Making leisure time count

On The Better Boating Podcast, host Jack Warwick sat down with Steve Heese, President of Chris Craft. While this is a conversation with a powerboat manufacturer, the issues can pertain to all boating. Here is their summary:

In 2005, around 10,000 cabin boats over 35-feet were sold in the US. Last year there were fewer than 1,000. It’s not because they suddenly became bad boats. They’re still beautifully built, well-engineered and incredibly capable. A majority of peoples lifestyle have changed.

Weekends are busier. Kids have sport. Families have commitments. And most boat owners simply don’t have an entire weekend to disappear offshore.

In Australia, a Boating Industry Association study found that around 92% of boat owners spend 8 hours or less on the water at a time. People still want to go boating – they just want to, and need it to fit into their lives.

Easy on. Easy off. Maximum time enjoying the water and home again that afternoon. Maybe the future of boating isn’t about spending more time onboard. It’s about making the time we do have count.

Full podcast below: