Boating on a budget showcase makes boating affordable
Although boating is often perceived as an activity for the wealthy, the truth is that the majority of boat owners are middle class. Despite the tough economy, more than one-third of American adults, or 75 million people, went boating in 2010.
Boat manufacturers have adjusted to buyers’ needs during a recession to meet the demand for affordable, fuel-efficient boats. Today, 96 percent of boats on the water are 26 feet or shorter — and sales of entry-level boats are growing. Visitors to the 2012 Progressive Insurance New York Boat Show can find reasonably priced kayaks and paddleboards for sale, plus a variety of boats that can be financed for less than $250 a month. The new Boating on a Budget Showcase offers financing tips, free seminars, and special bargains on boats for every budget and interest.
“Boats are a great investment for a family because it’s a way to socialize and spend time together,” says Ellen Hopkins, a spokeswoman for Discover Boating. “A lot of my friends who grew up boating said that one of their best memories was going out with their dads on Sundays and fishing — it’s a unique way to bond. It’s like a minivacation, even just being on a kayak on the water.”
Ways to save on boating
Here are some tips to save on boating
from www.discoverboating.com:
Rent a boat from a local
marina, join a boat club or charter a boat.
Consider shared
ownership with friends or family.
Invest in affordable
kayaks, rafts and paddleboards.
Get a deal on boater’s insurance
by taking a boat education course.
Find a list of qualified
marine lenders on the National Marine Bankers Association
website at www.marinebankers.org.
