Sea Tow surveyed more than 5,500 members to understand how rising fuel prices and other costs are affecting recreational boating. They published their findings as a real-time snapshot of boating habits to help Sea Tow meet their members’ needs. Among the survey’s key findings:
- More than half, 52%, report boating the same amount or more than last year, while others are boating less, taking shorter trips, or staying closer to home.
- 84% of interviewees cited fuel as the boating expense that has increased the most, followed by maintenance (36%), marina and slip fees (22%), and insurance (18%).
- Respondents who adjusted their boating habits due to rising fuel costs have made one or more changes: 53% are boating less often, 42% are taking shorter trips, 38% are staying closer to home, and 29% are running at lower speeds.
- Looking ahead to the 2027 boating season, 37% cited fuel prices as their biggest concern, while 30% expect their boating habits to remain about the same. Another 14% said finding time to boat is a concern, and 10% cited maintenance costs as a concern.
seatow.com
