Summer boating

[Garcia]

Just curious to hear from any forum members in the south - is the price of gas impacting recreational boating where you are?

I am curious about the upcoming Winnipesaukee season. I think that while fuel prices will come down, they'll still be hiring than past years. I wonder how that will, or won't, impact the summer. For me, it won't effect what I do - I'm still planning to be on the island pretty much every weekend from May through mind October. Just curious what others think.

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by Garcia

Just curious to hear from any forum members in the south - is the price of gas impacting recreational boating where you are?

I am curious about the upcoming Winnipesaukee season. I think that while fuel prices will come down, they'll still be hiring than past years. I wonder how that will, or won't, impact the summer. For me, it won't effect what I do - I'm still planning to be on the island pretty much every weekend from May through mind October. Just curious what others think.

I guess it depends on how long this war lasts.

[Billy Bob]

We are in Florida and use our boat for off shore fishing.
You question is extremely premature.
It’s been like a week !
The answer is self evident. The financially secure second home owners at the lake will pay what we have to for the enjoyment of the boats.
The folks up for a day or a week or so will be seriously impacted by gas prices for driving to work and of course boats .
The locals that seem to dislike us flatlanders will be happy and restaurants and businesses that rely on flatlanders will flounder.
Give it 30 days

[Garcia]

Originally Posted by Billy Bob

We are in Florida and use our boat for off shore fishing.
You question is extremely premature.
It’s been like a week !
The answer is self evident. The financially secure second home owners at the lake will pay what we have to for the enjoyment of the boats.
The folks up for a day or a week or so will be seriously impacted by gas prices for driving to work and of course boats .
The locals that seem to dislike us flatlanders will be happy and restaurants and businesses that rely on flatlanders will flounder.
Give it 30 days

Thanks! Has fuel on the water increased at the same rate as the pumps? I know it is premature and lots can change in the coming weeks - just curious if the recreational boating scene happening now is seeing any impact or, as you indicate, it's just a cost that is absorbed for the moment.

The sleet and return of the cold here in the northeast is turning my mind to the summer on the island!

[John Mercier]

I think it is just an impact absorbed for the moment.

[fatlazyless]

At 3.45/gal, reg N.H. gasoline average price on March 12, 2026, the price for gas is still a super steal of a deal, low price. On June 13, 2022 the N.H. reg gas price was the highest ever at 4.99/gal according to A.A.A.-NH.

So, what do I drive for a car? I mostly drive a 2014 Scion XD, 5-speed which has a ten gallon gasoline tank and is the best Toyota ever!

For a boat I paddle an el cheapo deluxo 12' kayak from the thrift store for $125 or an 11'6" sup which uses NO gasoline and costs nothing to register in N.H.

High gasoline price at 3.45/gal ....... ha-ha-ha ....... what-me worry? ..... no way Amigo! .....

Hey there, and how much today for diesel in New Hampshire? Diesel is now at 4.92/gal on March 12.

And, what's the price gonna be in one month, on April 12?

[Descant]

I just paid my 2026 valet bill and club dues. Spring cleaning and winter maintenance are yet to be billed. Gas is deinimus. The marinas haven't bought their spring fill up yet. I'm rolling over and going back to sleep. Wake me in May.

[John Mercier]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

At 3.45/gal, reg N.H. gasoline average price on March 12, 2026, the price for gas is still a super steal of a deal, low price. On June 13, 2022 the N.H. reg gas price was the highest ever at 4.99/gal according to A.A.A.-NH.

So, what do I drive for a car? I mostly drive a 2014 Scion XD, 5-speed which has a ten gallon gasoline tank and is the best Toyota ever!

For a boat I paddle an el cheapo deluxo 12' kayak from the thrift store for $125 or an 11'6" sup which uses NO gasoline and costs nothing to register in N.H.

High gasoline price at 3.45/gal ....... ha-ha-ha ....... what-me worry? ..... no way Amigo! .....

Hey there, and how much today for diesel in New Hampshire? Diesel is now at 4.92/gal on March 12.

And, what's the price gonna be in one month, on April 12?

I have never paid $5 for gasoline. Not even during the late part of 2008 after a barrel of oil reached peak price.

[ishoot308]

Originally Posted by Garcia

Just curious to hear from any forum members in the south - is the price of gas impacting recreational boating where you are?

I am curious about the upcoming Winnipesaukee season. I think that while fuel prices will come down, they'll still be hiring than past years. I wonder how that will, or won't, impact the summer. For me, it won't effect what I do - I'm still planning to be on the island pretty much every weekend from May through mind October. Just curious what others think.

Gas was certainly a lot more expensive in 2022 and boat sales were through the roof! It certainly didn’t stop or slow down anyone then and I don’t think it’s going to now.

If you can afford the boat and all that goes with it, gas becomes minutiae.

Just my thoughts…

Dan

[TiltonBB]

I have a pontoon boat here in SW Florida that I towed down from New Hampshire.

We went boating today from Naples to Marco island for lunch. I topped off the gas at Costco late today. $3.39 for regular and it took 25 gallons.

If you do the math, even an extra 50 cents a gallon only costs $12.50. If that is going to stop you from boating you might be running a little too close to the edge. That is just my opinion, I am sure there are others.

[TomC]

also - many times a boat outing consists of a ~30 min trip to a sandbar or secluded cove, then hanging out for several hours having a picnic, floating on a tube, etc.. then the ride back. that's a day on the boat enjoying the fun and the sun with only burning a gallon or two of gasoline. the boat doesn't have to be underway to enjoy it!

[thinkxingu]

Anytime costs go up, a portion of any activity group is going to change its behaviors.

$12.50 for one outing might not be a big deal, but the increased fuel costs to tow the boat to and from the outing, maintenance/storage costs, restaurant/food increases, etc. all add up.

My wife and I have already discussed how we'll save fuel when we start commuting to camp in May. Last year, we drove our Bronco and Frontier wherever, whenever, but at these costs, we'll absolutely take one car instead of two, combine errand runs, etc.

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[codeman671]

Originally Posted by Garcia

Just curious to hear from any forum members in the south - is the price of gas impacting recreational boating where you are?

I am curious about the upcoming Winnipesaukee season. I think that while fuel prices will come down, they'll still be hiring than past years. I wonder how that will, or won't, impact the summer. For me, it won't effect what I do - I'm still planning to be on the island pretty much every weekend from May through mind October. Just curious what others think.

This certainly isn't the first time gas pricing has gone up, and definitely not anywhere near the highest I've seen on the lake. It won't deter me in the slightest.

My wife keeping me home to hang by the pool will probably be the biggest problem I will face during boating season. That will be a struggle.

[Descant]

Of course, we're talking sticker price here. Some of us are club members of some sort and get a discount, and we're eligible to get the gas tax refund at the end of the season.

One amusing thing about all this is when you invite non-boating friends to go out for the day and they offer to pay for the gas. Don't say yes or no. You pull up to the gas dock, and the attendant asks, "How much?" Look at your friend and say "Probably 65 gallons" Wait for a reaction. Pause. Then say "On each side." Suddenly, you're all alone.

[Billy Bob]

Originally Posted by Garcia

Thanks! Has fuel on the water increased at the same rate as the pumps? I know it is premature and lots can change in the coming weeks - just curious if the recreational boating scene happening now is seeing any impact or, as you indicate, it's just a cost that is absorbed for the moment.

The sleet and return of the cold here in the northeast is turning my mind to the summer on the island!

The marinas always seem to take advantage of any opportunity to jack up prices , O’neils at the skyway went up a buck in 48 hrs. today a station at the Sunshine bridge was 5.50 for diesel, now that got my attention. Hopefully a short term problem.

[Biggd]

Like someone else said, people with slips probably won't cut back but the boaters that trailer their boats probably will.
On the positive side, maybe weekend boat traffic will be lighter.

[bobkatfly]

Originally Posted by TomC

also - many times a boat outing consists of a ~30 min trip to a sandbar or secluded cove, then hanging out for several hours having a picnic, floating on a tube, etc.. then the ride back. that's a day on the boat enjoying the fun and the sun with only burning a gallon or two of gasoline. the boat doesn't have to be underway to enjoy it!

With young grandkids and their friends, they get bored real quick on long trips. They're not old enough yet for tubing or skiing so a 5 minute trip to a local sandbar is all they want. That's the majority of our trips. Maybe one or two cruises with my wife. Last year I didn't even use a full tank.

[Juiced06GTO]

If it gets that bad, I'll find a way to make more money so it doesn't hurt as bad haha! Or maybe I can convince my wife to get a summer gig while school is closed....

[Descant]

You guys worried about gas should just come off plane. Use less gas and you won't dump the hors oeuvres tray.

[fatlazyless]

Paid 3.80/gal for regular Citgo in Plymouth which is Top Tier gas.

According to AAA-NH gasoline in NH is up 95-cents in the last 30-days, going up from 2.85 to 3.80/gal. It cost $65 to fill up my old Tacoma pick-up with a 4-cylinder engine ...... .

[fatlazyless]

Originally Posted by John Mercier

I have never paid $5 for gasoline. Not even during the late part of 2008 after a barrel of oil reached peak price.

It got very close to five dollars. On Monday, June 13, 2022 the average N.H. price for unleaded regular was $4.996/gal according to AAA-NH.

In the last 30-days, diesel in N.H has gone up from 4.013 to 5.617/gal used by large boats like the Mount Washington and big trucks and home heating oil. The last time diesel was this high was in December, 2022.

[John Mercier]

Well, I never got close to it.

The highest inflation adjusted price would probably be back in ~2008
That is when the oil price peaked.

Could it go higher now? I have no idea.
I know that the current heating oil price is higher than I have ever paid.

[Biggd]

I see a lot more slips coming available than in past years.
I'm all for a less crowded lake!

[WinnisquamZ]

Originally Posted by Biggd

I see a lot more slips coming available than in past years.
I'm all for a less crowded lake!

The lakes region has become an expensive playground for many. Unfortunately, many have moved on to less expensive locations. This summer will be interesting to say the least. As many new condos are occupied and low cost summer housing never materialized.


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[John Mercier]

NH's estimate of outdoor recreation to our economy was $4.2 billion dollars last year.

I believe that is roughly about the estimate in 2000.

Of course, back then, that was about 8% of the economy while today they state it to be 3.5% of the economy.

I don't think boating will fail, probably not even decline, but it still has some structural issues built in that the market will need to resolve.

[fatlazyless]

For some unknown reason, Ellacoya State Beach in Gilford charges $5 to launch a kayak from the right side of the swim line area, and charges zero to launch a sup from the sup beach area to the left of the swim line area.

Kayaks and sups are supposed to remain outside the roped swim area that's about 600' wide.

N.H. residents age-65 & older with a driver's license are admitted with their car for free ....... which is a high quality super steal of a deal for swimming and paddling.

Ellacoya ...... http://www.nhstateparks.org/find-par...ya-state-park/ ..... paddleboard beach is to the left of large roped swim area. A smooth sandy flat bottom makes it excellent for learning how to sup paddleboard.

What a totally super-duper spot and FREE is a totally excellent price!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=puGMCfr1vD8 ...... Ellacoya

Super paddle board challenge for summer-2026 ....... paddle your sup from Ellacoya Beach out and around Welch Island and back to Ellacoya! Can you do it! ......