When it comes to high gas prices, South Shore boaters choosing memories over money

MARSHFIELD – Doug and Judy Haartz are the definition of hobby boaters.

They've always loved to be on the water, and spent decades boating with friends out of Green Harbor before finally buying their own vessel, a 2006 Sea Ray Sundeck, three years ago. Now retired, Doug takes any beautiful day he can get and last year managed about 15 days on the boat.

"We have other friends with boats, obviously, and we love to anchor out around Bug Light, Plymouth and Duxbury and just enjoy a nice day in the sunshine," he said.

But this summer, boating will be more expensive than ever as gas prices continue to soar, and some hobbyists say they'll mix up their habits to make up the cost.

The average price of gas at land-based stations on the South Shore this week was $4.93, up $1.95 from the same time last year. And it's even pricier at marinas, where pumps in Scituate showed a price of $6.85 per gallon this week, and $5.90 in Marshfield.

Doug Haartz said he did the math between this season and last, and is expecting to spend about $500 more this season if he goes out the same number of times. And because he drives his boat to the water each time rather than leaving it in a slip at a local dock, he expects another $200 to $300 increase in gas for his truck.

"The industry will be impacted somehow and it will probably mean less trips out, shorter trips maybe, any number of things," Haartz said. "Will I go out less? Yeah, I may do one less trip, but it's a hobby and a lot of us are invested."

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John Taylor, owner of Taylor Marine in Marshfield, said gas prices are up at least $2 per gallon over last year but his docks are still as busy as ever.

"I've heard people talk (about the prices), but I think the overall attitude is that the season is pretty short around here anyway so it seems they're very reluctant to miss a nice day," Taylor said. "They're disappointed, to be sure, but not willing to miss out."

He said he doesn't think gas prices will stop people from participating in the boating season altogether, but they may think twice before going for a long cruise.

"Instead of running the boat all day, you pick your favorite secluded cove or anchor off a beach, get the grill going and turn it off," he said. "Shorter trips and not running the boat all day are things that people will do to adjust to fuel prices."

Peter Zona loves to fish on his 21-foot sport fisher, and usually puts his boat in at Scituate Harbor. Since he's already the type to anchor rather than cruise or tow, he said he'll adjust by driving more slowly to his favorite fishing spots and trailering his boat, rather than drive it on the water, to places farther away like Quincy Bay and the Boston Harbor Islands.

"(Gas) is still a lot more than it was last year, but it doesn't really affect me as much," Zona said. "I don't drive as fast as I normally would. You use a lot more gas going fast. My boat can go up to 45 mph, but I'm going to be cruising at 25 this year rather than 30 or so when I'm trying to get to a fishing spot."

Zona uses about 20 gallons of gas per fishing trip – he takes up to three per week – but buys his gas when his boat is trailered on land to avoid some of the high prices at marinas.

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Zona said maybe he'll golf more this year.

Shannon Robichaud, of Norwell, just bought a 21-foot boat last month. Her family has already managed to get out on the water seven times this year, and they've explored the area to find to cheaper marinas to try to fill up. She says Taylor's in Marshfield is the best price they've found.

The first time they filled the tank after they bought the boat – which was already about three-quarters full – it cost $312.

"We bought it knowing that gas prices are ridiculous, but we have two little kids and it outweighs the gas prices to have the good memories," Robichaud said. "People are definitely talking about it and trying to find out where cheapest gas is."

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Reach Mary Whitfill at mwhitfill@patriotledger.com. 

This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: South Shore boaters not willing to miss out despite high gas prices