The History Of Recreational Boating

The History Of Recreational Boating

Before the invention of the internal combustion engine, recreational boating was a lot like sailing and rowing. These vessels were mostly owned by the rich and often required crews to operate them. With the introduction of this new innovation, the industry sped up and was no longer a pastime for only the wealthy. As a result, the number of registered recreational boats skyrocketed.

The 1800s

The 1800s is where recreational boating really took off. It was a time when the worlds rich and royals began to join in on the sport. During this time, boats were being built with tall masts and slim hulls that were fast. These ships were known as Clipper ships.

The 1900s

The 1900s saw an increase in recreational boating, as well as the invention of the outboard motor. These made boating more accessible to a larger population and were a major contributor to the industry’s growth. This era also saw the first commercial diesel ships being built. These became popular and soon replaced the traditional barge-like boats.

The 1960s

The 1960s were a time of incredible growth for the recreational boating industry. This was due in large part to the increased consumer spending power and the availability of fiberglass boats. This new material allowed boat builders to create designs that couldn’t be done in wood, which led to an explosion of small pleasure boats. It also ushered in the use of outboard engines on boats that could be removed for maintenance and transported.

The 1970s

The 1970s was a time of innovation for the recreational boating industry. With new technologies, boats were becoming more accessible and safer to the general public. A major breakthrough came when outboard motors became available for recreational use. These engines were able to be mounted on the boat, removed for service and reattached when it was ready to return to the water.

The 1980s

The 1980s were a time of turbulence for the boating industry. The economy suffered from two back-to-back recessions, leaving boaters hesitant to spend their hard-earned money on new boats. However, the industry eventually bounced back. It also saw two key associations form – the Marine Retailers Association and the National Marine Manufacturers Association.

The 1990s

The 1990s saw a significant change in the boating industry. It was a time of recession and economic downturn that saw a massive drop in the number of new boats being sold. The decline affected British builders particularly badly. The loss of a large number of jobs led to many manufacturers closing their doors.

The 2000s

The 2000s brought with it a whole new era in recreational boating. Yacht clubs, racing as a sport, yacht charter holidays and private boats became something anyone could afford and enjoy. But the industry also took a hit during the recession, when credit dried up, scores lost their jobs and discretionary purchases ground to a halt. Despite these setbacks, the boating industry has evolved to where it is today and continues to grow!

Categorised in: Recreational Boating

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