Assessment Of The Economic Impacts Of Recreational Boating In Middlesex County, Virginia

The survey research completed and described in this report produces in-depth information regarding the economic activity and fiscal impacts of recreational boating to Middlesex County, Virginia.Surveys of non-resident boat owners were completed during 2008.The surveys provided details on the amount and types of spending associated with watercraft use in Middlesex County. Major Findings Boat Related Spending in Middlesex County:♦ Resident boat owners spent over $35 million on boating in Middlesex County during 2007.♦ Residents owning boats 25 to 39 feet in length accounted for over $10 million of the total spending.♦ Fuel accounted for the largest "trip related" expenditure at almost $2.7 million.Resident spending on fishing supplies, restaurant meals, and groceries each exceeded $1 million.♦ Over $10.3 million were for annual storage and maintenance of watercraft.♦ A survey of 209 non-resident boat owners keeping their boats at local marinas indicated that as a group they spent over $3.0 million in Middlesex County during 2007.♦ The average non-resident watercraft was 32 feet in length and typically spending $14,149 annually in Middlesex County.♦ There are over 5,000 watercraft registered in Middlesex County.Additionally 30 marinas provide over 2,000 "wet slips" and 1,200 "dry slips" to primarily non-resident boat owners.