In Dexter Township, Michigan, Malik Amine and his brother prepared their family’s pontoon boat for summer on Portage Lake. However, the rising cost of gasoline, driven by the ongoing conflict in Iran, has forced them to reconsider how much fuel to purchase. While U.S. gas prices have slightly decreased recently, they remain significantly higher than last year, with regular gas up by 34% and diesel by 53%, according to AAA.

Boaters Adjust Plans

The National Marine Manufacturers Association reports that while many of the 100 million Americans who boat annually still plan to hit the water, high fuel prices are altering their plans. Ellen Bradley, the association’s chief brand officer, noted that boaters are opting for shorter trips or spending more time anchored to conserve fuel.

Neil and Kathleen Donohoe, who live aboard their 50-foot boat, have decided to stay in the Chesapeake Bay area this summer instead of traveling further north, citing the high cost of diesel as a deterrent. Similarly, Robert Hinds, owner of Central Coast Angling in Traverse City, Michigan, has added a $50 fuel surcharge to his fishing trips and canceled a personal fishing trip due to fuel costs.

Impact on Boating Businesses

Boating-related businesses are also feeling the pinch. The Seattle Sailing Club has seen its fuel bill rise by 10.7% since the conflict began. Lindsey Brown, the club’s office manager, mentioned that despite relying on wind power, their boats’ backup engines require increasingly expensive fuel.

In contrast, Melissa Kunnert, owner of NautiMi On the River near Portage Lake, has chosen not to raise prices for her pontoon boat rentals, hoping that higher travel costs will keep more customers local. However, she remains uncertain about how the season will unfold.

As fuel prices continue to influence boating activities and related businesses, many are left to navigate the summer with adjusted plans and cautious optimism.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.