Study suggests impact of rising gas prices
CHICAGO – Despite rising gas prices, 94 percent of American boaters say they will be out on the water this summer as usual, according to a recent study conducted by the Recreational Marine Research Center, National Marine Manufacturers Association and West Marine.
The national study, conducted earlier this month, examined the boating habits of approximately 1,900 U.S. boaters. The findings are part of the Boat Owners’ Spending Habits Monthly Survey, conducted on a monthly basis from April through September each year.
The May study revealed that while 57 percent of boaters’ vacation plans will be affected by rising gas prices, they’re more likely to curtail other activities this summer – dining out (45 percent), entertainment (45 percent) and driving (52 percent) – as opposed to reducing the amount they go boating (25 percent).
“Boaters are out on the water to relax and spend time with friends and family,” said Thom Dammrich, NMMA president. “They cherish time aboard their boats and are reluctant to give it up, even in the face of higher-than-normal gasoline costs. Boating is a lifestyle that isn’t going to be significantly affected by what happens with prices at the pump.”
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