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Log inFuel costs need not dampen fun on the water
Fuel costs need not dampen fun on the water
by Outspoken on Sun Jun 01, 2008 7:17 am
Fuel costs need not dampen fun on the water
By GAIL RICE
Portland Press Herald
High gas prices have fueled speculation that boating, like Maine's tourism industry, could suffer a decline this year.
But there are some encouraging signs that indicate plenty of people will be enjoying time on the water this summer.
It's business as usual for at least one marina in southern Maine. Last week, workers at Richardson's Boat Yard on Sebago Lake were as busy as ever, working to get boats in the water in time for the start of Maine's boating season.
"We've seen no decrease in the number of people getting ready to go," said owner Rick Richardson. "Everybody's been talking about how much fuel has gone up, but people will still enjoy their boats. They might not drive around as much, and instead anchor out more or stay at the dock. Fuel is a very small part of owning a boat."
For those of us who are sailors, fuel prices are even less significant. The wind in our sails provides us with propulsion, and many sailors consider getting there to be half the fun.
Still, even the purists can eventually reach the point that they will fire up the "iron main" when the wind doesn't cooperate.
But regardless of their propulsion of choice, boaters shouldn't let high fuel prices rob them of their favorite summer activity.
While getting there may indeed be half the fun, there's more to boating than getting from one place to the next by watercraft. Just as important are the places you go and what you do when you get there.
A lot of boaters already have a short list of favorite destinations. They may be attracted by the natural beauty of the spot, recreational opportunities, good fishing, a local restaurant or the crowd that hangs out there.
In this season of high fuel prices, people may forgo the usual lake or bay tour and head straight to their destination.
Just remember to enjoy responsibly -- you're sharing the waters with others.
http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=190713&ac=Outdoors
The Associated Press
By GAIL RICE
Portland Press Herald
High gas prices have fueled speculation that boating, like Maine's tourism industry, could suffer a decline this year.
But there are some encouraging signs that indicate plenty of people will be enjoying time on the water this summer.
It's business as usual for at least one marina in southern Maine. Last week, workers at Richardson's Boat Yard on Sebago Lake were as busy as ever, working to get boats in the water in time for the start of Maine's boating season.
"We've seen no decrease in the number of people getting ready to go," said owner Rick Richardson. "Everybody's been talking about how much fuel has gone up, but people will still enjoy their boats. They might not drive around as much, and instead anchor out more or stay at the dock. Fuel is a very small part of owning a boat."
For those of us who are sailors, fuel prices are even less significant. The wind in our sails provides us with propulsion, and many sailors consider getting there to be half the fun.
Still, even the purists can eventually reach the point that they will fire up the "iron main" when the wind doesn't cooperate.
But regardless of their propulsion of choice, boaters shouldn't let high fuel prices rob them of their favorite summer activity.
While getting there may indeed be half the fun, there's more to boating than getting from one place to the next by watercraft. Just as important are the places you go and what you do when you get there.
A lot of boaters already have a short list of favorite destinations. They may be attracted by the natural beauty of the spot, recreational opportunities, good fishing, a local restaurant or the crowd that hangs out there.
In this season of high fuel prices, people may forgo the usual lake or bay tour and head straight to their destination.
Just remember to enjoy responsibly -- you're sharing the waters with others.
http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=190713&ac=Outdoors
The Associated Press
"Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything."
Plato (427-347 BC)
Plato (427-347 BC)
