The Summer of Our Discontent

Remember how horrified everyone was last summer about high fuel prices? More recent events have put that little
economic hiccup in perspective. If you are wondering if your reaction to last summer’s
spike in fuel prices was “normal” you might enjoy finding out what your peers were
doing. The industry association (NMMA) recently released a study it conducted among
several thousand boaters. One category of powerboat actually was used more than
before; can you guess which one?

High fuel prices this summer had some powerboaters modifying their activities, but surprisingly, overall usage was not wildly different…and one type of boat was up!

There are a lot of factors that affect a person’s use of his boat each year, including
weather, personal matters, time available, general economic conditions – but last
summer we all faced higher fuel prices. How did we react?


According to the NMMA (National Marine Manufacturers Association) study 75% of those
interviewed said that fuel prices “somewhat affected” or “greatly affected” their
boat usage.


Fuel-Saving Techniques...


But boaters are resourceful and found ways to continue their boating and maintain
their fuel budget. Here are the techniques they used—



Operated boat under power less 65%


Operated at lower speeds 54%


Reduced cruising distances 51%


Reduced idling time 30%

Change in Boat Usage…

In answer to the question, “Did you use your boat more or less in 2008?” the
answers were by category—


Inboard Cruisers

63% operated less


37% operated the same or more

Ski/Wake Boats
41% operated less

59% operated the same or more

Outboard Boats


52% operated less


48% operated the same or more

Stern Drive Boats


54% operated less


46% operated the same or more