Tristin Burdick | March 29, 2023
Boat propellers are essential components of powered watercraft, but how much do we really know about them? A recent survey conducted by EPG Specialty Information sheds light on the propeller usage habits of experienced boaters, revealing key insights that could benefit powersport dealers, OEMs, and other industry stakeholders.
The survey covered more than 150 boating enthusiasts, with 89% indicating more than 10 years of experience in boating. Fishing boats were the most commonly owned type of powerboat at 53%, followed by speed/ski boats at 39% and pontoon boats at 23%. However, the primary use for these boats is leisure at 62%, followed by fishing at 33%.
Interestingly, 40% of fishing boat owners had other powered watercraft, compared to 48% of speedboat owners and 59% of pontoon boat owners. This suggests that owning multiple types of powerboats is not uncommon among experienced boaters.
When asked if they had heard of the term "skew" as it relates to boat propellers, 56% of respondents had not. This indicates that there is a need for education around the benefits of skewed propellers, especially for companies that want to advance sales in this area. Of those who were aware of skew, 90% felt it had some level of importance, but only 1 in 5 felt it was very important.
Replacing propellers is a fact of boating life, with 72% saying they have had to replace a prop in the past. However, for 68% of respondents, it is more than five years between replacements. When replacing propellers, affordability was the most important factor, followed by vibration reduction, maneuverability, and durability improvements. Noise reduction, fuel efficiency, and speed were also considered, but environmental impact and brand name were the least important factors.
Furthermore, the study found that only 35% of respondents were willing to spend more than $500 on a new propeller, and just 5% were willing to spend more than $1,000. This highlights the need for cost-effective, high-quality propellers that offer value for money and meet the top factors that boaters consider when evaluating propellers.
In conclusion, the survey results suggest that there is an opportunity for the powersport industry to educate experienced boaters on the benefits of skewed propellers. Additionally, to build brand importance and awareness, it is essential to emphasize how a propeller meets the top factors that boaters consider when evaluating propellers, including affordability, vibration reduction, maneuverability, and durability improvements. By understanding the propeller usage habits of experienced boaters, powersport dealers, OEMs, and other industry stakeholders can better cater to their needs and drive sales in this important area of the boating industry.
