Boat owners say high gas prices won’t sink their plans this summer. However, according to a new survey, higher prices will have them easing off the throttle more often.Like other motorists, boat enthusiasts are caught in the wake of high fuel prices-especially those who pay a premium to gas up at marinas. But many boat owners indicate they are willing to “pay to play,” saying gas prices would have to nearly double before they change their lifestyle.The survey, conducted by The Brandware Group, Inc. for Nationwide Mutual Insurance, indicated that two-thirds of boat owners reported high fuel prices would not cause them to use their boats less often. In fact, boat owners are willing to pay about $2.70 more per gallon for fuel before they will consider docking their boats.”When talking with our customers about boating we learned that while they’re concerned about rising fuel prices, the passion they have for their boats overrides those concerns,” said Greg Blanchard, Nationwide’s vice president of Specialty Products.The survey also showed boat owners intended to be on the water just as often as last summer-about 20 times-but expect to run their engines about 25 minutes less per trip.
The sailors surveyed said they spend 28 percent of their total leisure time on the water. Experts say that with high fuel costs putting a strain on boat owners’ wallets, boat owners should make sure they have the right protection against the unexpected so they don’t get hit with burdensome repair or replacement costs. “Protecting your investments by making sure they are insured to value is an important step in protecting your lifestyle,” said Blanchard. “The money crunch really hits home if something happens and you don’t have adequate insurance to repair or replace your baby.”According to the survey, one in five power boat owners and one in three bass boat owners do not have insurance on their boat. Of those with insurance, about 35 percent don’t have liability coverage. About 40 percent of power boat owners and 53 percent of bass boat owners don’t have collision coverage. About one in five power boat owners and a quarter of all bass boat owners would rather take their chances than pay to fully insure their boats.
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All sailors know that it is absolutely essential to be prepared for all situations, and most importantly the apparel sailors wear are going to depend on the weather. When sailing it is vital to pay attention to the weather as it will dictate apparel decisions. On shore, the weather might be warm and sunny, but out on the water it could very well be chilly and breezy. Being equipped with many layers and especially the correct layers could also save a life if a sailor happens to go overboard and drift in frigid waters.
In an instant the weather can change regardless of the sunny outlook ashore. Also the weather out on the water might be drastically different thus take a sailing jacket to protect from cool wind or even rain. A sailor's jacket of choice is usually a Harken jacket. Its premiere quality, breathable fabric, and mobile fabric are consequences of its light fabric. However, an excellent alternative is a Gill jacket or vest. Any sailing jacket which is purchased should have a neoprene waistband and sleeve so that the wearer remains dry and can still breathe.
Compliment the sailing jacket with sailing shorts and sailing rashguards. Columbia Sportswear and Gill are brand options for boat shorts. Padded shorts will lessen the effect of the sailboat's hard decks. In sailing shorts there usually is a 35+ SPF built in UV protection. Sailing rashguards will protect against chafing as a result of wearing personal flotation devices, or harnesses. The sailing rashguards are made of spandex and usually also have built in UV protection ranging up to 50+ UVP. Excellent choices for sailing rashguards are Ronstan and Harken. Sailors can choose between a short sleeve and long sleeve sailing rashguards. While sailors move about, a long sleeve rashguard is kept in place with a thumb hole which is designed into it.
Protect and insulate the whole body with a sailing wetsuit. Ronstan offers a great selection of sailing wetsuits all made from the latest in neoprene technology available today. While providing thermal insulation and even buoyancy, neoprene allows the body to breathe. The wetsuit will stretch and contour to each sailor’s body. The knees of the wetsuits are reinforced for durability and protection. There is no decrease in mobility with these wetsuits as they are designed for sailors specifically. There is a choice between a full body sailing wetsuit or half-body sailing wetsuit depending on the situation and need.
A sailor will need the correct sailing apparel to protect the body when sailing on the water. Weather is well known to change in an instant, and being prepared for that change is half the battle usually. Help to make it easier by being wearing the right sailing apparel for all weather conditions and be ready to adapt to any variations encountered. As much as the spray will allow while sailing, sailors can stay as dry as possible with the best foul weather gear and sailing apparel.