NASBLA Public Library

Boat Ownership Longevity

Most of today’s boat owners have been boating for quite some time. In fact, well over half of them purchased their first boats more than 15 years ago and are now, on average, 63 years old. Meanwhile, about 15% of today’s boat owners purchased their first boats within the past four years, mostly during the pandemic, and are still in the process of "learning the ropes."

This presents an interesting challenge and opportunity from a boating safety education and outreach perspective because some people are "newbies" while many others probably consider themselves avid boaters.

Ownership longevity doesn’t necessarily translate to safer boating. In fact, one could argue that complacency can become one’s worst enemy. With this in mind, it’s critical that we continue to communicate the importance of boating safety to both audiences, recognizing that their perspectives are different. New boaters are likely to be more receptive to basic safety training, while more experienced boaters may require a different approach — perhaps one that acknowledges their experience while reminding them they have an added responsibility to exhibit safe boating habits, especially around other boaters. Food for thought.