James C. Michaud

Boat owners say excessive gasoline costs won't sink their plans this summer. Nonetheless, based on a new survey, increased prices could have them easing off the throttle more often.

Like different motorists, boat lovers are caught in the wake of high fuel costs-especially those who pay a premium to fuel up at marinas. However many boat homeowners indicate they're willing to "pay to play," saying gasoline costs would have to practically double before they alter their lifestyle.

The survey, performed by The Brandware Group, Inc. for Nationwide Mutual Insurance, indicated that two-thirds of boat homeowners reported excessive fuel prices wouldn't cause them to make use of their boats less often. In fact, boat house owners are keen to pay about $2.70 extra per gallon for fuel before they are going to consider docking their boats.

"When talking with our customers about boating we learned that whereas they're concerned about rising fuel prices, the passion they've for his or her boats overrides these considerations," said Greg Blanchard, Nationwide's vice president of Specialty Products.

The survey additionally showed boat house owners supposed to be on the water simply as often as last summer-about 20 instances-but expect to run their engines about 25 minutes much less per trip. The sailors surveyed mentioned they spend 28 percent of their total leisure time on the water.

Specialists say that with excessive gasoline costs placing a strain on boat homeowners' wallets, boat homeowners should ensure they've the proper safety towards the surprising so they don't get hit with burdensome repair or replacement costs.

"Protecting your investments by ensuring they're insured to worth is an important step in defending your way of life," said Blanchard. "The money crunch really hits house if one thing occurs and you do not have enough insurance to repair or substitute your baby."

According to the survey, one in five power boat house owners and one in three bass boat homeowners should not have insurance on their boat. Of those with insurance coverage, about 35 p.c haven't got liability coverage. About forty p.c of power boat homeowners and 53 % of bass boat owners do not have collision coverage. About one in 5 energy boat homeowners and 1 / 4 of all bass boat house owners would somewhat take their possibilities than pay to fully insure their boats.