Fuel prices are shaping summer plans as boaters hit the water

Fuel prices are reshaping how boaters plan summer outings, a key theme as residents near Portage Lake in Michigan prepare a family pontoon for Memorial Day. The 52-gallon engine will determine how far Malik Amine and his brother travel as gas prices remain elevated year over year. Regular gasoline is about 34% higher than a year ago, with diesel up 53%, and ethanol-free fuel carrying a premium of 20 cents to $1 per gallon. One nearby station is selling ethanol-free gas for $7 per gallon, underscoring the sting of current prices. The marine industry estimates 100 million Americans boat annually, driving a $230 billion market, yet many boaters say they’ll modify plans rather than stay ashore. The Amine family and others weigh whether to fill gradually or push off trips until prices ease. For long-distance cruisers like Neil and Kathleen Donohoe, who live aboard a 50-foot diesel-powered Granuaile with a 1,500-gallon tank, fuel costs are now a central concern, prompting them to adjust itineraries and rely on price-tracking apps as they evaluate summer routes along the Chesapeake Bay.