Boat and RV sales not suffering, despite high gas prices

Boat and RV sales not suffering, despite high gas prices
5/30/2007 4:18 PM
By: Jessica Mokhiber







-- Click to Watch Video --
Boat and RV sales
Temperatures are rising, and more and more people are going to be heading out on their boats and in their RVs for the summer. But with the gas prices rising, are sales of boats and RVs slowing down? Jessica Mokhiber caught up with some people, whose answers may surprise you.




It costs more these days to get to where you're going, and not just for cars. With gas prices at near-record highs, it also costs more for boaters and people with RVs to fill up.

Dockside Landing Boat and Yacht Owner Craig Merrell said, "First of all, it's on the news channels on a daily basis."

So you may think that less people are boating. But it seems that's not the case.

Boat N RV Warehouse owner Geoffrey Hoffman said, "It's more a conversation people have in our showroom. People talk about gas prices, but it doesn't affect a recreational purchase."

"People are still coming in. People are still coming in on vacation. People still need to get away and enjoy themselves, and getting out on the water is one of the best ways to do that," said Merrell.

Hoffman, who also sells RVs, said gas prices haven't slowed down those sales either, but he thinks people may drive them less.

"Maybe on an RV, they'll leave it on the campground at the site more than they'll tow it around," Hoffman said.

But he agrees with Merrell and said in this day and age, people need their leisure time, and he thinks that's why gas prices aren't slowing down sales.

"We work really hard, and it's a stressed-out society these days, and people put a premium on their leisure time, and they work really hard for it," said Hoffman.

Merrell said, "All in all though, for experienced boaters, and people who love to boat, I don't think gas prices have affected things too much this year."

Angry RV owners flood Lethbridge meeting

Angry RV owners flood Lethbridge meeting
Last Updated: Tuesday, May 29, 2007 | 11:27 AM MT
CBC News


Lethbridge aldermen will take nearly a month to mull over a proposed bylaw limiting recreational vehicle parking in the southern Alberta city.

None of the approximately 75 people who spoke at Monday's public hearing was in favour of the changes, which would limit the amount of time RV owners can park a motor home in a driveway or backyard.

The bylaw, which aldermen will vote on June 25, would force owners to move their vehicles after 48 hours or face fines and possibly jail.

Upset motorhome owners said Monday that the changes violated their rights to store what they want on their property.

"Clearly I acknowledge that I've struck a nerve," said city solicitor Doug Hudson, who authored the proposed bylaw.

In the leadup to the public hearing, more than 330 people wrote letters opposing the bylaw outright, compared to just 30 supporting documents.

Survey Finds RV Owners Admit to a Mistake or Two on the Open Road

Survey Finds RV Owners Admit to a Mistake or Two on the Open Road




Two Most Common Errors: Leaving a Rest Stop Without Your Significant Other and Driving Off With the Steps Extended


MAYFIELD VILLAGE, OH - May 7, 2007: The morning starts out like most do in your RV – traveling down a quiet highway with a hearty breakfast under your belt and a good cup of coffee within reach when you realize that blowing white thing behind you is your now-shredded awning, the bang you heard earlier was your toad coming unhooked, and the spider crack from the rock that hit your windshield is growing, a lot. You signed up for adventure, but not this much! Don’t worry. You’re not alone according to an online survey recently conducted by The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies that found that life on the open road can sometimes get bumpy.


Progressive, a leading RV insurer and the number one seller of RV insurance through independent agents, surveyed more than 1,000 RVers countrywide to find the amusing and at times embarrassing mishaps they’ve experienced while traveling. The survey also asked RVers about their insurance because, when blunders do happen, it’s important to have the right coverage and service that gets them back on the road, fast.


“RVs can be a fun and relaxing way to travel but, as our survey shows, it’s not unusual for a few mishaps to happen along the way,” said Eric Westphal, RV product manager, Progressive. “Although some of them can be pretty funny, they can also lead to costly damages. We want RVers to know that not all insurance policies are the same – it’s important for them to know what coverages are available that can protect them and their vehicles.”


The survey found that the most common mistakes RVers say they make while RVing are: driving off with the steps extended, backing up into a post or other stationary object, misjudging the amount of overhead and/or side clearance space, not connecting the tail lights correctly, and running out of fuel.


But it’s not just operating your RV that some people have trouble with: Two (2) percent of RVers surveyed actually admitted to mistakenly leaving a passenger behind at a campground, rest area or other stop while traveling in their RV. The person left behind most often? A spouse or significant other; pets and grandparents are least likely to be left behind.


Even though no insurance policy can make your loved one forgive you for leaving them stranded, by having a specialized RV policy you can make sure you have the protection you need. But, while the majority of RVers surveyed (53 percent) spend a month or more RVing each year and 42 percent travel more than 500 miles per trip, affording them plenty of time to make a mistake or two, less than one-third (28 percent) bought a stand-alone insurance policy with specialized RV coverages. In fact, the majority (54 percent) just added their RV to their private passenger auto policy and 14 percent didn’t buy any RV insurance!


“Insurance decisions can be hard to make,” said Westphal. “We’ve been insuring RVs for more than 25 years and offer a variety of specialized, competitively priced coverages that have been designed with today’s RVer in mind. They can choose the coverage options that fit their needs and be reassured that should they experience a mishap, our superior claims service will have them back on the road quickly.”
Progressive’s specialized RV coverages include:

Total Loss Replacement – Progressive will buy you a brand new motor home or travel trailer of similar make and quality if your RV is totaled within the first five model years;

Emergency Expense Coverage – provides up to $2,000 for lodging and transportation if your RV is damaged while traveling more than 50 miles away from your primary residence;

Full-Timer’s Package – offers extra coverage if you use your RV as your home or primary residence;

Replacement Cost Personal Effects Coverage – covers the loss of or damage to the contents of your RV;

and Roadside Assistance Coverage – provides towing to the nearest qualified repair facility and is a “Sign and Drive” coverage, meaning no out-of-pocket expenses for customers.


Knowing RVers crave comfort and convenience beyond their insurance, the survey also asked them about the items they find most useful in their RV. Small kitchen appliances and entertainment equipment top the list but sometimes safety can outweigh the creature comforts: RVers say a fire extinguisher is slightly more useful than a cooler. After all, a cold drink can come in handy, but only after that pesky fire is put out.