Many people have been looking for new hobbies and pastimes during the pandemic. While many crafty individuals have been preoccupied with creative activities during the quarantine period, outdoor enthusiasts have been looking for safe ways to spend time outside, especially after the recent rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations. These outdoor enthusiasts have found some activities that suit their taste, such as spending time in the water.
Boat sales have soared despite the global health crisis, to the surprise of many dealers. Watercraft enthusiasts have been purchasing their share of boats during this time. Meanwhile, individuals who are fond of the outdoors have been craving a sense of adventure. If you rent a boat, you can satisfy this appetite for excitement without having to invest in your personal watercraft.
When aboard a boat, especially during this pandemic, there are safety protocols to follow. Familiarize yourself with these guidelines to ensure that you and your family are safe while having fun under the sun.
New Watercraft Enthusiasts amid a Pandemic
During the pandemic, boat dealers were surprised by the increased demand for boats despite the quarantine period. With employees enjoying a more flexible work environment, people have had more time to spend doing things they are interested in, such as setting aside time for hobbies. According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association, the sales of boats increased by 9% compared to 2019.
The global health crisis has unexpectedly turned out to leave a positive impact on the boat market compared to other industries whose sales have dipped due to the quarantine situation. First-time boat owners have been enjoying their watercraft as these new boat enthusiasts have entered the market.
With the increased demand in the boat market, many boat dealers have yet to fulfill their backlog of orders. Despite the recent rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations, people continue to look for alternative ways to spend time outdoors with their families safely, and looking into the hobby of boat-riding has gone on top of the list.
Since the demand for boats has increased, boat buyers will have to wait up to eight months before getting their own unit.
The number of watercraft enthusiasts has increased over the past year, and the demand for boats has skyrocketed due to the consumers’ need for safe options for outdoor activities.
What’s the Latest in Boat Technology?
Boat technologies have gone a long way since their inception. Tech developers have been studying marine craft technology for years. With the advancements in technological innovations, today’s boat technologies even include Artificial Intelligence, turning any boat into an electric boat and powering marine craft using the ocean. Watercraft has gone a long way, and their innovations will continuously develop to better water transportation.
Continuously developing the technologies for marine craft is essential for many business sectors. Improving the water transportation industry can bring heightened efficiency for many industries around the globe. In today’s market, efficiency and timeliness are important factors to consider when looking to improve your business model. This will allow your business to attract more consumers and potential business partners.
Safety on Water
Given that many people have been exploring boat activities during the pandemic, these new boat enthusiasts need to learn the health and safety protocols for riding these watercraft. Accidents can happen in a split second, so boat passengers need to know things to avoid aboard a boat. Apart from accidents, people can also experience motion sickness, which can ruin a fun family affair.
In 2017, there has been a reported number of 6 8 deaths from boating incidents, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. The importance of wearing life jackets should be emphasized for both new boat passengers and seasoned boat owners. When having fun, people can easily overlook safety precautions that can result in disastrous outcomes.
While many people spend time on boats to celebrate special occasions, it is important to avoid drinking alcohol when on board. It is challenging and dangerous to operate a boat safely when under the influence.
All new boat owners should be properly educated about boating safety tips that should be followed at all times. Boating state laws should also be taught to these boat owners to prevent any violations and potential accidents.
There has been an influx of boat enthusiasts and owners over the past year. These new boat owners need to know the rules and safety precautions to take when onboard to avoid potentially fatal incidents. It is every boat owner’s responsibility to be educated on the safety guidelines regarding boat use.
