Los Angeles has some fantastic marinas and waterways and boating has never been more popular. It is a wonderful lifestyle. However, with rising gas prices and the environment top of mind for today’s consumer, Los Angeles and Orange County boaters are using their boats in different ways than in years past.

We are seeing in the LA & OC waterways a shift in how boaters are out on our local oceans. For example, we are seeing an increase in fractional boat ownership and rentals. Rentals and fractional ownership enable boating enthusiasts the ability to enjoy the water yet with a nominal cost. 

Another area where we are seeing a growth in Southern California is in sailing as opposed to the high utilization of powerboats. Powerboat owners are still going out on the local waterways but to be environmentally conscious, they are not going out as far. And with sailing powered by Mother Nature, sailboats are rapidly becoming the boat of choice for Southern California recreational enthusiasts. Each year more than 59 million adults in the U.S. enjoy boating.

Long Beach, Seal Beach, Marina del Ray are just a of a few of the most popular marinas and waterways in Southern California that we are seeing where boaters are being more “green.” The California Department of Boating and Waterways asked to boaters to reduce fuel consumption while on the water, including reducing cruising speed as well as tuning the engine and to take shorter trips. It has paid off as more and more boaters embrace them. Reason being, 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). Boaters and anglers are the original conservationists – they are the ones experiencing our nation’s waterways first hand and as more new and existing recreational boaters embrace “green” in Southern California.

Marina del Rey

To help with “green boating,” we are seeing national and local marine engine manufacturers today investing billions of dollars to develop cleaner, more efficient engines. Local marinas are also doing their part, with boatyard areas that are more environmentally friendly and responsible than ever before. 

For Los Angels and Orange County boaters eager to access local waters, there is a fantastic resource to connect you with the waterway closest to you. Interested boaters can go to www.discoverboating.com and plug in their zip code. From there, boating enthusiasts can find a local launch ramp, marina and even sailing clubs in LA and OC.  Discover Boating also has gas savings tips in addition to a section on “green boating.” It is a fantastic resource for any new or long-time boater.

With so many opportunities for boating fun available today, there’s no reason why anyone in LA and OC can’t take advantage of the benefits that recreational boating has to offer. Below is the “ Top 10 Reasons for Boating,” complied by Discover Boating.

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 marina near you, please visit our boat marinas and ramps page.
4. Boating Fun Helps you Bond with Friends and Family
Forty percent of all households, in a 2005 study by the National Marine Manufacturers Association, listed relaxing with family and friends as their favorite boating activity (followed by fishing, cruising, and waterskiing). 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 2005 National Marina 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.

Life is better with a boat and even better when you are on a point on Southern California’s waterways.

For more boating resources:
Discover Boating - http://www.discoverboating.com
Southern California Marine Assoc - http://www.scma.com
California Department of Boating & Waterways - http://www.dbw.ca.gov/
National Marine Manufactures Assoc. - http://www.nmma.org/

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