000 people. Annual shipments were $997.2 million for boats and $100 million for marine equipment and accessories. Of the total, $714.1 million was made up of boats export shipments, which gives the industry a trade surplus of $461.0 million.
Most companies are Canadian-owned. They vary from relatively modest operations to major internationally competitive companies with the resources and management skills to withstand competition from the leading brands.
The United States accounts for 89% of Canadian exports, followed by Western Europe with 3.4% and the rest of the world, primarily Japan and South America, with 7%.
Preventable water-related deaths by type of recreational activity.
| Activity | 1990-1993 | 1994-1998 |
|---|---|---|
| Swimming | 86 | 81 |
| Fishing | 87 | 71 |
| Powerboating | 93 | 67 |
| Partying | N/A | 35 |
| Playing near water | 44 | 35 |
| Canoeing | 30 | 30 |
| Walking on or near water/ice | 36 | 24 |
| Playing/wading in water | 30 | 19 |
| Snowmobiling | 22 | 19 |
| Diving into water | 13 | 14 |
PWC's have proportionally more accidents than other types of boats and the majority of deaths are caused by collisions. Deaths from other types of boats are mainly people drowning without a lifejacket.
A 1995 survey concluded that 90% of boating drownings in Canada occur in inclement weather. Check weather on the Internet by radio, TV, telephone, newspapers, VHF broadcasts!
It's never been shown that licenced operators improve safety or fatalities. [Education may be another matter. Besides, a boating course is a good winter project for the whole family.
Percentage of households owning pleasure craft 1994 Ontario 719,710 41.3% New Brunswick 33,505 19.0% British Columbia 328,969 18.9% Quebec 266,188 15.3% Alberta 145,574 8.3% Saskatchewan 73.326 4.2% Manitoba 71.247 4.1% Nova Scotia 66,010 3.8% NewFoundland 35,584 2.0% Prince Edward Island 4,187 0.2%
In 1994, Canada's most popular boat - a 17 to 19-foot outboard-powered family runabout - ranged between $11,000 - $18,000. The average aluminum fishing boat with outboard motor, personal watercraft, or day sailer were under $10,000. A trailer was about $1,200 more. (1994 Statistics from Industry Canada & the Canadian Marine Manufacturers Association)
The number of households owning pleasure craft and the number of pleasure craft owned in Canada declined in 1994. According to estimates generated in its most recent Household Facilities and Equipment Survey (HFE), Statistics Canada reported that 1.3 million Canadian households owned 1.75 million recreational craft ranging from personal watercraft such as seadoos and sailboards to large yachts. These figures are down from the estimated 1.5 million households and 2 million craft* reported by the same survey in 1992. One in every eight Canadian households reported owning a recreational boat in 1994 compared to an estimated one in seven in 1992, according to the survey's results. Rental boats were not included in the survey.
The average annual number of boating deaths in Ontario from 1969 to 1979 stood at 97. From 1980 to 1990 it dropped to 83, a significant drop.
Year Ontario Boating
Fatalities
1980 123
1981 89
1982 76
1983 70
1984 95
1985 106
1986 72
1987 64
Ontario Boating Fatalities:
Boat Type 90 91 92 93 94 95
Powerboats 42 49 55 26
Canoes 16 14 12 4
Sailboats 7 3 2 2
All Others 9 3 3 5
TOTALS 74 69 72 37 46 42
