Press Releases
ALEXANDRIA, VA (January 23, 2008) – New data being released today by the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) shows 142 boats were purchased in the six months following the conclusion of the ‘Take Me Fishing’ Triple-A Baseball promotion. The data analysis, which was conducted by Info-Link on behalf of RBFF, tracked more than 13,000 unique households who entered the sweepstakes for a chance to win the grand prize – a fully equipped, 17-foot Triton bass boat and trailer.
“This data shows us what people did after they left the ball park, and we’re pleased with the results,” said RBFF President and CEO Frank Peterson.
“The Triple A promotion is a great example of how RBFF brings boating and fishing together to encourage more people to enjoy life on the water,” said RBFF Board Chairman and NMMA President Thom Dammrich. “Fishing is clearly a major motivator for boating and together they bring families together to relax and enjoy the great outdoors.”
Key findings from the data analysis include:
- Total number of sweepstakes entries: 19,265 (13,598 unique households)
- Percentage of households that have purchased a new or pre-owned boat subsequent to the sweepstakes entry: 1 percent (142 boats)
- Proportion of new to pre-owned purchasers was 25 percent and 75 percent respectively, which is relatively consistent with the overall U.S. recreational marine market
- 15 percent of households who entered the sweepstakes currently own boats, compared to an eight to 10 percent average nationwide
Fishing is a strong pathway to boating, according to a study released by RBFF in April 2007. The marketing research, which collected data from more than 1,000 people, revealed nearly half of Boating Anglers (those who currently participate in both boating and fishing) were influenced by fishing when they decided to get involved in boating. Additionally, more than two-thirds purchased their first boat in order to fish and three-quarters cited fishing as the most popular activity to do while boating.
Twenty-seven Triple-A Baseball teams participated in RBFF’s ‘Take Me Fishing’ promotion. In addition to the grand prize, some lucky fans were invited to go on a fishing expedition with players and coaches. Others were randomly selected during games to compete in center-field casting competitions.
About RBFF
RBFF is a nonprofit organization established in 1998 to increase participation in recreational angling and boating. RBFF helps people discover, share and protect the legacy of boating and fishing through national outreach programs including the Take Me Fishing campaign and Anglers’ Legacy.
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