I'm not sure there is a marina left on the Raritan or Sandy Hook bays of NJ and NY. That will change recreational boating in this area no doubt.
Was Sandy A PERMANENT Game Changer For Boating?
- Thread starter rardiH36
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Not to say Sandy was not a destructive storm, but it was no where close to being as destructive as Andrew was when it hit. Not to say there are not a lot of boaters in the NE, but South Florida sure has a lot of boats with hailing ports painted on the stern that are from the NE.
Anyone who has been to South Florida can confirm that while Andrew destroyed lots of boats and marinas it was no where close to being a game changer for boating. It should also be noted that even with high prices for entry into boating there seems to be no shortage of folks getting into it.
In some ways I wish there could be a game changer and things would go back to the way it was in the 1960s when I started boating and it was a lot less crowded. But that ain't gonna happen.
Anyone who has been to South Florida can confirm that while Andrew destroyed lots of boats and marinas it was no where close to being a game changer for boating. It should also be noted that even with high prices for entry into boating there seems to be no shortage of folks getting into it.
In some ways I wish there could be a game changer and things would go back to the way it was in the 1960s when I started boating and it was a lot less crowded. But that ain't gonna happen.
If anything, it might stimulate the new boat market and weed-out some of the over-saturated used boat market. This, and some economic growth with a new administration and congress might actually revive boating to some extent.
Preparing did not do much
In my part of NJ, preparing did not do much. The storm surge in Perth Amboy must have been more than the 12.5 some have said. Boats on shore that were prepared, stripped and ready were lifted off Jack stands and many destroyed. Ironically, many that were still in the water survived.
My boat got carried into a Marsh from the storage area.
In my part of NJ, preparing did not do much. The storm surge in Perth Amboy must have been more than the 12.5 some have said. Boats on shore that were prepared, stripped and ready were lifted off Jack stands and many destroyed. Ironically, many that were still in the water survived.
My boat got carried into a Marsh from the storage area.
Attachments
:cry: Sorry to hear that Prime. At least she is undamaged. Just getting it back floating again will be a "chore" to say the least. How do they do that?
So I'm in the process; on a severely limited budget; of trying to procure various needed items for my 40 year old fixer upper..
Does a hurricane in the USA improve the availability of various used hardware at a reduced cost? If so; how long before that became apparent?
Does a hurricane in the USA improve the availability of various used hardware at a reduced cost? If so; how long before that became apparent?
Insurance
Insurance will rise across the board, not just in the affected area! We pay 1600+ for 60k coverage and it was less the prior yr. We have never had a claim. Just the way it works unfortunately, boats destroyed, insurance claims and are paid, insurance companies will collect from the rest of us,
Insurance will rise across the board, not just in the affected area! We pay 1600+ for 60k coverage and it was less the prior yr. We have never had a claim. Just the way it works unfortunately, boats destroyed, insurance claims and are paid, insurance companies will collect from the rest of us,
I had the same experience. Diligently prepared the boat as best I could, but storm surge and flooding carried it off. It does seem like if you can find a sheltered spot and have tall enough pilings, the water is the safer route.
I really do not believe this storm, or others that will surely follow are going to be the "game changer" to the industry; the Caribbean, the gulf and Florida have always rebounded as far as infrastructure (marinas, yacht clubs, launching ramps, etc) goes. In the areas most badly hit by Sandy, I believe many more marinas have disappeared to waterfront development in the last few years than were destroyed by the storm.
Even more damaging to the pleasure boat industry is the loss of America's middle class and the disappearance of their "disposable income". With those who still have jobs worried that their futures are not secure, they do not have the leisure time nor spending money for things like boats. Less purchasers means less boats built, less jobs in that industry and more insecurity, and on and on.
Every year we hear of the ultra-rich building bigger and more expensive yachts and these monstrosities are invading the cruising areas of the world to a point that many down here in the Caribbean, at least, worry that their lavish spending and physical presence (they are way too big to use moorings) will ruin the tranquil anchorages and friendly islanders.
It is not nature that is the "game changer" to our lifestyle, but the abuse of this planet and it's citizens by the very rich.
Without any lobbyists in congress, without a cohesive group to represent our interests, are we boat owners destined for extinction?
Even more damaging to the pleasure boat industry is the loss of America's middle class and the disappearance of their "disposable income". With those who still have jobs worried that their futures are not secure, they do not have the leisure time nor spending money for things like boats. Less purchasers means less boats built, less jobs in that industry and more insecurity, and on and on.
Every year we hear of the ultra-rich building bigger and more expensive yachts and these monstrosities are invading the cruising areas of the world to a point that many down here in the Caribbean, at least, worry that their lavish spending and physical presence (they are way too big to use moorings) will ruin the tranquil anchorages and friendly islanders.
It is not nature that is the "game changer" to our lifestyle, but the abuse of this planet and it's citizens by the very rich.
Without any lobbyists in congress, without a cohesive group to represent our interests, are we boat owners destined for extinction?
Capta, they could very easily do to boating what they did to private planes. Tax them to the point no one can afford them and watch the manufacturers all go overseas. However, I do not believe that will happen. Someone is out there purchasing those boats. I see in every issue of the magazines bigger and bigger and more luxurious boats from the manufacturers. These are not the "ultra rich" people buying these boats. They would not buy a production boat anyway.
So who is it? Additionally I do not see sailors forming a "cohesive group" to represent our interests (like the NRA). No I think that we as a group will never do that since we are all so independent. But I do not see us going extinct either, because of legislation. However that being said. I do see us going extinct because everything has gotten so expensive that no one can afford to do it any longer.
In a year Sandy will only be a dim memory, many handy people will be getting exceptional deals on slightly damaged boats that are much larger then they would have been able to afford a year ago, and I would not want to be insuring a new boat in NJ now,you will be paying out the ass, after Katrina my AZ insurance didn't go up a dime,so it won't affect us out west.Overall it won't change the overall boating picture one way or another, with the economy steadily growing over the last three years and continuing to do so the market will only grow bigger.
It may be a game changer but not a game ender. I live next to galveston bay and if you were driving anywhere near here after hurricane ike you were dodging boats on the highway left and right there was damage at all the marinas and a couple of the floating marinas came off of there pylons, yet with a few months everyone was bouncing back and now a few years later all of the marinas have waiting lists for anything short of a 50 foot slip. It may take some time but things will get better.
It it the increased occurrence and ferocity of these storms that is the game changer.
In the last 4 years we have had Snowmageddon, Irene, Deracho, and now Sandy. These events use to occur once every 10yrs now we get them every year. Pretty tough to bounce back when ya keep getting knocked down.
In the last 4 years we have had Snowmageddon, Irene, Deracho, and now Sandy. These events use to occur once every 10yrs now we get them every year. Pretty tough to bounce back when ya keep getting knocked down.
Another vote for staying in
It seems that by the time I know we will be hit, it is too late to get my marina to pull my boat. I have two data points now with Sandy. My boat was scheduled to be pulled the week before the storm. When I called about it I was told there was no way he could pull her before the storm...even though she should have been in the schedule...go figure. I guess I don't rate even though I have been a customer for nearly ten years.
As with Irene, I took all the canvas down and wrapped some scrap leather around my pendants as chafe guard. Chaffing from Sandy was less than from Irene last year. This year I will definitely upgrade to new pendants. That was the only worry I had, as they were looking pretty sun bleached. The only other significant choice I make is to insure with BoatUS. They may be a bit more, but their customer service post storm is supposed to be excellent (according to them). I hope I never find out.
What would I expect if a major storm wiped out boats in my area? Personally I would likely use it as an excuse to upgrade long term. Short term I would expect used boat prices within three days sail to go through the roof for a year or two, so I might take a year or two off.
It seems that by the time I know we will be hit, it is too late to get my marina to pull my boat. I have two data points now with Sandy. My boat was scheduled to be pulled the week before the storm. When I called about it I was told there was no way he could pull her before the storm...even though she should have been in the schedule...go figure. I guess I don't rate even though I have been a customer for nearly ten years.
As with Irene, I took all the canvas down and wrapped some scrap leather around my pendants as chafe guard. Chaffing from Sandy was less than from Irene last year. This year I will definitely upgrade to new pendants. That was the only worry I had, as they were looking pretty sun bleached. The only other significant choice I make is to insure with BoatUS. They may be a bit more, but their customer service post storm is supposed to be excellent (according to them). I hope I never find out.
What would I expect if a major storm wiped out boats in my area? Personally I would likely use it as an excuse to upgrade long term. Short term I would expect used boat prices within three days sail to go through the roof for a year or two, so I might take a year or two off.
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