Sea Tow Services International released its findings from its 2026 member survey. The survey, which generated over 5,500 responses, comes as boaters are faced with higher fuel prices at both roadside pumps and marina fuel docks. Sea Tow collected real-time data to provide an accurate snapshot of members’ habits.

“While boaters are feeling the impact of rising costs, Sea Tow’s survey results reflect that boaters remain committed to spending time on the water,” a Sea Tow statement said. “More than half of participants (52%) report boating the same or more than last year, while others are modifying by boating less, taking shorter trips or staying closer to home.”

Among the survey’s key findings:

  • Fuel is driving the greatest cost pressure. 84% of interviewees cited fuel as the boating expense that has increased the most, followed by maintenance (36%), marina and slip fees (22%) and insurance (18%).
  • Many boaters are not changing how they use their boats. Despite higher costs, 46% said they are using their boats the same way they always have, while 32% are boating less and 17% are staying closer to home. 
  • Boaters making changes are finding ways to reduce costs without forgoing boating. Respondents who adjusted their boating habits due to rising fuel costs have made one or more changes to their boating habits: 53% are boating less often, 42% are taking shorter trips, 38% are staying closer to home, and 29% are running at lower speeds.
  • Fuel remains a significant expense for a typical day on the water. More than half of survey participants (52%) reported spending $50 to $100 on fuel per trip, while 30% spent $100 to $250, and 18% spent more than $250. 
  • More than half are boating at least as often as last year. While 48% said they are boating somewhat or much less often than last year, 52% reported boating about the same or more often.
  • Boaters are already thinking about next season. Looking ahead to the 2027 boating season, 37% cited fuel prices as their biggest concern, while 30% expect their boating habits to remain about the same. Fourteen percent said finding time to boat is a concern, and 10% cited maintenance costs as a concern. 

Added Sea Tow president Kristen Frohnhoefer: “The survey shows that boaters continue to prioritize time on the water. While some are adjusting to higher fuel and other boating costs, they are finding ways to adapt rather than give up time on the water. Higher costs are having an impact, but they aren’t necessarily keeping boaters at the dock.”