“For boater Hank Banalewicz, fuel costs about twice as much as last summer. On a recent morning, he says it cost him $250 to take out a boat. Last year, when gas was cheaper, it cost about $100 or $120.

“Oh, it’s totally ridiculous,” he says.

And as for boat traffic on the water?

“Hardly any boats . . . at all,” he says.

Banalewicz says he takes his boat out less frequently now, and when he does, he uses it differently. He cruises less and anchors more.

That’s the story in Florida — and also in Michigan, California and other places where boating is big.”

What is happening in Florida is also happening here. Although most of this article is talking about saltwater excursions in Florida, the realities of fuel prices are affecting everyone who boats (ok, everyone who boats without paddles or sails).

It is interesting to see some trends emerge – not only are people taking boats out less often, they are changing their habits when they do take them out to conserve fuel. This is probably not the worst side effect, since if everyone had been doing that all along they would of course had a head start on saving money.

Other people seem to have given up, and are trying to sell their boats. But selling your boat right now may be challenging – It’s like trying to sell that H2 – no one’s buying.

Reports from Florida say that boat sales are down as much as 40%. Even considering the economic downturn in general, that’s a pretty steep decline.

Charter tour guides in trouble as well. So who’s winning in the game right now (because someone is always winning)? Boat repo men.  Anyhow – it’s an interesting read.

Here’s the story on Florida – Link

Here’s another story on the impact of fuel cost on fishermen from earlier this month – Link

Note: So the big question is: when are we going to start seeing fuel efficient bass boats? It seems incredible that no one is jumping on this bandwagon. Although, I would have to guess that the execs at the big boat companies are giving it some serious thought.
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Posted by A. Black