V v \ PAGE 26-SUPPLEMENT TO PLAINDEALER-WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 1975 48* million will go boating this year Recreational boating, with six continuous growth years under its belt, is heading into what industry leaders expect will be another good year. They say the fuel crunch and inflation have prompted many potential boaters to look at the smaller butboard-powered boats rather than the big ger and less economical inboard cruisers. Since 1968 the total dollar sales of outboard motors, which is a good indicator of boating in general, has doubled up to an all-time high of more than $500 mil lion. Almost 10 million pleasure boats plied U.S. waters in 1973. Bob Fichtes, market analyst for Johnson Outboards, the world's biggest manufacturer, calls the growth of the outboard motor market "fantastic." "The last six years have shown a tremendous increase in the number of outboards and the size of outboards sold all across the U.S. and boats. Water skiers ac- Canada," he says. "The 1973 figures were down a bit from the previous year but they're climbing again and I expect the 1975 spring and summer season to be one of the best in the last 10 years." The Boating Industry Association, which keeps tabs on all facets of the recreational marine busi ness in the United States, estimates that more than 48 million Americans went boating in 1974, up an other million from 1973. Fishermen led the pack with approximately 33 million wetting lines from counted for 11 million, and skin and scuba divers and other users totaled almost 4 million. The New York City met ropolitan area continued to lead all U.S. cities in new outboard motor sales, followed by Minneapolis- St. Paul, Chicago, Mil waukee, Detroit, Houston, then Tampa-St. Peters burg. And Florida remained the biggest outboard motor state with an estimated 44,000 new outboard mo tors in use in 1973. Texas was second with 38,000 ne^r outboards sold, fol- IM / SALE W 0^ rP\ COOL . SAVINGS ON AIR CONDITIONERS LIMITED SUPPLY! 1005 .N. Front (South Rte. 31) ' 385-0882 Mil In some areas, like Nevada's Lake Mead, multi-purpose deck boats are quite popular. They provide a stable and ample platform for comfortable cruising, fishing, camping and partying -- as well as enough speed to pull water skiers. lowed by Minnesota, New York, Michigan, Wisconsin and Louisiana. Efficient outboard mo tors, available in a variety of models powered to fit almost every boater's need, are credited with spurring the increasing popularity of boating. LAUNCHING 1. Prior to backing into water make sure plug is in boat and restraining lines are free. Load all gear -on r 2 Editor's Quote Book «, c . . . 3. Pull the boat up away 2. Station an assistant in t . , , . . , • | tfrom the launch area and Ihe boat or on a pier to back^ , cure boat . boat off the trailer. ..... ... .. 3. Quickly remove car and trailer from the area and make room for the next boat. RETRIEVING 1. Position trailer with rear rollers submerged. 2. Have a friend drive boat onto trailer. You can guide him up with hand signals. Lock bow ring to trailer. Real communication is i m p o s s i b l e w i t h o u t listening. Ralph C. SmecUey A Jk ! M W Jk. A. ...! & SAVINGS GIES SHOES AND SHOE REPAIR 1307\ """ McHENRY RIVERSIDE DR. 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. PH. 385-2801 11 f y i * 11