A recent survey conducted by Impulse Research Corp. found that boaters are healthier and happier than their non-boating counterparts, according to a Friday, January 17 release from the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA).
The online survey was conducted with a random sample of 1,029 men and women selected to closely match US population demographics.
Boaters average nearly seven and a half hours per week in active recreation, compared to less than five and a half hours for non-boaters, according to the study. Landlubbers have been hospitalized slightly more than boat owners (14 percent compared to 11 percent) and tend to be more overweight than their boating counterparts, the NMMA reported.
In addition to physical benefits, when asked about the overall quality of their lives, boat owners rated it about 5 percent better than did non boat owners. Boat owners expressed greater satisfaction with their accomplishments, relations with their families and their ability to enjoy life. Non boat owners are more prone to feeling useless, lonely, unhappy or excessively fatigued, according to the study.
The study’s findings include the following:
More boat owners said their health is excellent or good (83 percent) than did non boat owners (77 percent)
67 percent of boat owners said having a boat has contributed to their well-being
Boat owners experience greater self-esteem (+10 percent), ability to enjoy life (+9 percent) and a better sex life (+7 percent)
Non boat owners are more prone to feeling useless (+8 percent), lonely (+7 percent), unhappy (+5 percent) and fatigued (+4 percent)
Nearly two-thirds of boat owners said owning a boat has brought their family closer
Most boat owners said the benefits of owning a boat include being outdoors (89 percent), spending time on the water (85 percent), being able to unwind and leave pressures behind (79 percent) and finding tranquility (71 percent)