Perhaps you noticed that fuel prices have increased lately. (!) Sure, we own sailboats that shouldn’t be affected much -- theoretically. However, many of us motor a good portion of the distance to our favorite cruising grounds. Others have to drive a good distance to even see our boats. Will the costs of fuel be a factor in your sailing this summer? (Discussion topic and quiz by Trevor MacLachlan) PLEASE NOTE: This topic is about your sailing plans and not about fuel prices, global economics, or US politics. Posts straying off topic will be deleted.
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- Jan 22, 2008
- 519
fuel prices have changed my scheduling
Where I used to go the 45 miles to the marina just for an evening or to putter on the boat, I now plan for days that I can make a day of it or at the very least late afternoon and full evening. As such yes, fuel prices have affected my sailing. There are a few times infact when I choose not to go because the cost benefit was just not there. Of the two vehicles we own, I try to take the gas miser Corolla rather than the fuelish Ranger.
Where I used to go the 45 miles to the marina just for an evening or to putter on the boat, I now plan for days that I can make a day of it or at the very least late afternoon and full evening. As such yes, fuel prices have affected my sailing. There are a few times infact when I choose not to go because the cost benefit was just not there. Of the two vehicles we own, I try to take the gas miser Corolla rather than the fuelish Ranger.
Habits
I guess I keep my foot a bit lighter to keep the turbo from spooling up as I drive the 100 miles to the boat, but we all still drive 80 MPH when freeway conditions in SoCal permit. I think I'm getting about one to one and a half MPG better round trip. As far as the boat, I have cut the cruise RPM 250 and I get about 15 percent better diesel consumption and about .3 knots less speed. I do not expect to change my sailing habits this year. Gas going to six dollars from three eighty nine will cost me thirteen hundred dollars over the year. Diesel amounts to a couple of hundred annually. In fact, as everything else inflates in cost, we may wind up using the boat more instead of taking more expensive vacations, replacing them with local cruising. Trevor, I hope I stayed between the lines on this reply! Rick D.
I guess I keep my foot a bit lighter to keep the turbo from spooling up as I drive the 100 miles to the boat, but we all still drive 80 MPH when freeway conditions in SoCal permit. I think I'm getting about one to one and a half MPG better round trip. As far as the boat, I have cut the cruise RPM 250 and I get about 15 percent better diesel consumption and about .3 knots less speed. I do not expect to change my sailing habits this year. Gas going to six dollars from three eighty nine will cost me thirteen hundred dollars over the year. Diesel amounts to a couple of hundred annually. In fact, as everything else inflates in cost, we may wind up using the boat more instead of taking more expensive vacations, replacing them with local cruising. Trevor, I hope I stayed between the lines on this reply! Rick D.
two things I do to save fuel
I always walk to my boat...ok it's only forty paces from my easy chair so not a big sacrifice. The main thing is I have doubled the size of my solar array to 260 watts. I hope to not have to go for long motor boat rides to charge batteries like I used to. We like to anchor out or use mooring buoys and I would often have to motor for about three hours to get the batteries topped up for a couple more nights on the hook. I get to test the system in 4 days when we leave for a month in the Gulf Islands. Hope we get some sun.
I always walk to my boat...ok it's only forty paces from my easy chair so not a big sacrifice. The main thing is I have doubled the size of my solar array to 260 watts. I hope to not have to go for long motor boat rides to charge batteries like I used to. We like to anchor out or use mooring buoys and I would often have to motor for about three hours to get the batteries topped up for a couple more nights on the hook. I get to test the system in 4 days when we leave for a month in the Gulf Islands. Hope we get some sun.
Not changing a thing
I try to motor only out the channel and back. The rest of the time is under sail even if it is only going 1 to 2 kts / hr When out for a couple of days I only have to run the moter for a hour and a half to recharge the batteries. I've worked hard to get this boat, and I plan on playing hard as long as I can.
I try to motor only out the channel and back. The rest of the time is under sail even if it is only going 1 to 2 kts / hr When out for a couple of days I only have to run the moter for a hour and a half to recharge the batteries. I've worked hard to get this boat, and I plan on playing hard as long as I can.
Sail not motor boat
Heck no I will not change my habits, in fact I am going out more! When the price of fuel was cheep, you could not find a parking spot at the marina. Now that all the powerboaters are staying home, it is safer on the water and there are places to park. I motor out the slip and to the corner. Last year in total I burnt 15 gal of fuel. This year will hopefully be even less. But then again I am not of the: "Under 3 turn the key" I beleive "Over 1 still having fun".
Heck no I will not change my habits, in fact I am going out more! When the price of fuel was cheep, you could not find a parking spot at the marina. Now that all the powerboaters are staying home, it is safer on the water and there are places to park. I motor out the slip and to the corner. Last year in total I burnt 15 gal of fuel. This year will hopefully be even less. But then again I am not of the: "Under 3 turn the key" I beleive "Over 1 still having fun".
sailing more
I trailor my boat but it's 5 miles to one lake and 15 to another. But in fact we plan to sail way more this year than last, my first year of sailing, I have learned alot more and am very confident now. Long senic drives in the car are out but sailing is IN. We are also going to spend the night on the boat much more. Alan
I trailor my boat but it's 5 miles to one lake and 15 to another. But in fact we plan to sail way more this year than last, my first year of sailing, I have learned alot more and am very confident now. Long senic drives in the car are out but sailing is IN. We are also going to spend the night on the boat much more. Alan
3 gallons of diesel last summer...
I'll be using the boat more this year. 28 mile drive each way to the marina in my Honda Civic will cost me less than $10. Slip is paid for until next year, boat is paid for forever, power boaters have almost completely abandoned the lake, so life is good! Only thing I've noticed is a lot more jet-skis out there - not sure if that's because the tanks are smaller and they feel like it's cheaper than their boat or if it's because the big boats are not there and I can see them better.
I'll be using the boat more this year. 28 mile drive each way to the marina in my Honda Civic will cost me less than $10. Slip is paid for until next year, boat is paid for forever, power boaters have almost completely abandoned the lake, so life is good! Only thing I've noticed is a lot more jet-skis out there - not sure if that's because the tanks are smaller and they feel like it's cheaper than their boat or if it's because the big boats are not there and I can see them better.
Yes, it definitely affects me
I live 155 miles from my boat so we are planning durations of 4-5 days at a time instead of 3-4 like last year. My daughter lives only 55 miles from our boat so we are combining more trips to visit her with sailing. A round trip to my boat is now about $50-60. I put on a wind generator this year and hope that it will cut the run time of my generator to recharge the batteries. We are on a mooring and always anchor when away so the generator gets a lot of use. About half our fuel goes thru the generator, and we use about 150-170 gallons per year. I am also putting on a larger alternator and an external 4-stage regulator so that any motoring we do will put more charge back in our batteries than the original taper-off-too- quickly alternator. We are also going to cut down on our destination trips. Instead of motoring or motor-sailing to a desired spot, we are going to sail in whatever direction we can. We will end up somewhere and we will have had a nice sail. Our main summer vacation will be the exception. We are going even if we have to motor.
I live 155 miles from my boat so we are planning durations of 4-5 days at a time instead of 3-4 like last year. My daughter lives only 55 miles from our boat so we are combining more trips to visit her with sailing. A round trip to my boat is now about $50-60. I put on a wind generator this year and hope that it will cut the run time of my generator to recharge the batteries. We are on a mooring and always anchor when away so the generator gets a lot of use. About half our fuel goes thru the generator, and we use about 150-170 gallons per year. I am also putting on a larger alternator and an external 4-stage regulator so that any motoring we do will put more charge back in our batteries than the original taper-off-too- quickly alternator. We are also going to cut down on our destination trips. Instead of motoring or motor-sailing to a desired spot, we are going to sail in whatever direction we can. We will end up somewhere and we will have had a nice sail. Our main summer vacation will be the exception. We are going even if we have to motor.
We can take a train to the Harbor
One of the advantages to living near a big city is public transportation. If gas prices get too high we can hop on the Metra. Station is within easy walking distance of the Harbor. Round trip to our boat is 40 Miles so gas prices haven't affected us too much yet, but I think about it now whenever I gas up our Honda generator - makes you think a little about how much energy we use to heat our hot water and run our appliances when we're at home. Figure I'll burn a tank and a half of diesel this summer so fuel cost will be somewhere in the neighborhood of $200 to $250. When you figure a power boat the size of our sailboat would burn this much in an afternoon it's still a pretty good deal.
One of the advantages to living near a big city is public transportation. If gas prices get too high we can hop on the Metra. Station is within easy walking distance of the Harbor. Round trip to our boat is 40 Miles so gas prices haven't affected us too much yet, but I think about it now whenever I gas up our Honda generator - makes you think a little about how much energy we use to heat our hot water and run our appliances when we're at home. Figure I'll burn a tank and a half of diesel this summer so fuel cost will be somewhere in the neighborhood of $200 to $250. When you figure a power boat the size of our sailboat would burn this much in an afternoon it's still a pretty good deal.
Doesn't really affect my sailing plans
DreamBoat is docked in front of the house, so there is no fuel cost associated with getting to the boat. We use probably 1/2 gallon of diesel for a normal sailing trip (motor out to the bay, motor back into the dock). We generally do not have a "destination" in mind when we sail, it is just "whichever way the wind blows". Just being on the boat and on the water is our goal.
DreamBoat is docked in front of the house, so there is no fuel cost associated with getting to the boat. We use probably 1/2 gallon of diesel for a normal sailing trip (motor out to the bay, motor back into the dock). We generally do not have a "destination" in mind when we sail, it is just "whichever way the wind blows". Just being on the boat and on the water is our goal.
Not too much..
The cost of fuel hasn't changed our plans too much for this year. We keep "Wind is Free" dry sailed at a nearby lake 20 miles away. Both of us work somewhat locally so fuel is saved week-long on our non-sailing days. We motor leaving the dock and setting sails; when/if beaching; and returning to dock(about a gallon per season except for long trips). We ARE towing to Lake George next month - but it still costs more to kennel the dog!
The cost of fuel hasn't changed our plans too much for this year. We keep "Wind is Free" dry sailed at a nearby lake 20 miles away. Both of us work somewhat locally so fuel is saved week-long on our non-sailing days. We motor leaving the dock and setting sails; when/if beaching; and returning to dock(about a gallon per season except for long trips). We ARE towing to Lake George next month - but it still costs more to kennel the dog!
Porche's response -
reminds me of how lucky I (we?) are. Life before boats meant on a lazy day, we hop in the car, drive through all the beach towns. Stop for lunch, maybe lay on the beach, and drive back. Now, we hop on the boat. We see the towns from a much improved perspective! We anchor near shore, wade to the beach, enjoy the sun. We go back to the boat and sail, pinching it close and enjoy the apparent!. After a while, we'll turn downwind, enjoy a beverage or two, and usually sail in to a marina restaurant for a nice meal... Yeah, these gas prices have really changed how we live... anyone feel sorry for me because I have to sail instead of drive?? cup
reminds me of how lucky I (we?) are. Life before boats meant on a lazy day, we hop in the car, drive through all the beach towns. Stop for lunch, maybe lay on the beach, and drive back. Now, we hop on the boat. We see the towns from a much improved perspective! We anchor near shore, wade to the beach, enjoy the sun. We go back to the boat and sail, pinching it close and enjoy the apparent!. After a while, we'll turn downwind, enjoy a beverage or two, and usually sail in to a marina restaurant for a nice meal... Yeah, these gas prices have really changed how we live... anyone feel sorry for me because I have to sail instead of drive?? cup
Slip or Tow
Fuel prices also have an impact on the decision to slip or tow. Seasonal moorage costs do not seem so high when one considers how much it costs to own a gas guzling tow vehicle and how much more it guzzles while towing. I now slip for the season (actually have been doing this for a few years) and only tow a couple times. I also notice how liitle the bigger power boats go out. Since I go down to the marina to sail frequently I also notice that the folks on powerboats are using them more for a cabin on the water to party in. I guess the prices for fuel make it cost prohibitive to go out so the sailboats out there now outnumber the powerboats. It is unlikely the fuel prices will deter me that much since I own a powersailor I assume the fuel as part of boat ownership, same as slip fees are part of owning a boat. For daysailing I hardly use any gas, it is only during distance extended cruising that I motor sail more often and that is just part of vacation costs. I hear Hunter is in the process of introducing a 27' powersailor (the Edge) to meet the demand for trailerable hybrid power/sailboats. Nice competition!
Fuel prices also have an impact on the decision to slip or tow. Seasonal moorage costs do not seem so high when one considers how much it costs to own a gas guzling tow vehicle and how much more it guzzles while towing. I now slip for the season (actually have been doing this for a few years) and only tow a couple times. I also notice how liitle the bigger power boats go out. Since I go down to the marina to sail frequently I also notice that the folks on powerboats are using them more for a cabin on the water to party in. I guess the prices for fuel make it cost prohibitive to go out so the sailboats out there now outnumber the powerboats. It is unlikely the fuel prices will deter me that much since I own a powersailor I assume the fuel as part of boat ownership, same as slip fees are part of owning a boat. For daysailing I hardly use any gas, it is only during distance extended cruising that I motor sail more often and that is just part of vacation costs. I hear Hunter is in the process of introducing a 27' powersailor (the Edge) to meet the demand for trailerable hybrid power/sailboats. Nice competition!
Same and Then Some
It's sad, especially when you see all the powerboaters talking about the price of fuel and yes, it has gone up. I topped off our at Harbor Fest last weekend in Norfolk and spent about $78 for 18 gallons.....now that's alot compared to last year but it will not deter us from enjoying the water. Like many have already noted; there are less boats out on the water now and in the lower Chesapeake Bay area it is very noticable....bad for the marinas but good for the sailboaters also since the marinas come across as really appreciating your business now. So in response...we will still enjoy our boat every chance we get...motoring or not. ...Larry & Sandy... "Sandy Sea" 1998 Hunter 376
It's sad, especially when you see all the powerboaters talking about the price of fuel and yes, it has gone up. I topped off our at Harbor Fest last weekend in Norfolk and spent about $78 for 18 gallons.....now that's alot compared to last year but it will not deter us from enjoying the water. Like many have already noted; there are less boats out on the water now and in the lower Chesapeake Bay area it is very noticable....bad for the marinas but good for the sailboaters also since the marinas come across as really appreciating your business now. So in response...we will still enjoy our boat every chance we get...motoring or not. ...Larry & Sandy... "Sandy Sea" 1998 Hunter 376
Hard to believe how fast the summer is going
Joan & I have only missed two weekends of not being on the boat and realizing time is running out. Seems like October is just around the corner. We do have a 5 day trip planned to the southern Chesapeake Bay, will probably do about 200nm, July 2-6. We plan to be at Kiptopeake State Park, so if anyone is in the area - scream. I also know that BrokeSailor is planning a trip to Cape Charles just north of us and we might try to get together. We consider the cost of getting to the boat as no big deal(160m round trip) when you consider what it takes getting to and from work everyday. Jim S/V Java
Joan & I have only missed two weekends of not being on the boat and realizing time is running out. Seems like October is just around the corner. We do have a 5 day trip planned to the southern Chesapeake Bay, will probably do about 200nm, July 2-6. We plan to be at Kiptopeake State Park, so if anyone is in the area - scream. I also know that BrokeSailor is planning a trip to Cape Charles just north of us and we might try to get together. We consider the cost of getting to the boat as no big deal(160m round trip) when you consider what it takes getting to and from work everyday. Jim S/V Java
stay home
We usually go on vacation somewhere, this year we are staying home. We will be spending a week aboard our Mac on Lake Tahoe. People spend thousands to come here, and we usually go someplace else, this year over the 4th of july week we will be cruising around our home lake, and going all the way around it. Also on the 4th there are many fireworks displays around the lake so it should be a great week to stay home.
We usually go on vacation somewhere, this year we are staying home. We will be spending a week aboard our Mac on Lake Tahoe. People spend thousands to come here, and we usually go someplace else, this year over the 4th of july week we will be cruising around our home lake, and going all the way around it. Also on the 4th there are many fireworks displays around the lake so it should be a great week to stay home.
The end of an era,
I travel 90 miles to the boat, we will spend time each week on the water, as we have before. However, there are empty slips in most marinas, one of the more popular ones has 50 empty slips! There are 65 slips in our section of the marina, an average Saturday this year so far, there are 12 boaters aboard, and only the sail boats leave the pier. Time at the ancorage is more quiet, very little motor boat activity, not as many "go fast"types, many boats with For sale signs. Soon, only the wealthy will own boats, the way it used to be. I am sorry to see it end.
I travel 90 miles to the boat, we will spend time each week on the water, as we have before. However, there are empty slips in most marinas, one of the more popular ones has 50 empty slips! There are 65 slips in our section of the marina, an average Saturday this year so far, there are 12 boaters aboard, and only the sail boats leave the pier. Time at the ancorage is more quiet, very little motor boat activity, not as many "go fast"types, many boats with For sale signs. Soon, only the wealthy will own boats, the way it used to be. I am sorry to see it end.
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