Press Releases

ALEXANDRIA, VA (September 28, 2010) – The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) today revealed new research that will help the boating industry better understand consumer attitudes towards boat purchases. RBFF’s Quantitative Study of Consumer Attitudes, announced this morning at the International Boatbuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) in Louisville, Ky., shows the boating lifestyle is robust, but buying habits have shifted.

“People are going to continue to buy boats, but more cautiously without applying for as much financing,” said RBFF President and CEO Frank Peterson. “We hope our boating stakeholders will use this research to help develop their marketing strategies for the coming year.”

KEY FINDINGS

The Boating Lifestyle

• Despite the economic downturn, nearly half of all consumers claim they are still in the market for a boat in the next three years.
• Consumers as a whole are not moving away from boating, but rather are more likely to try and find ways to make boating less costly. For example, they plan on doing more repairs themselves or plan to spend less on accessories for their boat.
• Three in 10 consumers are considering purchasing a pre-owned boat.
• The main reason why current boat owners are not in the market for a boat (new or used) is that 66 percent are simply satisfied with their current boat.

Intent to Purchase a New Boat

• Having family and friends who go boating on a regular basis is the strongest predictor of future purchase intent.
• Having a fishing license is another predictor of future purchase intent.
• Participation in other outdoor activities such as camping, hunting or mountain biking is another key predictor.

The study was conducted by RBFF and BrandSpark International in June 2010 and provides detailed information on 1,885 boat owners and 977 non-boat owners ages 18 to 69. The methodology and full study is available online at RBFF.org.

About RBFF
RBFF is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to increase participation in recreational angling and boating, thereby protecting and restoring the nation’s aquatic natural resources. 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™.