Challenges in the Industry
Like many other industries, the boating industry has seen immense but gradual growth. However, even with the high momentum, there are still issues that remain unaddressed. Environmental changes, people, aging boat population; are but the tip of the iceberg. Even though much is being done to tackle this problem, the main barriers remain unchanged. Here are some of the challenges.
Ethanol
There has been growing concern in the recreational boating industry, most commonly relating to Renewable Fuel standards. Most people in the boating industry have complained about engines and other parts, all caused by ethanol. When gasoline is to be blended with ethanol, low-octane petrol is used. If high-octane gasoline is used, it produces 87-91 octanes of combined fuel. However, during phase separation, the lower octane gasoline will separate from the ethanol resulting in engine malfunctions and components problems. Energy is used up quickly during phase separation, making the phase separation less of a concern. However, gradual separation still poses a risk to marine engines.
Ever since its introduction to the market, the E-15 has continued to threaten more than one hundred million boaters and their businesses. Detrimental effects on humans, animals, and the environment are imminent. To be on the safe side, we should encourage the use of boats that are ethanol-free.
Recreational Fishing
Recently, several efforts have been implemented to ensure everyone’s best interests are incorporated into local and national policies. As a result, angling and fishing have become somehow related to the boating industry. Ensuring that these policies positively impact the industry is a massive share of responsibility. While we try to balance marine recreational access, it is essential to try still protecting resources.
With over ten million anglers spread nationwide, 70% of all boat outings have fishing as their primary aim.
Affordability
The cost of boats continues to skyrocket at a pace that can effortlessly outpace inflation. Compared to 2000, the price of stern dive, for example, is about 75% higher today. This can be primarily due to factors such as increased oil prices. With these factors expected to keep growing, boat prices are also likely to be held on the upswing.
These affordability issues continue to affect all market levels. Boat-making companies have been significantly affected by this. They depend on people who can afford their products to increase their sales and revenue. Their consumers still demand quality; they want more technology and better touch panel electronics. On the other hand, the government is still increasing fuel tanks, engines, and other components. What will prevent the prices from being driven up in such a market?
Access Challenges
Many water bodies in our country and worldwide face the problem of dropping water levels. The water supply is slowly but continuously reducing due to global warming. Moreover, most of the land near these bodies is privately owned. Therefore, access to water has also been regulated.
Everyone should be able to access the country’s waters freely. Government policies, however, have been put in place to balance visitors’ access with conservation. With over one hundred and forty million boaters, marine sanctuaries and parks have remained limited but crucial access points. It would be better if federally managed waters got more maintenance for boaters around the country to enjoy.
Top 10 Trends in the Boating Industry
As with any industry, the boating industry is fiercely competitive. It also faces challenges due to environmental changes and how people spend their recreation time. Fuel, specifical ethanol, is also an ongoing concern. Consequently, boats are becoming more powerful, luxurious, and energy-efficient as the industry attempts to meet these challenges and allow water lovers worldwide to enjoy it in the only way it was meant to be at near-zero speed. That is correct; while they are on the water, most boats are used for fishing and relaxing, which means that most of the time, boats sit still. However, many economic and dynamic things happen on a boat floating peacefully on the water.
Fishing
Although recreational boating is widespread, the most popular use for boating is fishing. Whereas the increase in fishing just a few years ago was up two to four percent, it dropped in 2019. However, for 2023, fishing boat sales are projected to regain ground up to two percent over last year’s losses, making for a good, fun season for water lovers.
Moreover, fishing-related accessories, such as motors and depth finders, are projected to be popular, so fully equipped boats are launched to capture people’s attention.
Ethanol and motor repairs
Ethanol-based fuel is standard for the automotive industry at a rate of 15 percent of total volume. However, for traditional boat motors, nothing above 10 percent is recommended. E15 fuel has 15 percent ethanol and is less expensive than E10 and other lower-ethanol mixtures. Because of this, it is tempting to fuel up at local gas stations. However, until recently, E15 sales have been restricted through summer, so boaters cannot use it. Recent legislation will now allow E15 to be sold throughout the year. In addition, ethanol rots O rings in boat motors. Consequently, motor repairs are projected to increase as budget-minded boaters purposefully or mistakenly fill up at the gas station instead of the marina.
Diesel engines
Although some boaters will have to be wary of E15 fuel, the need for worry is on a gradual and steady decline as the usage of diesel engines throughout the boating industry becomes more popular. The growth rate is projected to maintain a steady increase in diesel engines.
An increasing number of safety devices
Kill switches are an increasingly popular device for boat owners. When pressed, they perform as advertised, killing the engine quickly in an emergency or pending disaster. Kill switches are also being combined with what is known as “man-overboard” alarms, which can detect when someone falls out of the boat. These devices will work much like kill switches attached to treadmills in that the kill switch will connect to the body of someone, and the cord will connect to a kill-switch trigger. If someone falls out of the boat, the line will pull the kill switch, disconnect the connection, and stop the engine.
Rental opportunity
From fishing boats to yachts, the boat-rental industry is enjoying steady growth for business-to-consumer boat rentals. This growth is so strong that rentals are projected to continue growing through 2026. Regarding boat popularity, smaller boats at a length of up to 28 feet rank second, while boats ranging in size from 28 to 45 feet represent the strongest category in popularity and revenue. Although boat rental for larger boats exceeding 45 feet remains strong, the market for this boat size is much smaller. Regarding usage, touring, and charter rentals are popular, but direct-to-customer rentals represent the most substantial growth area. Falling in at a respectable fourth place are boats rented for day cruises.
Access challenges
Many lakes worldwide are experiencing dropping levels as the water supply diminishes due to global warming. Additionally, the surrounding areas of many managed lakes are owned by private citizens. Consequently, access to water is being regulated, and many new lakefront property owners must wait in line for new boat slip permits. Similarly, as demand grows, many lakes hold the number of boats on the water at any given time to fight congested waters and lower the number of boat collisions.
Aging boaters
Perhaps because boats are expensive, the average age of boating customers has always been in the middle-age range. However, the median age increases as younger people opt for other activities. Currently, the median age range is just over 50 years. Without boat manufacturers targeting a non-white market, this trend of aging boat buyers will gradually increase.
Diversity of users
The best performers in the boating industry will recognize and capitalize on the fact that the boating market is becoming more diverse. Hispanics represent a growing part of the boating market, and those boat companies focusing on family-oriented services will do very well in serving this market segment. Asians represent another growth market for boat manufacturers and boat-related accessories.
Affordability
Although boats still represent a relatively expensive option for recreation, their affordability continues to drive sales for personal watercraft and boat rental. This affordability has resulted from more efficient manufacturing techniques and better engine technology. Regarding engine technology, fuel efficiency has been one factor contributing to the affordability of boats.
Focus on family
While fishing is the top activity on a boat, family activities represent the most significant growth category for boat sales and rentals across the fishing, touring, and day-cruising markets. Because of the family-oriented boat market, pontoons are top-rated boats because they can serve as fishing vessels and water-based cabanas.
Because the pontoon is so versatile, it represents a huge revenue opportunity for those involved with manufacturing and sales. For instance, a float can be–and often is–decked out with high-performance motors along with marine-sized refrigerators and appliances. Consequently, they are a revenue mainstay for boat sellers capable of customizing to customer needs.
Boating Industry Stats and Growth Projections in 2023
- Fishing by the minute – Fishing boats mark an enormous slice of the pie regarding sales. 2023 will beat 2019 boat sales by a hefty two percent. This brings the number of projected boat sales to approximately 285,900 boats. That amounts to 782 boats sold per day. This total amounts to about one boat sold every other minute.
- Fuel – Marine fuel will become safer throughout 2023 and beyond in that sulfur emissions will be capped at just .5 percent of total exhaust volume for the first time in history.
- One hundred percent – Renewable diesel fuel will continue to dominate the marine-fuel market, and the surprising thing about this type of diesel fuel is that it is 100 percent renewable. It achieves this high environmental consciousness because it is made from vegetable oils.
- Safety – 2023 is projected to be two to three percent safer than in preceding years. Death rates are expected to peak at a mere 600 deaths annually.
- Safe boating by the numbers – Although boating is becoming safer, drownings are projected to make up most boating-related deaths due to boaters not wearing life preservers or flotation devices. This lack of precaution stems from drinking and underestimating the possibility of going overboard. Additionally, both swimming fatigue and swimming while alone contribute to the statistic that 71 percent of all boat-related accidents in 2023 will be due to drowning as a result of not wearing a flotation device. Although the number of deaths, in general, is projected to cap at approximately 600, this number could be lowered to about 150 to 180 people if boaters ensured everyone wore a life preserver.
- Affordability is relative – The average boat sale is a whopping $146,904. This number is derived from the boating industry revenue of $42,000,000,000 divided by the projected number of boats sold, which tops out at 285,900. Note: this number might be skewed because expensive ships, such as yachts, can tilt the data upward with only a few sales.
- Setting sail – Aukland, New Zealand, is known as the city of sails as it boasts more boats per person than anywhere else. The number of actual boats owned projected for 2023 tops 960,000, representing nearly one boat for every three people.
- Safe swimming – Unfortunately, because of alcohol and the nature of boats not staying in one place as they float around the surface, over 170 deaths are projected to result from head injuries due to propeller strikes. It is not clear whether the boat drifts into swimmers or whether swimmers surface into or dive beneath the ship where the accident occurs.
- A boat is not a car – The observation that a ship is not a car is obvious, but knowing something is true is not the same as having the experience and muscle memory necessary to steer a boat safely and successfully. Consequently, the primary cause of accidents in the boating industry is a collision between two ships. These collisions result in a 60 percent chance of being injured but only a .47-percent chance of dying.
- Timing is everything – Regarding being injured, Saturday represents the most dangerous day of the week. In 2023, there will be a projected 800 to 900 injuries and between 150 and 175 deaths on this day of the week. You might think that night-time boating will result in the most accidents, but the most dangerous time to be on the water is between 2:30 pm and 4:30 pm, with over 800 to 900 casualties expected.