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It seems each year there is
some issue about boating that tends to create concern
among those who ply our waters in their beloved boats.
It wasn’t long ago that low water levels had everyone
worried. Marinas were affected, as boaters couldn’t get
to their slips, props were routinely chopped up by rocks
that in previous years could easily be cleared, and in
some cases, destinations had to be abandoned all
together. Down south, the drought that plagued much of
the southeast has brought boating to a halt all together
in some areas. In
the mid 1980’s, high water levels created a different
type of problem. Marinas were placing pallets on their
docks just to keep them above water. I can remember
going by boat to Port Dover and seeing the ever-popular
Callahan’s Waterfront Restaurant sandbagged in.
So now, we have a new
demon: rising gas prices. I am not so sure that the
actual cost of fuel is the real concern, but rather what
effect it may have on boat values and the general
feeling that our boating habits will probably change.
The annual trip at high speed to the opposite end of the
lake may not be feasible anymore. Despite this, I
believe that boaters are a resilient lot and will
persevere. Of some concern, is the manufacturers seem
to be side-stepping the issue. Maybe it’s time that we
are offered some fuel-efficient options. There seems to
be a market. A good example is the 1980’s vintage line
of Mainship Trawlers, I, II, III. A few years ago
during the high-speed craze and ‘Get-There-Quick’
mentality, these boats were a tough sell. A friend
bought a nice Mainship III in Chicago for 42K. Today,
they are going for 80K.
Why? Reasonable speed
and efficiency that approaches two or more MPG. Maybe
the solution is some downsizing. Sales reps at most
marinas are reporting an increase in sales in the
so-called pocket cruiser style boat (the 22’ to 26’
single screw cruiser with the v-berths, stand-up head,
and galley.) Maybe you can’t go away for two weeks, but
you can sure have a lot of fun for a reasonable amount
of fuel.
I don’t know about you,
but I have owned boats from 16’ to 36’. I am not sure I
have had any more fun on the 36’ boat, as I had on some
of the smaller boats. Boating is boating and getting
out on the water is really the joy of it.
Sail is also going
through a nice renaissance. When I was teaching safe
boating courses for the U.S. Power Squadrons in the
1970’s, sailors made up half of our boating courses.
This dwindled over the years, but now, well, it seems to
be on the rise. Tracy Buczak who heads up RCR Yachts in
Erie, PA, had a record year last year. A friend who is
looking for a sailboat in the 32’ to 34’ range is
finding it hard to really have a decent selection to
choose from.
So what does this all
mean? Enjoy your boat. Everything is expensive these
days. Maybe slow down, or put a few less hours
cruising. Boating will always be here. After all,
boating is just not a hobby or pastime, it is a way of
life. Yesterday, I ran into a fellow Past Commander of
a Yacht Club in the Buffalo area who while remarking
about his new boat commented to me, “I don’t think I
could live without my boat. I really don’t.”
Well, that is some
boating food for thought. Enjoy the summer! |
