CHARLOTTE, N.C. — High gas prices not only impact drivers on the roads but also boaters out on the water.
Right now, AAA reports the national average price of gas still lingers over $4 a gallon, which is causing some boaters and businesses out on the water to make some adjustments ahead of boating season.
Boaters say they’re definitely seeing a difference when filling up at the pumps and depending on the size of the tank some of them are spending hundreds extra to get out on the water.
"On each boat, we probably saw an increase of about $75 to $80 and we do rentals every four-hour shift," Jeremy Allen from On the Wave Watersports said. "When we saw the spike we wanted to create an avenue where we can minimize some of the costs."
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He said the goal was to bring people affordable prices while still making up for the surging gas prices. So they slightly increased their rental prices.
"We were able to minimize what the customer was bringing to the table to enjoy the boat as well so they were paying probably $20 more than last year," Allen explained.
He said right now, they’re seeing an uptick in summer bookings and if gas prices continue to spike they’re already prepared to make any necessary changes.
"What we plan to do is even if there is another increase is reevaluate and try to stay in the price range we are," Allen said. "Our pride is in making sure everyone can get on our boats and it's affordable."
Along with higher gas prices, many boating companies say they’re also dealing with price increases and supply shortages. They’re hoping production and supply chains will be more efficient and effective in the months ahead.
Contact Tradesha Woodard at twoodard1@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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