SURVEY SAYS HIGHER FUEL COSTS MEANS FEWER BOAT TRIPS Recently, Mad Mariner, an online magazine, asked boaters,
Two hundred men and 200 women participated in the
“How do you think the price of fuel will impact your boating
survey, and they were asked about more than just fuel
season?” Forty-five percent of respondents said they “will
costs. When asked whether or not boating is equally friendly
go boating less often,” 32 percent said they will “take
to men and women, 48 percent of males said it is and 64
shorter trips” and five percent said they “won’t go boating
percent of women said men are favored.
at all.” That left only about a third of respondents—32 percent—who said they “won’t make any changes” and one percent that still doesn’t know how they will react. The survey also asked boaters what the price of fuel has
The 30-question poll was conducted for Mad Mariner in June by Mountain West Research Center using secure surveys completed online. The margin of error was plus-orminus five percent.
caused them to do so far. Forty-three percent said they
madmariner.com // (888) 256-5011
delayed launching their boat this season. Eight percent have already put their boat up for sale. And 18 percent said they are considering a different, more fuel-efficient boat.
CALIFORNIA LEADS NATION IN BOATING ACCIDENTS In a recent report released by the
In 2006 there were 757 reported
fatalities 71 percent of the victims
California Department of Boating and
boating accidents and 42 fatalities in
drowned. Of that group, 87 percent
Waterways (CAL Boating), California
California. The 2007 figures represent
were not wearing a life jacket.
led the nation in 2007 with 804
a 6.2 percent increase in accidents
reported boating accidents and was
and 30 percent increase in fatalities.
number two in boating fatalities with
Operator inattention was noted as the
55. Florida, with more than 62,000
primary cause of boating accidents
registered boats, had 136 fewer
and fatalities in 2007, followed by
accidents than California, according
operator inexperience and excessive
the to report.
speed. The report showed that of the
Education about water safety is important, and the Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary urge boaters, divers, kayakers, canoeists and all members of the maritime community to take a boating safety course. dbw.ca.gov
FALL BOAT SHOW SEASON KICKS OFF Fall is here, and that means boat shows. From Florida to
Photos courtesy Norwalk International In-Water Boat Show
Toronto, from Indianapolis to Annapolis—wherever you live, there’s bound to be a boat show somewhere nearby. From September 18 to 21, the 33rd edition of the Norwalk International In-Water Boat Show will bring buyers (and dreamers) to this Connecticut town on Long Island Sound. There, they will find more than 750 luxury motor and sailing yachts, sport fishers, performance boats, sailboats, personal water craft, inflatables, fishing gear and a leading-edge selection of engines, electronics and marine accessories. From September 10 to 14, the 36th Annual North American In-Water Boat Show will take place at Sandusky, Ohio’s Cedar Point Marina, while in Florida that same weekend the Florida Sportsman Fishing & Boat Show will take place at the South
Then over the weekend of the November 8 to 9, the
Florida Fairgrounds in West Palm Beach.
Jacksonville, Florida Sportsman Fishing & Boat Show will take place at the Prime Osborn Convention Center.
On the Great Lakes, there’s the Grand Haven In-Water Boat Show from September 12 to 14; Boat Show USA at Mt.
See our Events section on pages 86 and 87 for a more
Clemens, Michigan’s Metro Beach Metropark from September
complete listing of shows.
17 to 21; and the Toronto In-Water Boat Show at Ontario Place from September 11 to 14.
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