Discover Boating provides tools to help significant others e
mbrace the boating lifestyle with new Spousal Conversion Kit

More than 59 million adults went boating in the U.S. last year, and with approximately 80 percent of Americans, specifically baby boomers and Generation Xers, saying they plan to purchase a recreational product in the near future, that number could increase. Boats and boating accessories are listed as the top choice for recreational purchase followed by ATVs, motorcycles, towable RVs and motorhomes. Discover Boating's new Spousal Conversion Kit can serve as the seven day guide to land the perfect boat just in time for summer. By the end of the week your significant other will understand (and hopefully support) making that boat of your dreams a reality. Good luck.

Day 1 -- The Clock is Ticking

In the time it takes to get to the grocery store and back, you could be aboard a boat and feeling a million miles away from that ridiculously long checkout line. Don't believe us? Ninety percent of Americans live within an hour's drive of a body of water ideal for boating. Talk to a local boat dealer or check out the Destinations page on DiscoverBoating.com to find the water escapes most convenient for you.

Day 2 -- Knowledge is Power

Your Significant Other (S.O.) did not get those designer shoes or power tool set without dropping some serious hints. Help your S.O. see the light about how easy boat ownership can be. Snuggle up and watch the free Get Started in Boating DVD from DiscoverBoating.com. If that doesn't get the engine running, plan a day of 'window shopping' together by using a calendar on the site to find a boat show near you. A nice dinner together after the show wouldn't hurt either -- we suggest a nice seafood place with a nautical theme, of course.

Day 3 -- Follow the Crowd

Forget what your mom told you about not following the crowd-trust us, the water is where the cool people congregate. Even the ones who swim right after they eat. Plan a day with friends who own a boat and make sure they brag to your S.O. about how much better life is with a boat. Did you know 26 percent of U.S. adults went boating in 2007? Ask your boat owning friends if the rumors are true -- boaters are healthier, more relaxed and have better love lives -- but, please spare us the details on the last part.

Day 4 -- Chump Change

Owning a boat is easier than you may think. In fact, depending on the size of the boat, monthly payments come out around the cost of your weekly manicure or Fantasy Football League fees and three out of four current boat owners have an average household income of less than $100,000. Most dealers offer multiple financing options and there's a budget planner on DiscoverBoating.com to help balance the checkbook. And, here's some even better news-boats with a bathroom, kitchen, and sleeping quarters are considered a second home and can be eligible for the interest deduction on a second home. Take that to the bank!

Day 5 -- Take Her/Him for a Spin

Would you ever buy a car without test driving it first? Of course not! The same rule applies when shopping for a boat, only you might come back with a tan. Talk to your local dealer about setting up a time for you and your S.O to test drive some boats. Regardless of whether or not you do any fishing, you'll be hooked the minute wind starts blowing through your hair. Check out the Getting Started section on DiscoverBoating.com before the test drive so you can ask the right questions and impress your S.O for the first time since you crushed that empty beer can on your head in college. Other ways to 'try before you buy' include renting, chartering, and fractional membership or ownership.

Day 6 -- Together Time

There's no doubt a boat can bring you and your S.O. closer together. If you need ammunition to back that up, visit the Why Boating section on DiscoverBoating.com. You'll find hard to deny facts about how being on the water reduces stress and allows countless wellness and bonding benefits to you and the family. But, if spending time apart is the real goal here, we've got that covered, too. Classes are even held around the country to teach women everything about owning and operating a boat on their own. There's also special pet classes to ensure water fun and safety for the four-legged friends. But, don't come crying to us when you get home from work and your wife and supposed "Man's Best Friend" are out on the water without you.

Day 7 -- Let's Make a Deal

By now your S.O. should be as excited about a new boat purchase as you are. There's a reason why all those boaters look so happy and healthy -- it's because they are! Sit down with your S.O. and make the decision together. Life is short and it's better with a boat.

Enjoy the journey of educating your significant other on the countless benefits of boating. You can now see how other people persuaded their significant other to buy their dream boat at DiscoverBoating.com/spousalconversionkit. Surfing DiscoverBoating.com for information on how to get started in boating can be (almost) as much fun as cruising the surf itself.

Visit Discover Boating for more details.