Your first sentence is on the mark. Your third sentence, however, is, in my
opinion, a little off. Some folks pay for storage, maintenance, service,
repair, insurance, and boat payments. Eliminating the bundle, not just the
gasoline, can make a meaningful financial difference for some. For some,
boat ownership really is a luxury item when compared to their family budget
and in spite of reports that our economy is healthy, times have been getting
tougher for most people I know. As you say, though, for some it may have
something to do with a cooled passion for boating.


I think my 3rd sentance is further validated by what you said. With so
many expenses involved in owning a boat, I don't think that an extra
few bucks at the pump is all that big a deal. I've invested so much
time and money already, rising fuel costs be damned, I'm taking out my
boat.

I was only commenting on gas prices. You are right, off loading an
entire boat is a huge budget saver. Gas prices won't keep people off
the water, a declining economy, lost money on investments and economic
fear with keep for sale signs on boat though.