NICB Reports 1% Increase in U.S. Watercraft Thefts in 2016

June 22, 2017

Reflecting a similar experience with vehicles, the National Insurance Crime Bureau’s (NICB) annual watercraft theft report shows a one percent increase in watercraft theft in 2016, reversing a multi-year downward trend. A total of 5,116 watercraft were reported stolen between January 1 and December 31, 2016. The report is based on theft data contained in the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database for all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

The top five states for thefts in descending order were:

State Thefts Recovery Rate
1 Florida 1,291 36%
2 California 451 55%
3 Texas 438 41%
4 Washington 216 50%
5 Louisiana 174 33%

The top five cities for thefts in descending order were:

City Thefts Recovery Rate
1 Miami 163 28%
2 Tampa, Fla. 81 27%
3 Fort Lauderdale, Fla. 62 21%
4 Orlando, Fla. 51 25%
5 Tavares, Fla. 43 37%

The top five types of watercraft stolen were:

Watercraft Type* Thefts Recovery Rate
1 Personal Watercraft 1,167 34%
2 Runabout 639 50%
3 Utility 355 38%
4 Cruiser 192 58%
5 Sailboat 66 62%

The top five manufacturers for watercraft thefts were:

Manufacturer Thefts Recovery Rate
1 Yamaha Motor Corp., USA 604 25%
2 Bombardier Corp.** 451 35%
3 Kawasaki Motors Mfg. 144 32%
4 Alumacraft Boat Co. 112 30%
5 Bass Tracker Corp. 107 36%

Most thefts in 2016 occurred during the spring and summer months with July recording the highest number with 671. February recorded the fewest with 223.

Source: NICB

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