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Publication #TP 152

 

A Recreational Boating Characterization of Sarasota County1

Charles Sidman, Robert Swett, Tim Fik, Susan Fann, Bill Sargent2

Abstract

This report documents the methods and procedures implemented, during February December 2005, to survey and characterize boaters who recreate on waterways within and around Sarasota County, on the basis of trip departure category (marina wet slip, marina dry storage, public ramp, and private dock). Vessel and boat trailer registration numbers collected at marinas and boat ramps within Sarasota County were used to obtain names and mailing addresses from the States Vessel Title Registration System (VTRS) for marina and ramp samples. Names and mailing addresses for waterfront parcel owners obtained from Sarasota County tax records were compared to the VTRS to identify the dock sample (waterfront parcel owners that also own a boat). A map-based questionnaire was mailed to a sample of 4,650 area boaters. Questionnaire recipients marked the start and end point of their last two recreational boating trips, traced their travel routes, identified their favorite boating destinations, and the primary activities that they engaged in while at a particular destination. In addition, much descriptive data about boaters' trips—including preferences for selecting trip departure sites and routes, activities conducted, vessel types, and the timing, duration, and frequency of use—was collected and can be linked to the mapped data. Lastly, a content analysis identified important issues and needs from the perspective of the Sarasota County boating community. This information is intended to assist Sarasota County with prioritizing and improving waterway access and maintenance, optimizing boat facility siting, and targeting available resources to those issues of greatest concern to the boating community.

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Footnotes

1.

This is a publication of the Florida Sea Grant College Program, supported by the National Sea Grant College Program of the United States Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration under NOAA Grant #NA16RG-2195. Additional support was provided by the West Coast Inland Navigation District and Sarasota County, Florida. The views expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of these agencies.

Orginally published as TP 152, January 2006. Reviewed July 2010.

2.

Charles Sidman, Florida Sea Grant, PO Box 110400, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611-0400; csidman@ufl.edu.

Robert Swett, Florida Sea Grant and the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, PO Box 110400, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611-0400; rswett@ufl.edu.

Timothy Fik, Department of Geography, PO Box 117315, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611-7315; fik@geog.ufl.edu.

Susan Fann, 1716 NW 16TH PL, Gainesville, FL, 32605-4057; smfann@ufl.edu.

Bill Sargent, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 100 Eighth Avenue SE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701-5095; Bill.Sargent@MyFWC.com.

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations. For more information on obtaining other extension publications, contact your county Cooperative Extension service.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A. & M. University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. Nick T. Place, Dean.