Shipping food vs. buying locally. Planet Money featured an interesting question. Listen here from 0’00”-3’30”!
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/planet-money/id290783428?i=1000514278368
Spending time on the water is the hottest trend since the pandemic!
With restaurants, movie theaters and other indoor entertainment options still being shut down being on the water grew more and more popular throughout 2020.
Not only is it great for your health with the salty air, sunshine and by default social distancing, you can feel free - which let’s admit we all need! As the saying goes “like a breath of fresh air”…
Overall, America’s boating business is showing the strongest growth in over a decade. The 2008 Recession hammered leisure craft, pummeling units sold from over 300,000 a year in 2006 and 2007 to a low of around 180,000 from mid-2009 to mid-2014, according to statistics from the National Marine Manufacturers Association that represents makers of boats and marine engines. "The 2008 Recession hit the industry hard," says Melissa Danko, executive director of the Marine Trades Association of New Jersey. “We went down by a drop of 40%”. As personal incomes began a strong run, and the stock market ascended, national sales gradually recovered to the 250,000 range in 2019. In January and February, the numbers continued their rise from strong 2019 levels. Then, the COVID-driven shutdown hammered sales by over one-third in April and May to around 17,000 a month.
Compared to the same time period last year, new powerboat retail sales were up 5% through June. ... The latest data show 2020 cumulative sales of personal watercraft up 10%; saltwater fishing boat sales up 5%; and jet boats up 9% compared to a year ago.
Even if you don’t want to buy your own vessel, taking a charter is an inexpensive and convenient way to enjoy this luxury of open waters.
Click here to book a 2 hour charter now for only $395: https://www.galenecharters.com/13-pontoon-immediate-book
Sources:
https://fortune.com/2020/07/26/americans-boating-industry-us-coronavirus-pandemic-boats/
https://boatingindustry.com/news/2020/08/20/new-boat-sales-continue-to-climb/
"I like to move it" - In proud memory of South Florida DJ Erick Morillo
Let's remember the vibrant spirit and talent of Erick Morillo (only 49!) with his best known hit “I like to move it” - as featured in the animation movie Madagascar.
Let's watch the video
Driver's license is a MUST, so why not boating license?
Image copyright Cooney and Conway
Every time we read about an outing on a boat gone wrong, our fist thought is WHY, WHY on Earth is a boating license not required to cruise around with a boat?
That’s right guys, unless you’re doing commercial activity (taking out paying customers), you DO NOT need any qualification, any former knowledge on how to operate a boat. Crazy right?
You have no idea how quickly things can happen on the water.
You’re not on a solid surface - you’re on fluid. So the reaction times multiply and you definitely need to be a pro captain to handle many of the situations safely.
Hopefully one day the laws won’t be so careless about it…
And until then, just hire a pro! Get a boat WITH a captain. Have fun, drink, dance, sing and know that you’re SAFE.
TROPICAL STORM ISAIAS HAS AVOIDED MIAMI
Storm clouds are seen over the city as Hurricane Isaias approaches on August 1. /AFP Photo, CGTN
Apart from so moderate rain and gusts of wind, we managed to escape this challenge.
Phew!
Amidst so many restrictions still due to the pandemic, Miami and the Beaches most definitely deserved this bit of luck!
Now let’s pray for the Carolinas to share our luck too!
How did you prepare for this storm?