One more research: boats market

One more research in one more market sphere. Today we are going to say some words about the yacht and boat market.

The NMMA reports that 74 percent of boats are owned by individuals or families with a household income of less than $100,000. And 71 percent of boats purchased are used. That means there are a lot more used $10,000 vessels on local waters than new $40,000 pleasure boats.

The results of a NMMA study, conducted with Michigan State University, found evidence that the high cost of fuel was affecting the behavior of boaters.

''What rising fuel costs have created is a change among boaters' habits — shorter trips and more anchoring,'' NMMA spokeswoman Ellen Hopkins said.

''They are staying closer to home to do the boating and they are using the boat more to swim or fish off.'' NMMA President Thom Dammrich said boaters also were cutting cruising speed to save fuel costs.

''They are looking for ways to conserve,'' Dammrich said, ''but we expect boaters' passion for the lifestyle to continue to lead them to the water this summer.''