| Pleasure boating is popular worldwide. It is a | | | | who claim watercraft maintenance actually rivals |
| recreational activity suitable for children, teens, | | | | aircraft maintenance in terms of overall expense. |
| adults, and those in their golden years. The | | | | Then there is the fuel. Filling the fuel tank in your |
| infatuation with water and its relaxing properties is | | | | boat every weekend can get costly. And for |
| obviously ageless. A boat can be defined as any | | | | those who trailer to the lake or beach, there's the |
| waterborne vehicle or vessel. It displaces the | | | | fuel for the truck or van. Add in food and |
| water around it. It is more buoyant than than a | | | | beverage for the day and you'll find yourself |
| typical floating object like a log or raft but it is | | | | investing quite a few hard-earned dollars for some |
| shaped specifically for stability and forward | | | | quiet time on the open water. |
| propulsion. This definition suits every boat but the | | | | How does a day on the lake stack up financially |
| similarities in boats pretty much end there. | | | | versus an amusement park or day at the beach? |
| Pleasure boating includes paddle boats, sailboats, | | | | There are many factors determining overall |
| powerboats, and everything in between. Pleasure | | | | expense and it is difficult to make a legitimate |
| boating can be one of the most relaxing and | | | | comparison on the value from a financial |
| pleasant experiences on earth. However, pleasure | | | | standpoint. However as many boaters know, the |
| boating is not free. As a matter of fact it can get | | | | value is truly in the family time, the peace, the |
| quite costly. There's no question the cost of boat | | | | tranquility, the water sports. Getting away, even |
| ownership has been hampered by a struggling | | | | for the day has long lasting positive effects of |
| economy. Boat sales in the USA have slumped. | | | | reduced stress and strengthening of the family. |
| New boat sales have hit their lowest sales figures | | | | Even as we see the economy slow and |
| in decades. The used boat market has actually | | | | joblessness rise, the resilient boating community |
| been flooded by watercraft, not unwanted, but | | | | will survive. Though it is not thriving in current |
| unaffordable for many. This has actually driven | | | | economic conditions, it is surviving. The love of |
| down value overall. But the cost of the boat itself | | | | boats and the joy of the open water is enough |
| is only the beginning. Maintenance at the local | | | | to keep the industry afloat until such time we see |
| marina is an investment in itself. There are those | | | | economic growth again. |