Sponsored by Pontoon & Deck Boat, Special 2008 Issue
Hi gang, Rick Ostler here from Used Pontoon Boats with news and views from the boating industry. Boaters stay afloat as gas costs rise in Northeast Pa. At $4.60 a gallon on Lake Wallenpaupack, gassing up a pleasure boat to cruise around may sound like a luxury this summer.
Capri Marina, Lakeville
But many marina owners say costs aren't high enough to keep customers shorebound. "People aren't going to give up their fun," said Warren Michener of Capri Marina in Lakeville.
The marina's crew was in a crunch the past several days getting 110 boats out of storage, then inspected, washed, vacuumed and floated for owners eager to hit the water this weekend.
Pontoon Boats - Growing in popularity
One advantage for lake lovers is the growing popularity of pontoon boats, which are "fantastic" on gas, said Michener. "You can run a long time in a tank of gas in a pontoon boat," he said.
Bakker Marine, Hawley
The same pre-holiday scramble was under way at Bakker Marine in Hawley. "We can't get them out fast enough," said Nick Bakker, who noted that gas is the smallest cost of owning a boat. "(Boaters) spend most of the time floating, fishing, swimming, anchored with friends," he said. "It's not like a car where you put on 100 miles a week going to work." Many boat owners fill their tank once a month, he said.
Boat sales are down about 9 percent over last year at this time, but Bakker attributes that drop to rainy weather rather than the economy.
Still, he's been selling 10, 12 or even 15 boats a week, and he sees no serious shortage of customers from New York or New Jersey. Bakker said it's not uncommon for a couple buying a boat to list $10,000 per month income on their credit application.
Sterling Marina, Greentown
Business is better than last year, said Ryan Edwards of Sterling Marina in Greentown. He predicts only a minor impact from gas prices. "I think people will probably end up driving around the lake less and anchoring more. If you pay for a boat, what's a couple bucks to put in the gas tank?" he said.
Klas Marina, Tafton
Boating offers an alternative as travel costs rise, said Cheryl Mueller of 1st Klas Marina in Tafton. "Airfare is high. People can buy a boat, bring the family and spend the day on the lake," she said.
Johnny's Corner Marina, Tafton
But Johnny Gallucci, who owns a small marina in Tafton, said many of his customers are leaving their boats in storage for the summer. "A lot of people aren't calling (to get them out). It's very simple. It's not happening. This gas is hurting everything," said Gallucci, owner of Johnny's Corner Marina.
Beltzville Manor Marine, Lehighton
At Beltzville Lake near Lehighton, Lynette Faust wants to see residents enjoy themselves close to home. "People don't have to go to Florida or Europe. It costs only a couple of dollars to go to the lake. We're hopeful people are going to do some things in their own area and do family things," said Faust, of Beltzville Manor Marine. Thanks to SUSAN KOOMAR, Record Senior Managing Editor http://www.poconorecord.com
Used Pontoon Boats, By Rick Ostler
Pontoon Enclosures-North American Waterway
Sponsored by Pontoon & Deck Boat, Special 2008 Issue
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