On 29 May 2007 08:03:18 -0700, Chuck Gould
wrote:

Every boater, power and sail, is directly or indirectly damaged by
these high fuel costs. There is a certain critical mass of people
interested in boating required to sustain the infrastructure of fuel
docks, marinas, supply vendors, repair professionals, etc. Everybody
depends on the same infrasturcture, whether an individual burns 60
gph, 20 gph, 2 gph, or sails.

I wouldn't go that far. There are some boaters - power and sail - who
feel higher fuel prices for less crowded waterways is a fair
trade-off. There are still plenty of sailors who use very little
fuel, and plenty of OB skiff fisherman who use surprisingly little
too. Fewer wake-makers is a boon to them.
I've seen many good fishing lakes destroyed by cheap gas and
cheap booze, which lead to speedsters coming in and tearing things up.
As far as infrastructure, the law of supply and demand might work in
the fuel-misers' favor there. Fewer boats probably means less
expensive dock and mooring fees.
It may even lead to reducing canalside home prices, which are always
at a premium. Not sure about that, though.
My Dad lives on a canal in Punta Gorda, FL, and it always surprises
him - and me - to see all the empty docks along the canals by his
home. It's like that through much of the town.
There's one boat within eyeshot and the owner takes it out once or
twice a year.
Of course Dad doesn't have a boat now either, because he's too infirm
to boat. Maybe higher fuel prices will squelch the "dream" of the old
folks to buy canalside to go boating, and they'll just get a nice
place on a golf course, which might suit them better.
High fuel prices will most hurt those who make a living in the boating
industry.

--Vic