When I go boating....

Very hard to get free data on the boating industry.

I have attached something that people might find interesting as to the directing of the market. If you read the article it is based on public and media votes.

Rick W

 

To be honest, it is the first time I hear about ICAST and their award... But I admit it might be just my ignorance.

Then how about voting here, too?
http://www.boattest.com/Resources/view_news.aspx?NewsID=3890
Nice selection to choose from...

P.S.
There is an interesting story about british pirate radio stations in the 60's, at the bottom of the page.

 

ICAST 2009 awards are there : http://www.icastfishing.org/media/2009_nps_winners.html

 

Nice... But looks like it has little to do with general boating.

 

Page 13 of the following linked pdf file (US market analysis) is very interesting. Talks about canoes, kayaks too:
http://www.nmma.org/facts/boatingstats/2008/files/Abstract.pdf

This is also a well-done analysis, Italian market:
http://ptpub.ucina.it/files/Boating_in_figures2008.pdf

 

Every 13 years or so, some j-*** says we have only 13 years of fossil fuel left, and every 13 years or so, it is shown we have more fossil fuel found than there was during the previous generation. It comes from God and we will run out of fuel when God says we will run out, and not before He is ready for us to run out. It is part of His bountiful Providence to us.

 

Good stuff. Just as I thought. Canoes and Kayaks represent more than half the boats sold and are the only sector that did not experience double digit decline in 2008. The proportion of sales is increasing strongly. In Australia I expect the market for these here actually grew through 2008 and 2009.

There may be bigger money in the other sectors but when markets are collapsing it is much more challenging to run a profitable business. No good being in business to make a loss.

It is good to have data to base decisions on. Think of all those millions of people enjoying canoes and kayaks who want to go a bit further or a bit faster next year. Some might move into powered craft but you can bet the majority are thinking about their impact.

Rick W

 

With today's economy, a canoe or kayak is all many people can afford, forcing them into something smaller than they might otherwise have contemplated purchasing.

 

At least they will benefit from more physical exercise.

 

Not an issue in Australia. We are sitting on billions of tonnes of coal just below the surface and cubic kilometres of gas just offshore - there are plans to double production again over the next 5 years. We are supporting China's growth in a big way and North America is "enjoying" the fallout.

Australia occupies a happy place in the current state of world affairs. No risk of our energy running out. We also receive the best sunlight on the planet and more than 30% of known uranium reserves. Unabated energy consumption is a true godsend for our economy.

Rick W

 

Perfectly true.

It improves both physical and mental health. It can be a very social form of recreation or very solitary. You can cruise alongside other people and just chat. They are no noisy engines to compete with. There is no risk of masts entangling. Just pleasant and invigorating.

Rick W

 

Cough. Cough.(Chinese fallout).

 

Yes indeed Rick.

I do find it amusing (but hardly surprising) that `the primates in power` here were so quick to invent mythical terms like " Clean Coal "
to justify their actions , in- actions , procrastinations and policies .The coal lobby MUST be appeased.

"Clean ?Coal"......or even better " Clean Coal Technology" !!!!????

 

LOL - Oh... now that was funny!!

Boat Fan... can't say I didn't warn you....

 

What the **** - stop winging, and tick a box that most appeals, or, tick none and post a comment as to how you behave or feel about your behaviour, or, STFU...

I have planned to be able to have minimal environmental impact and to use renewable fuels that I can grow and make... It suits my needs and is appropriate for where I plan to spend my days as a live-aboard cruiser in "retirement"...

All the breast
-masalai-