The numbers are in. They show both the usual consistency and a few surprises.
Keeping with tradition, the count took place this morning, Sunday, July 4th. The long-held theory suggests that July 4 offers the best opportunity for an accurate census, being that any watercraft that will be in the lake for the season, is likely moored by this date.
The boat count was under the command of Terry Scott. There were two working groups. On the command raft, Terry piloted, Tom Bules was the scribe, and Rick Belcher, the barker. Simultaneously, Josie and Frank Hones counted the boats from Mud Point to where Lakeview meets Eagle Point Road. Some of that area includes shallow water, so their manner of conveyance was via canoe.
The count takes place early in the day because boats will be at their docks at the hour. Both teams remarked on a curiosity. Quite a few lifts were spotted with no watercraft on them. That seemed unusual. Several docks weren’t in the water, and some docks were bereft of boats.
Key takeaways:
- Rafts continue to rank number one, although there were 19 fewer this year.
- Inboards gained, up 23% from the previous high water mark last year.
- Though not at its 2017 heights, people powered craft remain popular, and higher than the long term average.
- Up 7% this year, more boats than ever are moored at the clubs/marinas. The Clark Lake Yacht experienced the most growth, up 46% which coincided with a gain in membership. Though they have 40 sailboats, the number of power boats grew significantly. Rafts are not permitted, except for the one used for judging sailboat races.
Yellow highlights – high number
Blue highlights – low number