sailboat market and gas prices

[Paul]

Hello All.  We're back.  Had a great time relaxing and enjoying family time and Disney.

We did see several sailboats hauling down I-95, usually by duallies.  Some were bigger yachts hauled by tractor trailers.  Was tempted to take the two and a half hour trip to Clearwater, but declined this trip.  Maybe next time.

We did accidentally find the most expensive gas station in the state of Florida, just off International Blvd (read high rent district) at $3.96.  No kidding.  Got $5 bucks worth 'cause the car was running on fumes.  Was able to find better prices a short distance away by going to gasbuddydotcom.  Nearly a dollar cheaper.

I agree that power boaters and sailors simply think of their "joy on the water" differently.  I like Ricks analogy.  I feel that if people do not use good sense on the water, then communities will enforce their rules of good sense on all who use those bodies of water, as Curtis points out.  I simply wish the power boaters would be respectful of all who share that space.

Maybe if gas prices climb during the next 6 months or so, then all will at least think again prior to going max speed on the water.  One can only hope.

[roland cobine]

    in my area i see a distinct change. the summer before last i would have never considered sailing or fishing on a weekend. this summer i actually went sailing twice on a sunday and saw but a few powerboats and most were fishing boats. sailors with larger boats 22' and up who moor their boats probably continue to be the brunt of the sailing population on carlyle lake but i am beginning to see many smaller daysailers and cruisers everytime i go. seems that for those of us who cant afford mooring fees have found that small trailerable boats like my 16 are the way to go. if i had the money i would open a dealership nearby and advertise the benefits of boats like the 16. one day i might be priced out of fishing but im pretty confident that sailing will always keep me on the water.

[Rick Klages]

You can fish from your CP-16.  Sure, it's no bass boat but hey, what do you think the Atlantic coast fisher folk did before the industrial revolution!

ick

[DOUG142]

Welcome back Paul,
We went down to Florida last April and we did happen to go over to Clearwater to the "Home of our wonderful yachts-- Com-pac".
It was fun and good to meet Gerry and gang...we even got a tour of the facilities and all.

As far as powerboats and gas prices.......... here in Burlington Wisconsin I noticed that the powerboaters will put their boats in and tie them up to the public docks......taking up precious dock space while they sit in the park and get drunk and rude.  Suppose to be a 15 minute dock time limit so people can load and unload their boats.... maybe this next summer will be different.  I hope....

Roland,
Looking forward to Com-pac rendezvous 2008 at Carlyle Lake, Illinois... I will be there.  Hope others will make the trip  August 8,9 and 10th 2008.

It snowed here last night and all I can think about is sailing .....................

Doug,    cp16, Summer Escape

[Glenn Basore]

I think one reason boat sales is going to be down is the state of the economy !

Have you noticed on this forum that no one has posted here that they have ordered or taken possesion of a new Com Pac !

I read on one of these post that Gerry (of Com Pac) said they were considering not making the 25 any more "it cost too much to build "

Gas prices will level out at some point, when no one is buying gas, the oil industries will be force to reduce the cost per barrel. The gas price will become stable at that point.

Wether you will be able to afford that price of gas at that time is yet to be determind.

[Paul]

I'm not sure it's only the economy that will decrease the new boat purchases.  Also, consider fiberglass boats are "petroleum products."  Polyester resin is closely tied to the price of the raw material:  oil.

Maybe the guy who was going to buy the 25 footer would simply reconsider and purchase an Eclipse.  Downsize as it were.

As for me, I can't afford any new vehicle and cringe at the thought of the instant depreciation.  Others, I am certain, have a different view and prefer that new car or new boat smell.  There is certainly satisfaction that comes with the newness.  Just my $0.02.

[Glenn Basore]

Have you notice !

Other than Frank who just took delivery of his new 25 there has not been any one else here who has ordered a new Com Pac Boat.

Frank has the last 25, but what about the 23's , Eclipse or their small Legend (I think thats what they call it )

May be they are selling and the new owners are not aware of this forum !

May be we should send Gerry H. an e-mail to let him know were out here so he could refere his new client to us as a source of information and support ?

Glenn

[mrb]

HI

High cost of oil is going to affect number of new boats out there as materials used in fiber glass boats come from crude oil. The first oil embargo in early 70's had the same effect.  Good for used market bad for new.

Arkansas has a lot of bass tournaments and last couple times I have been out sailing most of the bass boats have been hanging close to launch.

Ive put my name on the local dock waiting list.  When and if that comes through I will moor about 15 miles from home and ride my cycle to the boat. Can't beat that combo.

Melvin

[roland cobine]

i would have to agree that power boats will spend more time at anchor this summer. my lake has a "party island" that attracts them big time. i went to the lake one sunday last summer and i thought it was a monday. no boat traffic, except the local sailboat regatta. we sailed for about three hours and decided to go north to the island. sure enough there were about a dozen boats and a large number of jet skis. seems like the only non sailboats were fisherman. this spring i see a lot more boats for sale----all power and no sail. i kind of feel sorry for those guys who bought big ski boats and cant afford to run them. well, not that sorry. the price of gas will keep me on my home lake this year (25 minutes away). i usually go to kentucky lake a couple of times but not this summer. most of the fisherman i know have a system of communication to we dont waste a day of being skunked on the lake. ill leave the duracraft with the 40 mariner in the garage until the white bass are biting. thank god for sail. and skip is right--a sail is just like a wing-----keepem flying.

[newt]

Roland,
Maybe someone can get a business going to put daggerboards and masts on powerboats:)
At least we can salvage their cleats and things. Maybe offer some money on their shiny new anchors.
(Always looking for an opportunity)
BTW- good luck on your sail, I gave you a positive for getting out!

[mrb]

Stopped by a bass tournament today and talked to on of the fishermen.  He had a new boat(professional and buys on every two years) with a 250hp mercury 2 cycle.  On his gps he logged 44 miles fastest speed 75mph av. speed 40something. Thing was his fuel Gage was still touching the bottom of the full line.

Said even with the recession the people where he bought his motor last fall had sold a record for them amount of this same motor.

He said the new 2 cycle with fuel injection was far ahead of the 4 cycle.

Appears that some one has the gas crunch figured out.

good sailing
melvin