Mishaps on a Boat Around the Country

Heading into one of the busiest boating weeks of the year, Progressive Insurance released a survey* on boat safety and mishaps on the water. The results show some interesting differences between boaters in different parts of the country. 

Here are some interesting findings, state by state:

• Boaters in Minnesota (44%) and Wisconsin (45%) were more likely than their peers in other big boating states** to have struck a rock with their prop. 

• Ohio boaters were the most likely to report having hit a dock (38%).

• Boaters in New York were more likely than their peers to experience ‘boat rage’ (7%).

• But boaters in North Carolina reported the highest percentage (52%) of having expressed their frustration using — shall we say — colorful language. 

• Nearly a quarter of Michigan and Texas boaters surveyed have left the drain plug out while boating.

• Minnesota and Michigan are home to the most long-time boaters (more than 10 years). 

• Wisconsin boaters are the least likely to take a boat safety course (only 23%).

• 37% of North Carolinian boaters reported having been boarded by the coast guard for a safety check.

Here are some national findings:

• Across the country, 80% of boaters report that they consider themselves experienced boaters, but only 50 percent of those surveyed report having taken a boat safety course

• 27% of surveyed boaters reported feeling very confident with basic boating terminology like bow, starboard, port side.  

• Though most boat owners (78%) are in it for the fun; Progressive wants to remind those enjoying the water that it’s important to practice safety when operating a boat as one of the highest water-accident time of the year approaches.

• Overall, the most common mishap boaters across the country report making was forgetting their sunscreen (45%).

The survey also found that the more time you spend on the water means the more you might encounter. Those who have been on the water for more than ten years are more likely to say they’ve been boarded by the Coast Guard for a safety check, hit a rock with a prop, caught a prized fish to only lose it at the last second, left the drain plug out, or become stranded on the water. 

For more information on Progressive Boat Insurance and our newest optional coverage, Sign & Glide, visit www.progressive.com/boat. This coverage, which you can add on to your boat insurance policy, allows on-water towing, jump starts, soft un-groundings and fuel delivery if your boat is disabled in the water. 

*Data from a nationwide survey of 1,994 boaters, conducted June 2018

**Defined as top 10 states, based on watercraft registrations.