Internet taking over

THE internet is taking over from the waterway magazines, as people prefer instant information rather than monthly, and the interest in boating is declining.

All the waterway magazines have lost circulation over the past few years,with even the most popular Waterways World, losing out, and its rivals, who prefer to hide their circulation figures, obviously well behind.

Double whammy

It is indeed a double whammy, as all have lost advertising revenue too, as so many boat builders and ancillary businesses have gone bust, not only losing them advertising revenue, but many leaving the magazines with outstanding debts.

Waterways World average circulation fell from 15,246 copies in 2009 to 13,686 in 2010. A few years ago the average circulation was in the region of 18,000 copies a month.  It is felt that with the ever increasing cost of boating and so the resulting lack of interest, things can only get worse.