How have increased gasoline prices impacted your time on the boat?

[Duke 7184]

The increse in fuel prices hasn't had much of an impact on the cost of opperating our boat - yet. However, fuel cost for the trip to / from the marina are becomming worthy of note. Also, as inland sailors, we are seeing the increas in shipping cost from UPS and FEDX for our maintenance supplies.

In another season of two we are going to be needing to replace our sails. I wonder how much of an impact we might see in this area.

[US27inKS]

I voted "minimal" because I have been able to spend more time on the boat. Instead of running out to grab a meal, I can get my wife to agree to grill or cook at the clubhouse. Running out to get dinner had been burning a half tank of gas, not to mention the Wal-mart run while we're in town. We could easily spend an extra Benjamin between the gas, food and wally world.

[SURV69]

I expect to use my boat more often this year(SAILBOAT).

In the past, I would drive my truck to the boat. This year I will very rarely drive my truck . . . I'll drive my motorcycle and I'll spend a few days at a time on the boat.

IF I had a powerboat, I'd be more concerned.

[LRTIMKEN]

You wrote's nice and I support you!IKO iko IKO iko

[chucklesR]

Nice side effect, less power boat traffic and wakes on the water.

[bubb2]

None here. I use my boat a lot. I have a diesel. Last years fuel bill was $48, I may spend $60 this year. Fuel is the cheapest part of owning a sailboat.

[RickQuann]

No impact. 'Course my little diesel is miserly when it comes to fuel consumption. I have noticed a reduction in powerboat traffic and a lot of 'em seem to spend more time at anchor, swimming off the transom rather than running up and down the Potomac.
These fuel prices must be killing the working fishermen and charter boats though. My brother has a twenty three foot skiff and heading offshore for the day trolling for dolphin now costs about four hundred dollars in fuel.