A Clark Lake vital statistic is the number of boats on the lake.  Keeping an accurate account provides context for everyday impressions.  So, what’s the news for 2024?  Here are some key takeaways.

• The total number of boats is up 2% from last year at 1045.  Keep in mind the total declined 11% in 2023 from 2022.  That was the year when 1109 were counted, the most in Clark Lake’s history.
• Fully 30% of boats on the lake are moored at the clubs – 454 boats.  The Yacht Club grew the most, up 17%, at 118.  The Beach Bar was off 6% at 131 boats, but still had the most of any of the clubs.
• How did the Hobies do?  There were 42 this year, up from 41 in 2023.  55% of them were at the Yacht Club.  In 1987, 85 were on the lake.  The number might have been higher previous to 1987, but there is a gap in records from 1961 thru 1986.  After 1987, a slow decline took place until reaching a nadir in 2002 with only 16.  Hobies got a big boost when the Clark Lake Spirit Foundation sponsored a Reunion and Regatta in 2014.  More recently, Yacht Club enthusiasts have heightened popularity.
• Rafts still dominate, up 4% to 640.  2022 still holds the peak number at 656.
• Kayaks were up 5% at 249, but off substantially from the peak of 292 in 2016.  Kayak’s are by far the most popular people-power craft.
• Inboards were down 18% from last year at 83.  The peak year was 2022 when 112 were counted.

 

The Boat Count was under the command of Terry Scott with two working groups.  On the command raft, Terry piloted, Randy Guernsey was the scribe, and Rick Belcher, the barker.

Simultaneously, Josie and Frank Hones counted the boats from Mud Point to the spot where Lakeview West meets Eagle Point Road.  Because of shallow water, they counted from a canoe.

Jose and Frank Hones.  Photo is from a previous year.

The Count takes place on July 4th under the theory if a boat is going to be used for the season, it will be moored by then.  Bright and early at 6 am, the count began.

The most horsepower on a raft award goes to this one – Two 400s!

Thanks to Joe Collins and AOS.  Every year, Joe prints a sign that hangs on the shore side of the command raft so Clark Lakers on their docks know what counting crew is up to.