I would agree...boat owner and boater are very far apart. Just writing checks does not make you a boater.

I like boating and have been hooked by it from age 7 or 8 when I got my first boat. I'll adjust each year, but intend to keep boating.

Did you guys get up on the wrong side of the bed this morning?

Great morning for me.

I consider it a cheap way to spend time with my family.

My boat is paid for , and we use about 80 dollars worth of fuel per day (last summer) That would almost buy 2 tickets to an amusement park, so for my family of 5 it is inexpensive.

I'm a mechanic so maintenance for me is almost free, and we have a slip which costs me ...you might want to sit down...$100 a year, so we save on towing since the boat is on the water and waiting to play when we get to the lakehouse.

I love being a boater and will walk to work to save gas before I will give up the boat!!

Last trip to Havasu in the 'ol Monterey, we were topped off when we arrived, spent two days screwing around and filled it up again when I fueled the Duramax. Boat took 5.8 gallons! We don't ski or wakeboard, just cruised and hung out in the channel and at Copper Canyon awhile, spent most of the time swimming and just hanging out with friends. Fairly cheap day! Hell, the beer cost more than the fuel! (We have a DD)