The National Marine Manufacturers Association research center has issued the following statements:

1) Boaters will be boaters no matter what happens at the pump - boaters are out on the water to relax and spend time with friends and family and are reluctant to give it up

2) Recent research shows fuel prices don't change boating habits - A study conducted by the Recreational Marine Research Center showed that the majority of boaters (56%) didn't change their boating habits based on higher fuel prices last summer

3) Gas prices have not impacted boat sales - Wholesale dollar boat sales were up 15.6% in 2004 compared to 2003

i have invested too much into this hobby to let gas prices dictate what i do.....

I have decided to take the year off of boating. I decided to redo a few things to make my boat just the way I like it. I pulled the motor yesterday and plan on fixing a few other things. I do still have a 17' Boston Whaler I plan to use. but I just can't afford the gas right now. Hopefully next year.

Anyone shut one motor down in Idle zones ? ..... I hate to do it but have found myself thinking about it ..... Guess you could alternate motors to even out the hours ....

You would have to have long azz Idle zones to really save anything on gas. Two minutes on plane at speed would equal about two hours idleing

Whats an Idle Zone???? is that the Ideal place to be?? or is that some place where you slow down so people can see U?? or maybe its the community where the Manatees assemble for there politacal ralleys??? If thats the answer ,,, then why would U boat there????

Inquyering minds want to know ??

What does Offshore mean??

RHC

will not effect me 1 bit, other than in the pocket book. Besides, it only got 1 1/2mpg when I bought it, so fuel was not a factor then and it ain't a factor now.

It sure makes outboards more attractive.

1 1/2 MPG, you must have one of those new hybrid boats.

Burned about $150. just on Sat , thank god it got cold...