Bring a Buddy Boating!

Share the Excitement of Boating in New Jersey!

Boating in New Jersey:

Get away, close to home

If you're considering boat ownership, you probably already value the outdoors and the spirit of camaraderie that comes from sharing recreational activities such as camping, golf, hunting, or RV travel with friends and family.

Boating is affordable fun

There's a boat for every budget. In fact, many newcomers to boating are surprised that boats can be financed through financial institutions and can be paid for in monthly installments. It also cost less to operate a boat than you may think.

Boating builds bonds

Boating builds the bonds of family, friendship, good times and timeless memories. Two-thirds of boat owners say boating has brought their family closer together.

Boating fits your schedule

Sure, you're busy but - just like your car - your boat is ready to go whenever you are. And modern boats require very little maintenance, which your dealer or marina can do at a minimal cost.

Boating is relaxing

Even if the fish aren't biting, you're guaranteed to catch something more important - peace of mind. The relaxation, refreshment and emotional renewal of boating is powerful. Nearly 70 percent of boat owners feel boating contributes to their well-being.

Boating is the reel thing

Fishing ranks among America's top ten recreational activities and about 80 percent of recreational boaters also enjoy fishing. New Jersey offers an abundance of options for anglers, and the fishing has never been better.

Boating is easy on the environment

Today's boat buyer can choose from new engine technologies that are more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly. Plus, thanks to environmental legislation and efforts in New Jersey, the water is cleaner than ever.

Thinking about boat ownership?

There is a boat for every water recreation activity. You can explore boat ownership by attending boat shows, visiting marinas and boat dealers, and talking with friends who own boats. To make sure you get the most satisfaction and enjoyment from your boating investment, a few basic criteria should be considered:

- How and where will you use your boat?
- What boating activities would you like to pursue?
- How much engine-power will you need for those activities?
- How many people do you expect to have on-board?
- What is your budget?
- Should you buy new or used?
- What registration, boating education, storage and maintenance details should you plan for?

Get into boating in New Jersey today!

Visit several dealers and take a test drive before making a final selection. You can depend upon local New Jersey marinas and boat dealers for an easily accessible and enjoyable boating experience. In addition, marinas provide friendly, helpful advice, education, assistance and instruction through their trained staff on a variety of issues including boating safety, boating regulations and environmentally safe products and best practices.

Get hooked on boating in New Jersey!

New Jersey offers an abundant variety of boating adventures, from 130 miles of ocean coastline with countless inlets and estuaries to pristine lakes and broad meandering rivers.

With 19 of 21 New Jersey counties bordering water, and hundred of coastal and inland marina destinations for boat travel, the opportunities to explore and enjoy a life of boating in New Jersey are endless.

The State's recreational boating and fishing community is served by a thriving marine trades industry including marinas, boat dealers and related service businesses, as well as being one of the country's leading centers of recreational boat manufacturing with a centuries-old boat-building heritage.

Boat smart, from the start

Every person who is considering boating should take a boating safety course. Boating safety courses are an inexpensive and convenient way to learn the "rules of the road" for safe enjoyment of the boating experience. For a listing of course instructors or information on boating safety classes near you, call 732-292-1051.

About "Bring a Buddy Boating"

The "Bring A Buddy Boating" campaign is part of a new and exciting initiative to promote and increase participation in recreational boating in the State of New Jersey. The initiative began when the Marine Trades Association of New Jersey (MTA/NJ), the NJDOT Office of Maritime Resources and the NJ Office of Travel and Tourism collaborated to respond to a request for proposals by the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF). The MTA/NJ and partners were one of four successful applicants nationwide that were selected and awarded a Cooperative Marketing Agreement by the RBFF. This is the first time that the MTA/NJ has worked cooperatively with two State agencies to promote boating in New Jersey. Upon implementation of the agreement, the partners hired Creative Marketing Alliance (CMA) to lead the effort.

The "Bring a Buddy Boating" Campaign kicked off with simultaneous open houses at marinas, boat dealers and other marine businesses across the entire state, on June 12, 2004. Attendees had the opportunity to talk with marina owners, boat dealers and the boating community, as well as view boats and docking areas and participate in activities. A number of businesses in New Jersey joined in the campaign and hosted an open house event.

“Bring a Buddy Boating” Week, July 10-16, 2006, included a variety of activities and special events at marinas and boat dealers. Click on "Bring A Buddy Boating" to the left for more information.

About the NJDOT Office of Maritime Resources

NJ/DOT is devoted as the State advocate for New Jersey's maritime development initiatives and technologies, planning for maritime systems, enhancing New Jersey's marine environment, fostering maritime education, and providing overall support functions to the industry in close coordination with the Department of Environmental Protection, the Economic Development Authority, the Commerce and Economic Growth Commission and other State agencies. The Office serves as the single point of contact in the State for "all things maritime" and coordinates planning and policy issues with federal, state and local governments and regional and bi-state agencies, as appropriate.

About the NJ Office of Travel and Tourism

The Office of Travel and Tourism has undertaken a major upgrade of the State's Visitor Welcome Centers. Last year witnessed the begining of a collaborative effort with the NJ Turnpike Authority, the Department of Transportation and Host Marriott to modernize the quality of service at the Centers. This began with the standardization of uniform dress for employees, in addition to hospitality training to maintain the highest quality of service available for visitors to the Garden State. Moreover, the Office of Travel & Tourism has moved deftly to modernize and join visitor services with the latest computerized technology. This will soon allow visitors at the welcome centers to enjoy the ability to finalize their accommodations - from hotel reservations, travel schedules and overall site-seeing itineraries - with just a few clicks of the mouse.

About The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF)

The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to increase participation in recreational angling and boating and thereby increase public awareness and appreciation of the need for protecting, conserving and restoring this nation's aquatic natural resources.

Boater Interest Form

For more information on "Bring a Buddy Boating" or boating in New Jersey, please fill out the following interest form. Thank you for your interest!

Privacy Policy: The MTA/NJ will never share, sell, or rent individual personal information. Information submitted to the MTA/NJ is only available to employees managing this information for purposes of contacting you or sending you emails based on your request for information. You can always request to be removed from our mailing list by email: info@mtanj.org or phone: (732) 292-1051.