The Boating Industries Association of Upstate New York is a group that is dedicated to the ways and means of enjoying boating in Central New York. We help both the Federal Government and the State Government spread information about rules and regulations of the day that concern boating or use of the great resources here in New York State, Lake Ontario, the Historic Erie Canal system or the St. Lawrence Seaway, and the Finger Lakes. We look to promote the resources within our membership and protect the waterways that we love. If it’s about boating, it’s about us.

Top Reasons to Rent or Buy A Boat

With so many opportunities for boating fun available today, there’s no reason why anyone can’t take advantage of the benefits that recreational boating has to offer. Read our personal list of Top Reasons for Boating below:

1. Boating Improves Quality of Life

   It’s a proven fact that recreational boating goes a long ways towards improving your quality of life. The minute you start to move forward on a boat, you’ll notice how easy it is to leave your troubles behind.  Recreational boating fun provides a constructive outlet for entertainment that reduces stress and provides enriching opportunities for self discovery, whether it’s learning how to water ski or simply enjoying the warm glow of an evening sunset.

2. Boating is an Affordable Recreation Alternative

   Are you under the impression that recreational boating is too expensive for your current budget? Think again. Many boats can be financed for under $200 a month. Dedicated boating lenders will work with you to help you save money and get you the best financing package available. For help determining if you can afford to buy a boat, including boat loan basics, an NMBA Member Directory, a boat loan calculator, and more, please visit our section on Buying a Boat.

3. Water Access is Closer than you Think

   Did you know that about ninety percent of Americans live less than an hour from a navigable body of water? This means that water access is a lot closer and more convenient than you might think. To find a recreation boating marinas near you, please visit our boat marinas and ramps page.

4. Boating Fun Helps you Bond with Friends and Family

   Fifty four percent of all households, in a study by the National Marine Manufacturers Association, listed fishing as their favorite boating activity (followed by cruising and relaxing with family and friends).  In other words, to many people the best part about boating doesn’t revolve around the latest waterskiing tricks or the number of fish caught- the best part of boating is simply the opportunities it provides for boating fun with friends and family.  Recreational boating is quality time spent away from the television set and the video games, creating an atmosphere that brings people together and creates fond memories to last a lifetime.

5. Boating Helps Reduce Stress

   We can’t stress the statistics enough - numerous studies have shown that a little bit of boating fun each day can go a long way towards reducing stress.  In fact, a National Marine Manufacturers Association survey of over 1,000 American households listed boating in the top-three of all stress-relieving activities.

6. Boating is Convenient

   As we pointed out above, since over ninety percent of Americans live less than an hour's drive from an accessible body of water, you can be enjoying the fresh air and water in no time.

   In fact, the convenience of boating makes it possible to hop on your boat for a mini-vacation whenever you feel like it, as an alternative to other family recreation activities which can quickly add up to become even more expensive and time-consuming.

7. Boating is an Engaging and Rewarding Activity

   Recreational boating offers lots of opportunities for personal growth. Whether you’re instilling your child with extra confidence as they learn how to properly secure a line, or you’re enjoying the delicate taste of fresh fish that you caught yourself, boating recreation provides many different rewards for all ages.

8. Boating is Good Exercise

   From a rigorous sailing excursion to an invigorating run on waterskis, boating provides sporting enthusiasts with many active endeavors to choose from.  In fact, we’d argue that simply breathing in the brisk wind coming off the water in itself can go a long ways towards strengthening one’s constitution- not to mention the additional physical and psychological benefits in terms of relaxation and stress relief.

9. Recreational Boating is Easy to Learn

   If you’re new to boating, take heart. With so many available boating classes and courses to choose from, you’ll be out on the water before you know it. Whether you’ve always wanted to learn how to sail, or you’re just interested in new ways to spend quality time with your family, a wealth of available boater education courses make boating easier to learn than ever. To learn more about finding boating instruction near you, please visit our boating courses page.

10. Boating is FUN

    Last but definitely not least, one of the top reasons for boating is simply because it’s so much fun. There are so many activities to explore when it comes to boating, whether you like to fish, waterski, snorkel, or simply enjoy relaxing on the water. Be sure to check out our boating activities page to learn more about all the different ways that you too can experience boating fun.

Why Are Boat Shows Held In The Middle Of WInter?
When looking at the Central New York boat show calendar, you see there are a significant number of boat shows within the first quarter of the year and many might wonder, “Why hold a boat show in the dead of winter?” That question comes up often especially from folks in Central New York – who are usually battling snow and ice and thinking about hot chocolate not hot weather during the winter boat show season. 

There are numerous reasons to attend a winter show and all it takes is one or two reasons to motivate you to get your family and/or friends together and head to the show of your choice

• Winter shows are popular because they offer the right timing when purchasing a new boat. Ordering early allows you to select features, colors and options and still ensure delivery by spring launch time. If you wait, you may not find the model and/or options you prefer.
• Marine businesses are motivated to make sales at boat shows. They have ordered their new-model year boats and motors and want to sell inventory during the winter months. Many offer special show pricing and manufacturer incentives. Generally, this is also a great time to make a deal on new previous year models in inventory. 
• Be the first to see new and innovative product just introduced. Many new designs or creative new products are launched during winter shows.
• Attending a boat show is the most productive method to physically see hundreds of boats, trailers, motors, boating accessories, marine services, gifts, destinations, etc. in a shorter period of time with the least amount of expense. Think of the time and money you would spend to visit each of the boat dealers and marinas individually. At a boat show you can see it all under one roof.
• If you are considering boating as a recreational option, boat shows offer a tremendous learning experience for new boaters through exhibitor’s products and services.  
• Winter boat shows offer a taste of summer during our coldest Syracuse months. Walk into the show and feel the warmth, see the boats, hear the music, experience the special attractions and participate in the promotions. Make the boat show your winter rendezvous to meet up with boating friends and get a mid-winter taste of summer fun to come.

Saving on Fuel
With rising gas prices and the environment top of mind for today's consumer, boaters are using their boats in different ways than in years past. Boaters are considering ways to reduce fuel consumption while on the water, including reducing cruising speed, tuning the engine and taking shorter trips. Unlike driving a car, a boat's engine is often idle or turned off while anchoring, floating or at the dock (all three of which are some of boaters' favorite on-the-water activities). An average size powerboat uses about 20 gallons of gas over an entire weekend. A $1 increase in gas means they will spend just $20 more. Boaters are beginning to buy engines that better match their boats. If engines have to be run at near or open throttle most of the time, its too small for the boat and its load and fuel consumption and emissions will exceed normal standards.

Quick Tips For Reducing Fuel Usage: 

• Slower speeds on the water will reduce fuel usage. 
• Proper use of trim tabs reduce drag, especially while accelerating up to planing speeds. 
• Minimize the amount of time that you idle at the dock 
• Minimize the use of onboard generators. 
• Use dock-side electrical power in lieu of generators. 
• Have a float plan so you know exactly where you’re going. 
• Make sure the hull is clean. 
• Don’t under-power your boat. It’s important you have enough motor to handle the load. 
• Check your propeller. If your boat is slow "out of the hole" or lacks top-end speed, you might have the wrong propeller. 
• A well-tuned engine uses less fuel.
• Use the grade of gasoline specified by the engine manufacturer.