Here is a snapshot of the number and varieties of boats that are
registered in
WA State. The numbers will vary elsewhere, of course, but in a broad
sense likely are approximate to some national trends.

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Washington State Boat Registration, By Type

Ever wonder how many boats are registered in the State of Washington,
how they break down by type, how they are built, how old they are, or
how they are powered? Recently released figures from the Washington
State Department of Licensing create a very specific answer.

Total number of Boats:

281,345 boats were registered in the state of Washington in 2007.


Types of Boats:

Runabouts: 182,590 64.8%
Cabin Cruiser: 34,117 12.14%
Jet Skis: 27,326 9.7%
Sail: 14,120 5.01%
Houseboat: 447 1.58%
Other: 22,385 7.9%

("Other" includes boats from several categories, and may include boats
where "type" was not designated on the application for registration.
We suspect, but do not know, that sailboats comprise more than 5.01%
of registered vessels and that some of the "missing" sailboats are in
the "other" category).


Types of Construction:

Fiberglass: 200, 433 71%
Aluminum: 69,489 24.6%
Wood: 5,735 2.03%
Rubber: 4,147 1.47%
Other: 659 0.23%
Steel: 437 0.15%
Concrete: 82 0.002%

Motive Power

Outboard Motor: 136,072 48%
Inboard/Outboard: 64,525 23%
Inboard: 42,417 15%
Jet: 26,761 9.49%
Sail: 8,757 3.11%
Other: 2,453 0.87%
(some sailboats with auxiliaries registered as "inboard" or
"outboard")


Boats by Model Year:

2002-2007: 47,174 16.7%
1997-2001: 41, 979 14.9%
1992-1996: 46,035 16.3%
1987-1991: 43, 693 15.5%
1900-1986: 102,104 36.29%