High fuel prices, drought conditions, and brush fires took a toll on recreational boating in 2007, according a BoatU.S. survey of its TowBoatU.S. and Vessel Assist towing fleets. That survey showed a 1.5 percent drop over 2006 in the total number of requests for on-the-water assistance. This annual total, which includes tows back to port, fuel drop offs, ungroundings, and other services, is considered one indicator of yearly boating activity.

There were exceptions in some regions of the country; for example the Great Lakes, where towing calls were up by 8 percent, and the Gulf of Mexico, where they rose 9 percent.

"Boating and on-the-water towing in the Great Lakes traditionally shuts down after Labor Day,” said BoatU.S. Vice President of Towing Services Jerry Cardarelli, “but in 2007, unusually good weather extended the boating season well into fall."

Warm fall weather boosted boating – and towing – in the Eastern United States. In the Gulf, boaters took advantage of a hurricane-free season, the first full boating season since Hurricane Katrina in 2006.

Fuel prices had a more detrimental effect on boating on the West Coast, in the Southeast, and in Florida – all areas that experienced downturns in requests for on-the-water help.

"The Pacific Northwest is a popular long-distance cruising location and fuel prices have a direct impact,” said Cardarelli. “In Southern California we had smoky brush fire conditions along the coast, as well as fewer boats making trips to Catalina Island, which had a fire in May.” 

He added that boating in the southeastern United States was adversely affected by drought conditions and low water levels on inland lakes.