10 BEST BOATING STATES
Reprinted from Boating Life magazine, courtesy of World Publications
By Chris Tauber

You could launch a boat in literally any of the 50 states, but which states can be called "the best" for boatable water and, once there, having a good time?

For the sake of argument - and road-trip planning - we assessed all 50, looking at 1) accessibility, 2) waterway variety, 3) legislation, 4) funding and 5) organizations. Our first cut pulled the list down to 23 states. From there we tapped the expertise of an exhaustive list of national, state and local boating experts. After more than a month of research, and more than a few debates, the following states powered to the top.

1. Michigan
One million registered boats (the most of any state) can't be wrong. But it's more than that. You're never more than 85 miles from one of four Great Lakes, and six miles from a boatable lake or river. Boaters enjoy 1,300 government-run public access sites, indexed with maps on the Michigan Recreational Boating Information System (mcgi.state.mi.us/mrbis). Virtually 100 percent of the registration fees and a high share, 1.6 percent, of state gas tax revenue are cycled back into public boating facilities, marine law enforcement and harbor development.

2. Florida
The self-proclaimed fishing capital of the world has an enviable 8,436 miles of shoreline on the Atlantic and the Gulf (only Alaska has more), as well as 7,700 lakes greater than 10 acres that make it arguably the water-sports capital too. More active marine-industry groups than any state helped create the new Office of Boating and Waterways and boost facilities funding. Best of all, the boating season never ends.

3. Minnesota
There's one lake for every 424 Minnesotans, and one boat for every six, the best ratio in the United States. Free access to water is the norm, and most ramps are open 24 hours a day. A harbor program is making the 160-mile Lake Superior shore more accessible. Besides, you can't beat this official mission statement: "It is the policy of this state, which is blessed with an abundance of water, to promote its full use and enjoyment by all of the people."

4. Wisconsin

The boat-to-resident ratio in Wisconsin is second best to Minnesota's at 1 to 9, but we also love that the 72 counties have at least four lakes each, and at most 1,327 (Vilas county). If a lake has a name on the map, it most likely has a public ramp. Tax revenues bring in about $10 million from residents and out-of-state visitors for projects like new ramps, and a panel of 15 waterway groups advises the legislature on laws that affect boating. The long winter's bright spot is 600-acre Lake Columbia, north of Madison, fed warm water by a power plant so it's always boatable.

5. California

Despite some dry lakes to the south and some boating restrictions, California is exceptional. The Department of Boating and Waterways uses an annual $100 million budget in part to enhance the 861 ramps that serve 3 million boaters. Venues vary from the 3,500-mile coast to popular spots along the Colorado River, the Delta and San Francisco and San Diego bays.

6. Texas

You can't deny the lakes, reservoirs and activity along the Gulf Coast, all within trailering distance of major metro areas in Texas. And 100 percent of the registration fees from the 624,000 boats goes back into boating projects. Texas would have ranked higher if not for three drawbacks: 1) No share of state gas-tax revenue is specifically earmarked for boating; 2) Much of the state's inland shoreline is privately owned; and 3) There isn't a lot of action in West Texas, which is way too dry to be called a boating sanctuary.

7. South Carolina

From mountain getaways on the west side of the state to the bustling coastal region, South Carolina offers the best of North Carolina and Georgia in one wedge. The South Carolina Marine Association pushed the state last year to be the first in the country to recognize National Marina Day.

8. Missouri

Lake of the Ozarks and Table Rock Lake are among the best and sunniest boating destinations in the Midwest. But they are just two of 12 major impoundments. Save your fuel receipts, and at year's end file for a refund of highway-state-road-tax money you paid at the pump. Based on a brisk business, major boat builders put Missouri in their top five. Add a tropical winter, and we might, too.

9. Tennessee

The state has three fully navigable river systems - the Mississippi, Tennessee and Cumberland - that run through the four biggest cities. These and 32 major reservoirs put boaters in a festive mood to the tune of 300 marine events a year. A number of major boat builders call the state home. On the downside, highways soak up gas-tax revenue, leaving only a $500,000 trickle for boating.

10. Maryland

Chesapeake Bay dominates the geography and the recreation. While Maryland ranks 26th in number of boats registered, there's one boat per 10.9 people, fifth best. Active groups such as the Marine Trades Association of Maryland guide the state, which also features the Potomac River and a smattering of reservoirs. Boat industry lobbyists and congressional leaders from D.C. have many places to talk business.

Honorable mentions

New York: The ocean, the Sound, the rivers, the canals, the lakes - only some boating restrictions are holding New York back.

Alabama: It's all fishing, almost all the time, whether in specially stocked family-oriented lakes or the big reservoirs.

Maine: The 6,000 rustic waterways offer unmatched beauty, if you can find the roads and ramps to get to them.

Rhode Island: It's like Maryland, only one-fifth the size. The new Freedom to Fish Act is an angler's bill of rights.

Washington: No state has a haven like the San Juan Islands, from which boaters can meander down to Seattle's lively waterfront. The Columbia River winds through much of the state, with access points easily found at iac.wa.gov/maps.

The questions we asked:

• Accessibility: Are public ramps plentiful, convenient and easy to locate?
• Variety: Are there different types of waterways for all kinds of activities? And what about the scenery is it diverse?
• Legislation: What programs and policies promote or hinder boating?
• Funding: How much of fees and taxes goes back into safety and facilities?
• Organizations: Which business associations and public agencies play boater's advocate?