ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 15, 2009 –- Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) reported in a membership survey released today that 96% of respondents said the economic downturn would not lead them to “stop using their boat this summer.”  And while some boaters are seeing their boating activities curtailed, most remain positive about their boating plans for this summer.

“Last summer, high fuel prices kept some boaters off the water,” said BoatUS President Nancy Michelman.  “But this year, despite the economy, our members are largely optimistic and are determined to make good use of their boats.”

The survey also found:

·               52% reported they are not changing the way they use their boat, compared to last summer.

·               If this summer’s gas prices are lower than last summer’s, 39% said they expect to go boating more often.

·               Only 1% of respondents say they would not boat this year.

·               Some changes in the way respondents plan to use their boat this summer include: reducing cruising distances or selecting boating destinations closer to home (24%), reducing the number of boating trips/days (17%), spending more time anchored out (17%), spending more time at their home marina (13%), running the motor less (13%), and sharing costs (10%).

·               The majority of respondents (30%) reported having total yearly estimated boating expenses of $3,000-$5,999, or about the price of a week’s vacation with airfare at Disney World for a family of four.  68% reported having boating expenses less than $5,999 annually.

·               26% would sacrifice dining out and 25% would give up, reduce or postpone taking a vacation to afford boating this summer.

·               Over two-thirds of respondents (69%) said spending time boating brings the family together.

·               46% admitted that as a boater, they had more friends.

·               72%* said the boating lifestyle helps maintain or improve their health ( ^* the FDA has not evaluated this claim - editors).

·               The Fourth of July is by far the most favorite summer boating holiday (49%).

Two helpful online resources for Americans wishing to get started in recreational boating or sailing are the boat manufacturing industry’s website: www.DiscoverBoating.com, which helps buyers navigate the budgeting and purchase process, and the BoatUS Boat Buyer Services website , which offers a free online boat buying guide and information on boating-related services.

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About BoatUS:

BoatUS – Boat Owners Association of The United States – is the nation’s leading advocate for recreational boaters providing its 600,000 members with government representation, programs and money saving services.  For BoatUS membership information visit http://www.BoatUS.com or call 800-395-2628.