Sea Tow Releases Boater Survey Results

Boaters are planning to increase their on-water activity this summer, according to a pandemic-influenced survey of 3,500 boaters by the nation’s premier on-water assistance provider Sea Tow Services International.

Pandemic-influenced boating and fishing behavior:

• 52% of boaters surveyed anticipate their boating activity to increase this summer compared to last year.
• 52% plan to use their boat primarily for fishing (65% in-shore / 30% off-shore / 5% freshwater).
• 20% cite the pandemic as the reason for extending their boating season again in 2021.
• 24% plan to vacation on/by boat (versus other forms of travel) because of the pandemic.
• 35% plan to use their boat primarily for cruising near their home.
• 16% upgraded to a larger boat in 2020 or plan to do so in 2021.
• 30% have found it more difficult to find dockage and/or marina space.

With the sale of a record number of new boats in over a decade and an influx of new boaters, Sea Tow noted that in 2020 owners of new boats were 142% more likely to need ungrounding services, 108% more likely to need fuel delivered to them and 11.2% more likely to need a battery jump. Alternately, new boat owners are 22% less likely to need a tow.

With the number of new boaters recreating on the water, the need for boating education has never been more important. 69% of boaters surveyed are looking for more advice on local navigational assistance, mishap prevention and general boating basics.