Michigan State University Extension
Tourism Educational Materials - 33840107
06/06/02
Recreational Boating on Lake Superior
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Source: Minnesota
Authors: Lime, David W.; McAvoy, Leo H.; Schatz, Curtis;
and Pitt, David G.
ID: CD-FO-3880
Year: 1989
Research Summaries
No. 5
Recreational Boating on Lake Superior
Minnesota Extension Service University of Minnesota
Introduction
Lake Superior is one of Minnesota's greatest water
resources. But how does it rate as a resource for
recreational boating? What problems or barriers to quality
boating do boaters perceive regarding Lake Superior How
can these barriers be remedied?
To obtain answers to these and other questions related to
the quality Of boating in Minnesota, a statewide survey of
registered Minnesota boat owners was conducted in 1988 by
the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Department
of Natural Resources (DNR), funded by the DNR.
Nearly 700,000 boats were registered in Minnesota in
1989-about one boat for every 6.3 people living in the
state. The research summarized in this report is based on
a survey of 2,490 boat owners, projected to the entire
population of Minnesota registered boat owners.
Use of Lake Superior for Boating
About one third (34%) of Minnesota boat owners-nearly
100,000 of the state's pleasure boat owners-had operated
or had been a passenger on a boat on Lake Superior
(anywhere on the lake) at least once during the five years
(1983 through 1987) previous to the study; 66% had not
(Figure 1). When questioned about the number of days they
had personally boated on the lake, not surprisingly, most
use was by a small percentage of all boaters. Heavy-use
boaters, for example (those boating on the lake 21 or more
days in the previous five years), represent about 7% of
all boat owners but account for 74% of the lake use
(Vis. 2).
Boat owners in the northern and metro regions boated more
on Lake Superior in the previous five years (36% and 38%,
respectively) than boaters in the south (20%). Boat owners
in the north were much more likely to be the heavy-use
boaters of the lake than were metro residents---probably,
in part, because of their closer proximity to the lake.
When boat owners were asked where they boated most
frequently in 1987, both within 49 miles of home and 50
miles or more from home, some respondents specifically
identified Lake Superior---about 5%, or nearly 15,000 of
the pleasure boat owner households statewide. Nearly 60%
of this boat use was in sailboats or motorized craft over
20 feet in length. A substantial amount of this use,
however---about 35%---was in boats 14 to 20 feet long.
Less than 50 miles from home. For those who boated on Lake
Superior in 1987 and traveled less than 50 miles from
home, the median number of days they boated was 20;
however, 10% boated 100 days or more. Most of their use of
the lake was for day trips (90%). Most of these boaters
live near the lake---the median one-way driving distance
from their permanent residence to the lake was only 7
miles. The majority of these boat owners (60%) typically
transported their boat by vehicle to the lake and launched
from either a free public access (53%) or marina (35%).
Fishing was the main activity for their outing; it was
cited by 55% of these respondents,
Figure 1. Have you operated or been a passenger on a boat
on Lake Superior in the past five years?
YES: 66%
NO: 34%
Figure 2. (Vis. 2)Boating use of Minnesota waters of Lake
Superior in the past five years (1983-1987)
Figure 3. (Vis. 3)Interest in boating, or boating more
often, on Minnesota waters of Lake Superior, based on
frequency of boating in the past five years (1983-1987)
More than 49 miles from home. For those who boated on the
lake and traveled more than 49 miles from home, the median
number of days boated in 1987 was 7. None of these boat
owners reported boating more than 60 days in 1987, but 14%
did boat 25 or more days. Typically, these boat owners
were on overnight outings (93%) as part of a trip away
from home, such as on weekends or vacations. Their median
one-way driving distance from home was 150 miles; 20% were
250 miles or more from their permanent residence.
Surprisingly, an even higher percentage of these boat
owners (73%) transported their boat by vehicle to the
lake, compared with those who traveled less than 50 miles
from home for their outing. Nearly half (49%) launched
their boat at a free public access; 43% used the services
of a marina. Again, fishing was the principal recreation
actively, with 52% of the respondents mentioning it.
Demand for Lake Superior Boating
Lake Superior has the potential to become one of
Minnesota's most important pleasure boating resources,
based upon respondents' answers to questions about their
interest in boating there more often in the future.
Among all the respondents, 44% indicated a desire to boat
or boat more often on Minnesota waters of Lake Superior--
-representing about 125,000 of the pleasure boat owners
statewide. About one quarter of the boat owners (26%) said
they don't know; 30% said no, they weren't interested in
boating or boating more often on the lake.
Among boaters who had boated on the lake in the previous
five years, 69% expressed a desire to boat more often,
although there was some variation among boaters based on
how frequently they boated on the lake (Vis. 3). Among
boaters who had not boated recently on Lake Superior,
almost one third (31%) indicated an interest in doing so.
Of those boat owners who singled out Lake Superior as the
water body where they boated most frequently in 1987, 96%
indicated a desire to boat more often on these waters.
Another 2% were undecided: only 2% said no, they weren't
interested in boating more often.
Boat owners from the metro and northern regions had
approximately equal interest in boating on Lake Superior
in the future; 44% and 47%, respectively, expressed a
desire to boat or boat more often. In the south, 35% of
the respondents felt that way. Substantial numbers of boat
owners, and about the same percentage of respondents in
each region, were undecided about their future use of the
lake---metro, 25%; north, 26%; and south, 29%.
Barriers to Boating on Lake Superior
Boat owners were asked why they haven't boated or boated
more often on Minnesota waters of Lake Superior. Although
some barriers may be difficult or impossible to remove
(such as the lack of available time, unpleasant weather,
and the expenses of boating there), it appears that many
barriers might be reduced with expanded and innovative
shoreline facilities, information, and educational
programs.
Protected harbors and marinas. In response to questions
regarding why they did not boat (or did not boat more
often) on Lake Superior, about one third (29%) of the
respondents agreed that there were not enough protected
harbors available (Vis. T1). Nearly two thirds (61%) were
undecided if the lack of protected harbors was or was not
a barrier to their more frequent use of the lake; only 9%
felt that this was not a barrier. A similar response
emerged when asked if lack of marinas with permanent and
transient slips, lodging, and food services was a barrier.
About one fifth (22%) agreed; 64% were undecided; and 14%
disagreed that this was a barrier.
A comparison was also made of boot owners who had operated
or had been a passenger on a boat on Lake Superior during
the preceding five years and those who had not. Owners
with previous experience, were more than twice as likely
to agree that the lack of protected harbors was a barrier
to their more frequent use of the lake-48% compared to 20%
for those without previous experience (Vis. T1).
Furthermore, those with previous experience (compared to
those without experience) were three times as likely to
agree that the lack of marinas was a significant
barrier-38% and 13%, respectively. Among those boat owners
who did not use the lake in the previous five years but
indicated a desire to do so, the lack of both protected
harbors and marinas represented important barriers to
their use of the lake-30% and 20%, respectively.
Boat owners who identified Lake Superior as the place
where they boated most frequently in 1987 were in even
more agreement that a lack of protected harbors and
marinas are significant barriers to their more frequent
use of this water body (Vis. T1). Stronger concern was
voiced about not enough protected harbors than for a lack
of marinas. The number of boat owners who were undecided
if lack of these facilities was a barrier to their more
frequent use was relatively small-especially concerning
protected harbors (only 9%).
Boat owners in both the northern and metro regions had
similar responses regarding whether or not the lack of
protected harbors and marinas were barriers to their more
frequent use of Lake Superior (Vis. T1). Not enough
protected harbors seemed to be a greater barrier than not
enough marinas, however. For boat owners who reside in the
south, these facilities (or lack of them) were not as
significant a barrier as in the other two regions.
These findings suggest that while there seems to be fairly
strong support for additional protected harbors and
marinas, this support is strongest from those already
using the resource-especially those who use it more
frequently than other water bodies.
Because so many Minnesota boat owners seemed undecided as
to whether the lack of such facilities is a barrier to
their more frequent use of the lake, it should not be
assumed that simply providing more marinas or harbors, or
both, will be a panacea for the problem of attracting new
boaters to Lake Superior. A combination of strategies may
be required to expand or enhance use of the lake,
including providing other facilities and services. Indeed,
it may take additional study to assess the true influence
of these and other facilities and services on future
demand.
Table 1. (Vis. T1)Boat owners' opinions bout whether lack
of protected harbors and marinas are barriers to more
frequent use of Lake Superior
-----------------------------------------------
Other facilities and services. Those boaters who
identified Lake Superior as where they boated most
frequently in 1987 noted a variety of services and
facilities, in addition to protected harbors and marinas,
that, if available, would add to their enjoyment of Lake
Superior. Facilities and services (from among 20 studied)
that were identified by at least 50% of these boat owners
as likely to add to their enjoyment were (in approximate
order of importance): (1) buoys indicating water depths
and hazards, (2) docks at the boat launch to ease
launching, (3) toilets at public accesses, (4) car and
trailer parking at public accesses, (5) boater "wayside
areas" for day use only-accessible only from the water and
equipped with toilets and picnic facilities, (6) security
lighting at the launch facility, (7) drinking water at the
public access, (8) public campsites accessible only from
water with primitive facilities, (9) maps and other
information about boating on the lake posted at launch
facilities, and (10) public telephones at public accesses.
Information and education. Lack of knowledge about Lake
Superior or lack of skills also may be barriers to boating
on the lake. The following statements (reasons for not
boating) are concerned with knowledge or skills related to
the lake:
- I don't know enough about Lake Superior boating
- My boat is too small
- I lack the skills needed for Lake Superior boating
- It's too dangerous
- There isn't enough good information on Lake Superior
boating
- The weather is unpleasant
As shown in Figure 4, many boaters agree that these are
barriers. This suggests that improved information on what
boating is like and what to expect on Lake Superior as
well as what skills and equipment are needed to boat
safely on the lake might be keys to expanding and
enhancing boating activity.
Comparisons among different groupings of boat owners with
respect to these reasons reveal no particular surprises.
For instance, those with no or limited experience in
boating on the lake agreed more with the above statements
than those with moderate or extensive boating experience.
Comparisons by region where boat owners reside also show a
high level of similarity among boaters in all three
regions. Notable exceptions are: (1) residents in the
metro region felt more strongly that there is not enough
good information on Lake Superior boating-31% (metro) vs.
23% (north) and 24% (south), and (2) southern and metro
region boaters agreed more that the lake was dangerous
(37% and 33%, respectively) than did boaters in the
northern region (27%).
______________________________________________
____________________________________________
Figure 4. Reasons why Minnesota boat owners have not
boated or have not boated more often on Minnesota waters
of Lake Superior
Other good places for boating are closer to home: 70%
I don't know enough about Lake Superior boating: 58%
My boat is too small: 56%
I don't have enough time to boat there as much as I would
like: 45%
I lack the skills needed for Lake Superior boating: 43%
It's too dangerous: 30%
There are not enough protected harbors: 29%
Not enough good information on Lake Superior boating: 27%
There are not enough marinas with permanent & transient
slips, lodging, & food: 22%
The weather is unpleasant: 21%
It's too expensive to boat there: 18%
There are not enough safety patrol & water rescue
services: 11%
I already do enough boating on Lake Superior: 8%
The fishing is poor: 6%
Not enough charter/rental boats for fishing: 6%
Not enough charter/rental boats for other purposes:5%
Percent Agreeing with Statement: 0 - 80%
____________________________________________
Several other potential barriers that did not solicit
strong agreement among boat owners were (1) there are not
enough safety patrol and water rescue services, (2) the
fishing is poor, and (3) there are not enough
charter/rental boats for fishing and other purposes
(Figure 4). As such, these apparently are not important
barriers to boat owners' more frequent use of Lake
Superior.
Other barriers. Four additional barriers were investigated
(Figure 4) and, although they may have a bearing on
whether or not people boat, their subsequent influence on
boating participation generally cannot be altered by
facilities, services, or information. Two of these reasons
were noted as important barriers by many boat owners: (1)
there are other places to boat closer to home (70%) and
(2) 1 don't have enough time to boat there as much as I
would like (45%).
The importance of these influences on the future behavior
of boaters cannot be underestimated. Regardless of what
might be done to enhance facilities, information, and
boater training, a majority of Minnesota boat owners
simply will find the lake too far in terms of time and
distance and will continue to find acceptable and high
quality boating opportunities closer to home.
Two other reasons studied---(1) it is too expensive to
boat there and (2) 1 already do enough boating on Lake
Superior-appear as relatively minor barriers to future use
(18% and 8%, respectively).
Summary
Recreational use of Lake Superior for pleasure boating
currently is not widespread, but many who visit this
resource do so frequently and travel numerous miles to get
there. Nearly half (44%) of the pleasure boat owners
statewide expressed a desire to boat or to boat more often
on the Minnesota waters of Lake Superior.
Demand for boating was highest among those boat owners
with previous experience on the lake. Among those who
boated on the lake in the five-year period 1983 through
1987, 69% expressed a desire to boat more often. Nearly a
third of the owners who had not boated recently on the
lake indicated a desire to do so.
In general there were more similarities than differences
in the responses of boat owners from all three regions of
the state (north, south, and metro) concerning their past
boating experiences on Lake Superior and interest in
boating on the lake more often in the future. Interest in
Lake Superior was about the same statewide.
Some of the barriers to boat owners' more frequent use of
Lake Superior can be remedied by the commercial sector or
resource management activities. Possible remedies include
expanded efforts to provide protected harbors and marinas
as well as better information and education programs to
inform boaters about Lake Superior opportunities and
needed skills and equipment to boat safely on the lake.
These efforts are important not only for boaters who
frequent the lake but also for many infrequent users and
current nonusers as well.
Shoreline facilities, services, information, and education
programs alone probably will not bring new throngs of
boaters to Lake Superior, simply because most Minnesota
boat owners live too far from the lake; most will continue
to find acceptable boating opportunities close to home.
Many boat owners appear to be undecided about why they
have not boated (or have not boated more often) on the
Minnesota waters of Lake Superior. For many people, Lake
Superior is a mystery as a place for pleasure boating.
However, with expanded efforts to publicize the
opportunities there, as well as expanded access and
facilities both on the lake and nearby, Lake Superior
should continue to grow as a popular and valued
destination for numerous Minnesota boaters.
Authors:
David W. Lime, Adjunct Professor and Research Associate,
Department of Forest Resources and Tourism
Center
Leo H. McAvoy, Associate Professor, Division of
Recreation, Park, and Leisure Studies
Curtis Schatz, Research Assistant, Division of Recreation,
Park, and Leisure Studies
David G. Pitt, Professor, Department of Landscape
Architecture
Technical Assistance:
Minnesota Center for Survey Research, University of
Minnesota (administration and processing of survey
questionnaires)
Editor: Louise Jones
Tourism Center, 48 McNeal Hall, 1985 Buford Ave.,
University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108; John Sem,
Director
1988 Survey of Minnesota Boat Owners-Study Design and
Method
Access to Minnesota's lakes and streams is provided
through many private and commercial facilities as well as
through innumerable public canoe launches, beaches, and
open stretches of shoreline. More than 2,200 free public
water access sites are managed by federal, state, county,
and local governments. Minnesota's Department of Natural
Resources (DNR) manages nearly 1,200 of these sites.
Although a primary DNR activity is acquiring access to
water bodies statewide, recent discussions have focused on
managing these resources to better serve the boating
public. What should the future direction be for managing
the state's water resources to offer safe and rewarding
boating opportunities?
In 1987, the authors, the University of Minnesota, and
five units of the DNR (Boat and Water Safety, Fisheries,
Planning, Trails and Waterways, and Waters) entered into a
partnership to conduct a statewide survey of registered
boat owners to determine how boaters use their pleasure
boats on Minnesota waters and what they think about
problems and issues related to boating. The study
investigated these concerns for the state's waters as a
whole and with specific reference to two of our largest
water resources-the North Shore of Lake Superior and the
Mississippi River downstream from the Twin Cities. In
March and April, 1988, a mail-back questionnaire was sent
to a representative sample of 3,200 registered boat owners
drawn from the pool of 286,000 pleasure boat owners in the
state licensed through the DNR. The survey sample was
selected to enable comparisons to be made among the three
regions of the state displayed in Figure 5, and among six
major types of licensed pleasure boats: canoes and kayaks,
other boats under 14 feet in length, sailboats 14 to 20
feet, sailboats more than 20 feet, other boats 14 to 20
feet, and other boats more than 20 feet in length. Other
comparisons, such as those between boat owners who own or
do not own riparian property, are also possible.
Figure 5. (Vis. 5)Study Regions
_______________________________________________
The questionnaire was comprised of 45 questions and took
about 15 minutes to complete. The initial mailing and two
follow-up reminders resulted in 2,490 owners returning the
survey. About 100 surveys were eliminated from the
original sample of 3,200, resulting in an overall adjusted
response rate of 80 percent. This excellent response
reflects Minnesota boat owners' strong interest in
expressing their views, as well as the importance they
place on the state's free public water accesses to achieve
quality boating experiences.
Survey respondents may not be representative of the
typical boat owner. The survey questionnaire requested the
individual in the household "who goes boating most
frequently" to respond to the survey. Therefore, the
typical survey respondent may be somewhat older and a more
experienced boater than the state's typical boat owner or
boater.
Details about the study design and methods, the raw data,
and the data summary tables are available from the authors
and from the DNR's Office of Planning, 500 Lafayette Rd.,
St. Paul, MN 55155-4010 (612-296-0565). This study was
funded by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Copyright 1989 by Minnesota Extension Service, University
of Minnesota. All rights reserved.
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