Rising gas prices are shaping summer plans with US boaters slower to hit the water – UK Times

On a warm, bright Michigan afternoon, Malik Amine and his brother prepared their family’s pontoon boat for the summer season.

As Portage Lake sparkled under the sun, a crucial decision loomed before they could leave the dock: how much gasoline to pump into the vessel’s 52-gallon engine.

Like countless other recreational boaters across the US, they are grappling with soaring fuel prices amid global tensions.

The cost of fueling a vessel has become a significant concern, with regular gasoline prices averaging 34% higher than a year ago, according to motor club AAA.

Diesel fuel, used by many larger boats, has seen an even steeper 53% rise over the same period.

For those who prefer ethanol-free gas – a common choice for boaters, classic car owners, and even lawnmower users – the premium can add an extra 20 cents to $1 per gallon, reports the National Association of Convenience Stores.

Near Portage Lake, 60 miles west of Detroit, ethanol-free fuel is currently selling for $7 per gallon.

Malik Amine, facing these steep costs, indicated he wouldn’t be filling his boat’s tank completely ahead of Memorial Day weekend.

“The cost is going to be a lot more than it was last year,” Amine said. “I think it’s probably a little bit smarter to do what you need and fill it as much as you need, because who knows when this conflict’s going to end.”

The National Marine Manufacturers Association, representing a $230 billion industry that sees 100 million Americans boating annually, acknowledges the impact.

While most enthusiasts still plan to hit the water, rising fuel prices are undeniably altering their habits.

Ellen Bradley, the association’s chief brand officer, noted, “There were a number of people within that who said, ‘I am going to have to change my behavior.’”

She added, “I may not go as far. I may not as fast. I may spend more time anchored and swimming. I may spend more time at the dock.”

For Neil and Kathleen Donohoe, who sold their Colorado home to live aboard their 50-foot, diesel-powered boat, the Granuaile, fuel costs have become a primary concern.

After seven years cruising the East Coast and to the Bahamas, they typically found maintenance to be their biggest expense.

Now, filling their 1,500-gallon tank comes with an “eye-popping” price tag, prompting them to use marine apps and consult other boaters for the cheapest fuel. “It’s not driving us not to cruise, but it’s making a difference,” Neil Donohoe stated.

This summer, the couple has opted to remain in the Chesapeake Bay area, foregoing further northern voyages they’ve previously enjoyed.

Kathleen Donohoe reflected on their decision, saying, “It seems a little gross to spend that kind of money when so many people are struggling.”

Boating-related businesses are also feeling the strain.

The Seattle Sailing Club, which provides lessons, charters, and rentals, has seen its fuel bill jump by 10.7% since the onset of the war.

Lindsey Brown, the club’s office manager, explained that while their fleet of 30 boats primarily uses wind power, all are equipped with gas or diesel backup engines. She noted that diesel prices at their marina surged from $6.50 per gallon in April to $2.99 by late May.

“We are just heading into our busy season, so we may see a more dramatic effect on our business if the price of fuel doesn’t change or continues to increase,” Brown warned, also mentioning a new fuel surcharge on her personal wastewater pump-out service.

Melissa Kunnert, owner of NautiMi On the River, an ice cream and gift shop near Portage Lake, is navigating her own challenges. Despite increased costs to fuel her tiki-themed pontoon boat rentals and evening cruises, she has decided against raising prices this summer.

Kunnert speculates that higher travel costs elsewhere might inadvertently benefit her business by encouraging more local tourism.

“I’m interested to see if we’ll have the same amount as previous years (or) if we will have more because people don’t want to use their gas, they want ours,” she mused.

Meanwhile, in Traverse City, Robert Hinds, who operates Central Coast Angling, has added a $50 fuel surcharge to his fishing trips. Hinds, who tows his 22-foot boat between Lake Michigan ports, faces double fuel costs for both his truck and boat.

The surcharge has led to multiple cancellations for Hinds, including a regular customer from Nebraska. “It’s really tough. People do want to get out and I still believe people will,” he acknowledged, “But everybody comes from different walks of life.”

The financial burden has even impacted Hinds personally; he recently canceled his own planned fishing trip to Wisconsin after calculating a $400 diesel cost for his truck. “I can just stay home and fish here,” he concluded.