Women Boating Links & Articles
Information for the ladies, It’s their boat also……………..
Magazines and Misc Boating Web Links:
- Boat US – Many items for women boaters, including a forum.
- Women Aboard – The Network for Women in Boating.
- Women Sailing – Women teaching women to become confident crew, mates, and skippers.
- IWFA – International Women’s Fishing Association.
- Windlasses – A Women’s sailing association.
- WOW – Women On the Water
- LLGF – Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing –
- Sea Sense – Women’s Sailing and Powerboating School.
- FWSA – Florida Women’s Sailing Association.
Boating Articles:
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She’s at the Helm and Loving It!
By Wanda Kenton Smith
Today, many women boaters are actively engaged and enjoying boating with as much gusto and enthusiasm as their male counterparts.
According to online publisher and editor Glen Justice of Madmariner.com, an e-survey was conducted on his popular consumer boating website, with some revealing results. Of the 400 respondents, half were women. Of those, 23 percent consider themselves veteran boaters; 41 percent claim they have a general understanding of boating basics; 23 percent were novices who were in the learning process; and 31 percent had previously taken a boating course.
Skeptics who believe the majority of women boaters are along for the sun, the fun and the ride exclusively should note that this same survey found 66 percent of these women drive their boat. What’s more, 33 percent spent one to five days boating solo while another 15 percent spend 6 to 10 days alone … for a total of 48 percent who are very capable operators.
This isn’t to suggest that women don’t embrace family boating activities, as most do. Admittedly, some are quite content in a more passive role. But, these statistics indicate that there is an emerging market of avid female boaters who have the confidence and capability to maximize their boating experience.
Some dinosaurs argue that women aren’t a viable niche for marine marketing efforts, pointing to the high percentage of male boat registrations. However, in viewing this statistic, let’s not forget the other side of that demographic: the vast majority of our boat owners are married. Never doubt that mama likely significantly influenced the buying decision—not only the brand and model of choice, but whether there was a boat purchase at all.
It’s a fact: 80 percent of all consumer purchasing decisions are made by women, according to national consulting firm AT Kearney. Another powerful fact: in 76 percent of U.S. households, she is the principle shopper.
While the boating industry may be slow to acknowledge the buying clout of women, they are throttling forward on their own volition, purchasing everything from boats, to lessons, to gear, to charter boating vacations. An article by Regan Haynes in Soundings Trade Only entitled “She Power” cited recent sales statistics by brands according to the highly respected firm of JD Powers Group. In 2002, 8.5 percent of all boat owners were women, up to 8.7 percent in 2008. This figure reflects single women who are registering boats in their own name.
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