Boat Count

BOAT COUNT 2023

Right on schedule, the 2023 Clark Lake Boat Count took place yesterday morning.  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 Boat Count was under the command of Terry Scott with 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 the spot where Lakeview West meets Eagle Point Road.  Because of shallow water, they counted from a canoe.

In this photo, Josie is handing Terry the results of the count in the shallows.

After tabulating, what did the count reveal?

  • Based on July 4th boat traffic, it’s hard to believe the total number of boats at Clark Lake is down 11% from last year.  However, one need only watch the west end boat ramp to understand the seeming contradiction.  The 2017 boat count recorded the record-breaking number.
  • Rafts are still the 800 pound gorilla, dominating the lake.  Their total of 656 last year broke the record.  They were down 6% to 616 this year.  One trend is clear – new rafts continue to be more glamorous.
  • The number of inboards dropped 14%, but IO’s gained 17%.
  • Total power boats were down 8%, but people-power lost more, down 21%.
  • Total boats per household went from 3.4 to 2.9.
  • Total boats at the clubs gained, especially at the Beach Bar, now at 94.  Beach and Boat Club also gained, although some of that was due to a change in methodology (see note below chart).
  • 29% of all boats are at one of the clubs.

Has the number of boats at Clark Lake reached a peak?  One year doesn’t make a trend.  If it did point to fewer boats, some might consider it a blessing.

 

At the Yacht Club, some sailors keep their boats on trailers rather than docked.  So, boats on trailers with current MC stickers are included because these boats are likely to be put in the lake during the summer.  The same applies to the Beach and Boat Club, where there is a wait list for slips.

The July 4th sunrise cast a glow on the Yacht Club docks.

Boat Count 2022

Following tradition, the Clark Lake Boat Count took place this morning.  Starting at 6 am, two crews surveyed every dock on the lake to determine how many boats, and what kind.

So, what are the highlights of the 2022 Boat Count?

  • The total number of boats was high at 1,612, but that didn’t beat the peak of 1,653 in 2017.
  • The data is divided into three groups: sail, power, and people.  People power was up 5% but didn’t reach its high in 2017.  Power craft came in at the highest ever at 1,109, up 9% from last year.  Sailing was about the same, but with a noticeable difference.  A surge in Hobies at 43 (up 33%) was matched by a decline in regular hull sailboats at 28 (down 43%).  At the Yacht Club In 2020, there were 2 Hobies, in 2021, 4.  This year, 13.  The beginning of a trend?  In 2014, by popular demand, the Clark Lake Spirit Foundation held a Fleet 58 Reunion and Regatta.  Click here for some Hobie history.
  • Rafts remain the 800-pound gorilla, up 8% from last year, and at the highest number yet, 656.
  • After rafts, the most popular power boat is the inboard at 112.  Meanwhile, inboard-outboards declined to the lowest level ever at 52, since first being counted in 1987.  At their peak in 2005, there were 172.
  • Jet skis made a resurgence, up 19%.  The highest ever was 196 in 2005.
  • The number of boats at the clubs was about the same as last year.  The Beach & Boat Club topped the category at 122.  That includes some boats parked on trailers, but looked ready to be launched at any moment.  Likewise, the Clark Lake Yacht Club has sailboats that regularly go in the water but were on trailers the day of the count.
  • The average number of boats at each house was 3.4.  That was up from last year, but didn’t beat 2017 at 3.6.

 

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.  In order to come close enough to the docks, they operated from their canoe.

On the Command Raft—Terry, Tom, and Rick (not pictured).

Below, Frank and Josie Hones.

Why July 4th at 6 am?  It has long been believed that if a boat is going on Clark Lake, it will happen by July 4th.  If the count took place later in the day, the results would be muddled by boats not being at their dock and out on the lake, where it’s much more difficult to track them. Even at that, a few early risers enjoyed the lake this morning.  Check out the barefooters this morning.

The only raft at allowed at the Clark Lake Yacht Club is for judging sailboat races.  Then there is this borderline case.

Boat Count 2021

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

Boat Count 2020

In keeping with the July 4th tradition, the Clark Lake boat count commenced in the 6 am hour Saturday.  The count takes place on July 4th every year under the theory developed long ago–any craft that will be in the lake for the season, will be moored by this date.  Here are some key takeaways:

  • Rafts continue to rank number one, up 2%.  At 621, it’s a new high for rafts.
  • Power boats are up 5%; people power craft are down 6%.
  • Sailboats were up because the number of Hobies increased to 31 from 25.  The number of regular hull sailboats set a new low at 39, down 7%. In 1987, there were 252 sailing craft when Fleet 58 was still strong.
  • Jet skis are up 12%.
  • Jet boats increased, inboard-outboards decreased.
  • The number of craft at marinas decreased slightly, except for the Beach and Boat Club.
  • Twenty-six percent of the boats on the lake are moored at one of the clubs.
  • There are 3.2 boats on average at each residential dock.

The boat count was under the command of Terry Scott.  There were two groups working.  Terry piloted his raft, Tom Bules was scribe, and Rick Belcher, barker.

On boat two were Frank and Josie Hones who surveyed the shallower areas in a canoe from Mud Point to where Lakeview West meets Eagle Point Road.

Bowser Eagy started the boat count in 1959.  The data between 1961 through 1986 were lost.  But you can glean detail and insight into cyclical popularity with this spreadsheet.

Boat Count 2019

The Clark Lake tradition continues as the annual boat count took place early this morning, July 4, 2019.  Total boats on the lake declined slightly, from 1,493 in 2018 to 1,488 this year.

Here are the key takeaways:

  • Rafts continue to rank number one at 608, and that’s up 5% from last year.
  • People power craft are up 7%, but down from the peak in 2017.
  • Fewer sailboats were counted—off by 11% and that’s a new low.  In 1987, there were 252 sailing craft when Fleet 58 was still strong.
  • Eagle Point Marina has added boat slips at the tip of the Point making them the dominant boat club at 122.  The Beach and Boat Club is second with 113.
  • Twenty-six percent of the boats on the lake are moored at one of the clubs.
  • There are 3.1 boats on average at each residential dock.

This year’s boat count team consisted of Terry Scott, Jack Jackson, Dee Dee Jackson, and Rick Belcher (see photos below).  Bill Tuttle piloted the count from 1987 to 2017.  Bowser Eagy started the boat count in 1959.  The data between 1960 through 1986 were lost.  But you can glean detail and insight into cyclical popularity with this spreadsheet.

The boat count team.

  • Jack Jackson
  • Dee Dee Jackson
  • Terry Scott

Notes:

  1. To be consistent with previous years, “fishing boats” are defined as small boats with no motors. Today’s high-power fishing boats are categorized under “outboards.”  A small boat with a motor on it is considered to be an outboard.
  2. “Sailboards” are now part of the “sailboat” category.
  3. Floaties appear to be gaining in popularity, but they were not included in the boat count.  Several of these floating mats were noted this year (see below).

 

 

 

 

 

Boat Count 2018

In keeping with the Clark Lake tradition, the annual boat count took place on July 4, 2018.  Surprisingly, the number of boats found on the lake declined by 10% from last year’s record count from 1653 to 1493.

Here are some key takeaways.

  • Rafts still dominate, but their numbers are down 4% from 607 to 580.
  • Two more inboards were found on the lake, bringing the total to 88.  There were two woodie’s–one at the Yacht Club, and the other, at the west end of the lake between Mud Point and the Township Park.
  • People-power craft are down 13%, but at 396, the number beats most years.
  • Sailboats are down 32%, but still ahead of the low point in 2013.  Sailboats were at their zenith in the days of Fleet 58.  In 1987, there were 252 sailboats on the lake.
  • Boats moored at clubs increased by 8%, now at 406. Which club has the most is a statistical toss-up between the Beach and Boat Club and Eagle Point Marina.

A new team took over the boat count this year.  Terry Scott, and his daughter, Megen, are the new census takers.  Rick Belcher is the one holdover from the last few years.  Bill Tuttle, who recently moved to Ann Arbor,  shepherded the count from 1987 through 2017.  Bowser Eagy started the boat count in 1959.  The data between 1960 through 1986 were lost, but the spreadsheet below provides lots of detail and insight into the cyclical popularity of different watercraft on the lake.

Megen and Terry Scott

Entering into the methodology are these assumptions.  All boats that are going into the lake for the summer are in the water by July 4th.  Most boats counted must actually be moored at a dock, but there are some exceptions.  Kayaks and paddle boards are sometimes parked on lawns or decks. If they can be viewed from the lake, they are counted.  Some sailboats on trailers at the Yacht Club are regularly in the water during the season. The boat count crew relies on the Yacht Club to indicated which of those boats should be counted.

Some adjustments were made to the spreadsheet.  Jet skis and rafts are now included under “total powered.”  The other two major categories are “sailing” and “people-powered craft.” The “other” category this year includes one experimental seaplane.

Boat Count 2017

By today’s official Clark Lake boat count, the total number of boats on the lake beat all records.  Last year’s total showed 1,590, and this year’s total is 1,653.

Here are some key takeaways.

  • Rafts have a commanding lead, and they are up 4%, from 583 to 607.
  • Inboards have increased 8% and now number 86.  This is significant in that these are high ticket items, as are some of the newer rafts.
  • People-power crafts are up 4% from last year.
  • While kayaks beat all other people-power craft, they are down 5%.  Paddle boards increased 25% and paddle boats, 28%.  Paddle boards didn’t show in the boat count until 2014, and there are now 91 of them at the lake.
  • The number of boats per cottage has increased to 3.6 from 3.5.  Since 1987, the low year was 1999.
  • The percentage of of boats moored at the clubs is about the same.

The Clark Lake boat count traditionally occurs on July 4th, with the assumption that any boat that is going in the water, will be in the lake by this date.  Bill Tuttle leads the crew–Steve Wawro, Lance Hollner, Jim Tuttle, and Rick Belcher.  At sunrise, the crew departed from Kentucky Point and followed the shoreline around the lake.

Bill Tuttle, Lance Hollner, Jim Tuttle, Steve Wawro

The boat count was initiated by Bowser Eagy in 1959.  Data from 1961 thru 1986 are missing.

Boat Count 2016

Jim Tuttle, Lance Hollner, Bill Tuttle, Jim Bretes, Steve Wawro

For the last 58 years, a crew counts the number of boats on Clark Lake.  The 2016 boat count occurred in the early morning hours of today (Sunday, July 3rd).  The timing assures that all boats going into the lake have gone in by this date, on or about the Fourth of July.  It also begins at sunrise before boats leave the docks.

The boat count as been under the command of Bill Tuttle since 1987.  Bill was assisted today by Bill’s brother, Jim, Steve Wawro, Lance Hollner, Jim Bretes and Rick Belcher.  The video below shows Bill Tuttle piloting the raft, calling out the numbers to Steve Wawro.

 

 

Here are the key takeaways from today’s count.

  • There are more boats than ever on Clark Lake–1,590 compared to 1,486 last year.
  • The increase was due primarily to more people powered craft–paddleboards (38 in 2014, 65 in 2015, and 73 this year) and kayaks (226 in 2015 to 292 this year).
  • Rafts continue to dominate, but increased only by one this year to 584.
  • The number of power boats, jet skis, and sailboats (including Hobies) all increased over last year.
  • Of the marinas, the Beach and Boat Club continued to have the most boats at its docks at 121 and is up from 116 last year.
  • Eagle Point came in second at 113, as it did with last year’s 101.
  • 24% of the boats on the lake are moored at one of the clubs or marinas.
  • The number of boats per private residence increased to 3.5 from 3.2.  That’s the highest since record keeping began.  Note:  This number depends on an accurate count of the number houses which has not been done recently.  If the number of houses has decreased, the boats per house statistic is open to revision

Bowser Eagy conducted the first boat count in 1959 and continued until 1986.  After his passing the statistics between 1962 and 1986 were not preserved.

Boat count 2016 07-03v2

Boat Count 2015

Following the path of a longstanding tradition, the 56th annual Clark Lake Boat Count took place this Fourth of July morning.  The count started by dawn’s early light at 6:12 am and concluded at 9 am.  Bowser Eagy started the tradition in 1959.  Bill Tuttle has been its captain since 1987.  The video shows Bill Tuttle piloting the count raft and calling out the boats.  The crew helped by spotting and identifying types and transferring the count to paper.

The purpose of counting boats is to detect changes and trends.  This year some of the previously established trends remained in place. The total number of boats is at a record high–1,468 up from 1393.  Another trend is intact regarding the watercraft which was born on Clark Lake–the motor powered raft.  There are a record number of rafts on the lake–583, up from the previous record of 562 in 2014.

097

The crew: Jim Tuttle, Bill Tuttle, Lance Hollner, Steve Wawro (scribe), Ed Daily

A surprise was the big jump in the number of inboards, which had been fairly consistent over the last few years.  This year’s total was 82, up from 65.  Inboards are different from I/Os (inboard-outboards).  Their number is down from 128 to 104.

Personally powered craft continue their upward climb.  The number of kayaks grew from 193 to a new record of 226.  Paddle boards were first counted last year, and their numbers increased from 38 to 65.

In 2014 the number of Hobies shot up from the 2013 count of 24 to 38.  The surge was due in large part to the Fleet 58 Reunion and Regatta.  This year, 33 Hobies were counted, down slightly.  It should be noted that some of those Hobies in the competition were pieced together for the event and may now have reverted to their former status.  The total number of sailboats on the lake was down slightly to 88 from 90 last year.

Here’s a detailed look at the numbers.

Boat count 2015 07-04

Compared to last year, the weather this morning for the boat count crew was more welcoming.  Last year fog covered the lake, and that created some difficulty.  This morning, the crew had company on the lake from a couple fishing boats and several skiers.  Some of the skiing included barefooting on the lake’s mirror like surface.

[youtube]http://youtu.be/cXGA_GxgfX8[/youtube]

Boat Count 2014

An excellent reason to conduct a Clark Lake boat count each year is that things change. And 2014 is no exception!

Sun rising behind Eagle Point, shining through fog on the morning of the boat count, July 4th

Sun rising behind Eagle Point, shining through fog on July 4th, the morning of the boat count

The total number of boats on Clark Lake is greater than it has ever been—1,393. That exceeds the previous high water mark of 1,312 in 2012. Last year the number was down to 1,254 only to bounce beyond previous highs in 2014.

Rafts still own the lake. The count reveals 562, up from 523 last year, and exceeding the previous high of 556 in 2012.

It’s interesting that Clark Lake has fewer powerboats of various kinds than it did in 1960. In that year, the total was 436—in 2014, 276. Could it be that people prefer the ease of their increasingly luxurious  rafts over racing around the lake in a speedboat? The number of outboards, inboards, and jet boats declined. There are more inboard-outboards (I/O’s) this year—128, but that’s less than the peak in 2005 of 172. The number of fishing boats increased to 36, but a whole lot less than the 169 recorded in 1967.

Jet skis grew in number (130), though that’s a long way from the peak reached in 2005 (196).

There are two big gainers in the personally-propelled watercraft section. Kayaks continue to multiply like Clark Lake chipmunks—164 in 2013 to 193 in 2014.  Kayaks have never dipped from one year to the next so that the upward trajectory remains intact.

Bill Tuttle (standing), Jim Tuttle (with hoodie) and Jim Bretes (also seated)

Bill Tuttle (standing), Jim Tuttle (with hoodie) and Jim Bretes (also seated)

A new category enters this year’s count—paddle boards. It’s not that paddle boards haven’t been seen on the lake before, but the current iteration is new to the Clark Lake scene. These paddle boards make it easy (sort of) to stand and paddle and even do yoga or acrobatics on them. The 2014 count reveals 38 of them.

The number of sailboats went from 41 last year to 51 this year. The 2013 count showed 24 Hobie Cats. That grew to 38 this year, perhaps because of the Fleet 58 Reunion and Regatta. The number of sailboats in the water at the Clark Lake Yacht Club is 36, but there are 22 more on dry dock on trailers. The Yacht Club indicates that those do into the lake. So there are times when the number of sailboats on the lake gets a boost.

More swim rafts follow the shoreline with the highest number ever of 30, up from a previous high of 26 in 2006.

It’s interesting to compare the number of boats moored at the various clubs to the number at the docks of individual residences. 26% of Clark Lake’s boats are moored at clubs, about the same as last year.

Counting crew member Steve Wawro

Counting crew member Steve Wawro

This percentage depends a lot on the number of lakefront homes—the number used in this calculation is 350. The number of houses likely will continue to decline as lots are combined–with smaller structures coming down and fewer larger structures replacing them.  This will certainly affect the percentage in future years.

There are 2.9 boats per house, and that’s up from 2.7 in 2013.

The total number of watercraft at the clubs is larger than ever—367 in 2014 compared to the previous high of 356 in 2012. The biggest number is at Eagle Point, followed in this order–the Beach and Boat Club (Consumers), the Clark Lake Yacht Club and the Beach Bar.

Because rafts once again are number one, here are some breakouts about where they live. There are 90 rafts at Eagle Point, 59 at the Boat and Beach Club, 59 at the Beach Bar and 1 at the Yacht Club. The other 353 are moored at individual residences.

The boat count on July 4th started at 6 am. The count is traditionally taken on July 4th with the presumption that all boats that are going in the water for the season are moored at docks or the immediate shoreline, by this date.

left to right: Jim Tuttle (in shadow), Jim Bretes, Steve Wawro (standing), Bill Tuttle Iseated) Rick Belcher (not pictured)

left to right: Jim Tuttle (in shadow), Jim Bretes, Steve Wawro (standing), Bill Tuttle Iseated) Rick Belcher (not pictured)

And at 6 am, the vast majority of boats are not in use, promoting a more accurate count. The weather on the Fourth offered a special challenge. It was not only chilly (in the low 50’s), but foggy, especially in the cove on the east side of Eagle Point. But the crew was determined to take an accurate count.

Since 1987, Bill Tuttle has conducted the count. He took over after Bowser Eagy’s passing.  Bowser’s data from 1961 to 1986 are missing and have never surfaced. Assisting Bill for this year’s count were Jim Tuttle (Bill’s brother), Steve Wawro, Jim Bretes and Rick Belcher. Frank and Josie Hones conducted the count in the Pierce’s Bay area. Hugh Harris provided the data for the boats at the Clark Lake Yacht Club.

Below you will find a spreadsheet with lots of detail.  To enlarge, click or tap.  To reduce, click or tap again. Yellow indicates a high number; blue, a low number:

Boat count 2014 07-10v2

Boat Count 2013

Once again rafts own the big number even though their numbers are off slightly from last year. The upsurge in kayaks continues unabated with every year since 2002 showing an increase.

The crew poses for glamour shot (left to right) Bill Tuttle, Joe Rumler, Mike Beebe, Mike Hendges and Jim Bretes (crouching)

The crew poses for glamor shot (left to right) Bill Tuttle, Joe Rumler, Mike Beebe, Mike Hendges and Jim Bretes (crouching)

Since 1987, Bill Tuttle has conducted this count. To get a handle on the mechanics of the count, scroll below “highlights” on this page. For every data detail imaginable, download (or look at) the available charts.  But we recommend that you start with the highlights.

Click Here to Download Complete Boat Census in Excel format.

Click Here to Download Complete Boat Census in .PDF format.

Total number of boats
The total number of boats this year is 1254, that’s down from last year (1312) and down from the peak year of 2008 when 1350 were counted. In 1960 there were only 713. Between 1960 and the next available count in 1987, the number grew to 1178. (Counts from 1961 through 1986 are no longer available. Please see the explanation near the end of this post).

Rafts are number one
Rafts dominate with 523, that’s down from the all-time high of 556 in 2012. The low number was 1960 with 222. Since 1960, raft numbers climbed even though some dips occurred along the way (such as 1990 when 232 were counted).

An explosion of kayaks bolster person-powered craft count
The big story is kayaks. This year is their best ever showing with 164 counted. They got their start on the lake around 2000 and have multiplied like Clark Lake chipmunks ever since. Because of kayaks, all person-powered craft (canoes, paddle boats, kayaks) came in with their strongest showing this year (247). Over the years, the number of canoes has varied, but there are no apparent long term trends. There were 29 canoes in 1987, 40 in 1990, 10 in 1996 and 2001, 28 in 2013. Paddle boats peaked in 1989 (111) and have declined steadily ever since. This year they came in at 55.

Bill Tuttle captains

Bill Tuttle captains

Sailing craft
The largest count of all sailing craft was recorded in 1987 with 257, and it’s down to 73 this year. Hobies also peaked out in 1987, and other sailing craft been decline for years. Outside of 1960 (50), this year’s count showed the lowest number with only 73. Regular sailboats peaked at 147 in 1987 and are down to 41 this year. There are 24 Hobies this year, down from 29 last year but up from a low of 16 in 2002. In the early 1980s Clark Lake’s Hobie Cat Fleet 58 was the second largest fleet in the world for an inland lake (second only to an inland lake in South Africa).

Motor powered crafts, not counting rafts and jet skis, are in decline
The remaining motor powered crafts reached a peak in 1991 (460) and touched a low this year with 261. Today, the most motor powered crafts are inboard-outboards (107) followed by inboards (69).

Jet skis are declining
Having reached a peak of 196 in 2005, jet skis declined to 126 this year.

Boats per houses on the lake
There are about 365 houses on the lake. Using this number as a base, the largest number of boats per house were counted in 2006 and 2008 (2.9 per house). This year there were 2.6 per house.

How the boat clubs affect the count
The long-term trend shows a rise of boats docked at clubs compared to boats docked at houses. The total number of boats at clubs is 322, down from a peak of 356 last year. This year 26% of all boats were docked in clubs, about the same as last year (27%). The lowest percentage docked at clubs was 17% in 1992.

oe Rumler calls out the boats (standing) and Jim Bretes assists (seated)

oe Rumler calls out the boats (standing) and Jim Bretes assists (seated)

About the boat count
This is the 55th annual boat count. Traditionally it takes place at 6 am on the 4th of July under the theory that most boats that would be in the water were in the water by then. At 6 am most boats would at their dock rather than on the lake. As always, Bill Tuttle was in charge of the crew that circled the lake. Bill captained the raft, Mike Beebe was scribe, Joe Rumler called out the numbers as the crew passed by each dock. Jim Bretes and Mike Hendges assisted. Because of extreme shallow water, the count of boats in Pierce Bay was done by canoe courtesy of Josie and Frank Hones.

Bill Beebe performing the duties of scribe

Bill Beebe performing the duties of scribe

The history of the count goes back to 1959. For years, it was conducted by Bowser Eagy. After his passing, Bill Tuttle took up the mantle. Unfortunately the counts from years 1961 to 1986 were lost forever when Bowser’s estate was processed.

If you look over the chart in Vital Statistics, you’ll also notice that 2009 and 2010 are missing. Bill Tuttle now says that he has discovered that chipmunks ate the data for those two years. And in support of that story, there are a lot of chipmunks residing here. Bill has, however, discovered an iPhone app that is supposed to recover data from errant animals. We’ll see if it works.

Bill Ligibel recorded the 1972 house count on an inside wall of his garage where it remains to this day

Bill Ligibel recorded the 1972 house count on an inside wall of his garage where it remains to this day

The number of boats per house was calculated by subtracting boats docked at clubs from the total number and then dividing by 365. The 365 number is seen to be fairly consistent year-to- year. But reaching back to the early 70s, there were fewer lakefront structures. On August 9, 1972, Bill Ligibel counted 346 lakefront cottages.

 

Click Here to Download Complete Boat Census in Excel format.

Click Here to Download Complete Boat Census in .PDF format.

Boat-count-2013-07-07v2