Long Island boaters feeling the pinch as marina fuel prices climb
Long Island boaters say soaring marina fuel prices are forcing some to scale back their time on the water this summer.
Boaters across Long Island are feeling the impact of rising fuel costs this summer, with marina gas prices climbing higher than what drivers are paying at the pump.
At one marina, boaters were paying $5.65 per gallon for fuel, more than the average price of regular gasoline on Long Island, which AAA reported was $4.02 per gallon.
"I'm definitely seeing less people on the water," said Scott Levine of Melville. "I'm seeing gas way over five dollars a gallon. I'm lucky I have a small boat, so we don't burn a lot of fuel. We only get a few months of boating season, so we bite the bullet and spend the money."
Levine said many people are being forced to weigh the cost of boating against other rising expenses.
"I think people are watching their pockets. They don't have the funds. Life is more expensive, groceries are more expensive, anything you do is more expensive," he said.
Despite the higher costs, many boaters say they are not ready to give up a tradition they look forward to each summer.
"Definitely an increase in the prices on the water, but unfortunately we're just sucking it up," said Melanie Warner of Bellmore.
The National Marine Manufacturers Association estimates that about 100 million Americans go boating each year, supporting an industry valued at roughly $230 billion annually.
"We love boating, and it's already so expensive. Even though gas prices are higher, we're still trying to get out as much as possible," she said.
