RV sales soar despite high gas prices
Gas prices are climbing higher again, but some Americans are still choosing to spend their summer vacations on the road, specifically in motor homes and trailers. The Recreational Vehicle Industry Association reports that close to 400,000 RVs were sold in 2006, the most in 28 years.
In addition, an RV dealer in Pueblo West says his business is $300,000 ahead in sales compared to last year. "It's taken off more than I expected especially with gas prices, you really think that its going to affect the RV industry and there are certain parts that taken hits, but progressively its just slowly gotten better ever single year so far," said Ryan Zabukovic, Manager of Zabukovic Motors.
Even though most RVs are gas guzzlers, owners say they save money in other areas. For example, RV owners point out they don't have to pay for hotel rooms.
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Showing posts with label RV Sales. Show all posts
Showing posts with label RV Sales. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Friday, July 6, 2007
RV sales up despite high gas prices
RV sales up despite high gas prices
By Oren Dorell, USA TODAY
Americans are defying high gas prices and jumping into gas guzzling recreational vehicles for their summer vacations.
Two of the largest owners and managers of RV campgrounds in the USA said their lots are booked this July 4th vacation week and much of the summer.
Sales of RVs have shot up 22% in the past three calendar years. Last year 390,500 RVs were sold, the most in 28 years, according to the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association. This year they are on track to dip slightly, RVIA says.
"This week will be one of the busiest if not the busiest for the entire KOA system," says Shane Ott, president and chief operating officer of Kampgrounds of America, the USA's largest campground chain with 450 campgrounds and 72,000 camp sites.
RV parks say changes in how the vehicles are used along with a rise in ownership among affluent people is driving higher sales. The average cost of a new motor home is $260,000 says Richard Coon, president of the RVIA.
"When you're talking about motor homes, those people don't care about gas prices," he says.
Jerry Gelinas, vice president of marketing for Thousand Trails, which manages 81 campgrounds across the country, says customers tend to be baby boomers, retirees and young families with a healthy amount of discretionary income.
Gelinas says RVers increasingly want to use parks as destinations rather than mere stopovers. Parks are responding by offering more attractions such as pools, tennis courts and live entertainment. Rather than cooking nightly over propane stoves families can often buy prepared foods and takeout.
Coon says that compared to all the other expenses of a vacation, such as motels and restaurants, RVs are "still an economic way to go." If gas went up a $1, a family traveling 1,000 miles in a motor home that gets about 10 mpg would spend $100 more on gas, he says.
That's not to say RV owners are ignoring the cost of fuel.
Families are saving money by "going shorter distances and staying longer," says David Woodworth of Fish Camp, Calif., an RV historian.
Industry surveys show that owners have also slowed down to 55 mph or 60 mph, to conserve fuel, Coon says. Fuel mileage is "not great," but it's better than it was 10 years ago, Woodworth says.
The industry has introduced more efficient engines, and new materials that make motor homes and trailers lighter. Felix Kramer, founder of the California Cars Initiative, which promotes energy efficient vehicles, isn't surprised gas prices aren't scaring off RV owners.
"In terms of the percentage of people's annual income, expensive gasoline is not all that much," Kramer says.
But the 18 million RV owners plugging in every night "would be ideal plug-in hybrid candidates," he says. They would no longer need expensive on-board generators to operate appliances and they'd have silent, emissions free vacations.
Alex Kouris, 38, set out June 22 from Marengo, Ill., with his wife, Rachel, and two sons in a 34-foot-long motor home for a trip that will end Sunday. The 90-gallon tank cost about $200 to fill and he expects to pump in another $800 of diesel fuel the whole trip.
"You kind of get used to it so you kind of budget it in," he says.
By Oren Dorell, USA TODAY
Americans are defying high gas prices and jumping into gas guzzling recreational vehicles for their summer vacations.
Two of the largest owners and managers of RV campgrounds in the USA said their lots are booked this July 4th vacation week and much of the summer.
Sales of RVs have shot up 22% in the past three calendar years. Last year 390,500 RVs were sold, the most in 28 years, according to the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association. This year they are on track to dip slightly, RVIA says.
"This week will be one of the busiest if not the busiest for the entire KOA system," says Shane Ott, president and chief operating officer of Kampgrounds of America, the USA's largest campground chain with 450 campgrounds and 72,000 camp sites.
RV parks say changes in how the vehicles are used along with a rise in ownership among affluent people is driving higher sales. The average cost of a new motor home is $260,000 says Richard Coon, president of the RVIA.
"When you're talking about motor homes, those people don't care about gas prices," he says.
Jerry Gelinas, vice president of marketing for Thousand Trails, which manages 81 campgrounds across the country, says customers tend to be baby boomers, retirees and young families with a healthy amount of discretionary income.
Gelinas says RVers increasingly want to use parks as destinations rather than mere stopovers. Parks are responding by offering more attractions such as pools, tennis courts and live entertainment. Rather than cooking nightly over propane stoves families can often buy prepared foods and takeout.
Coon says that compared to all the other expenses of a vacation, such as motels and restaurants, RVs are "still an economic way to go." If gas went up a $1, a family traveling 1,000 miles in a motor home that gets about 10 mpg would spend $100 more on gas, he says.
That's not to say RV owners are ignoring the cost of fuel.
Families are saving money by "going shorter distances and staying longer," says David Woodworth of Fish Camp, Calif., an RV historian.
Industry surveys show that owners have also slowed down to 55 mph or 60 mph, to conserve fuel, Coon says. Fuel mileage is "not great," but it's better than it was 10 years ago, Woodworth says.
The industry has introduced more efficient engines, and new materials that make motor homes and trailers lighter. Felix Kramer, founder of the California Cars Initiative, which promotes energy efficient vehicles, isn't surprised gas prices aren't scaring off RV owners.
"In terms of the percentage of people's annual income, expensive gasoline is not all that much," Kramer says.
But the 18 million RV owners plugging in every night "would be ideal plug-in hybrid candidates," he says. They would no longer need expensive on-board generators to operate appliances and they'd have silent, emissions free vacations.
Alex Kouris, 38, set out June 22 from Marengo, Ill., with his wife, Rachel, and two sons in a 34-foot-long motor home for a trip that will end Sunday. The 90-gallon tank cost about $200 to fill and he expects to pump in another $800 of diesel fuel the whole trip.
"You kind of get used to it so you kind of budget it in," he says.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
RV sale lures road warriors to fairgrounds
RV sale lures road warriors to fairgrounds
By RICK GERSHMAN
Published June 4, 2007
TAMPA - They came from all over to attend the sale. Couples from Lakeland and Sarasota. A man from Spring Hill. One family from a suburb of Gainesville.
But then, if you're looking for a deal on a recreational vehicle, you probably don't mind doing a little driving.
Sunday afternoon was the final day of the RV Super Sale at the Florida State Fairgrounds, and potential buyers browsed the offerings throughout the Expo Hall.
Why buy a vehicle that doubles as a home?
Beth and Charlie Wimbry, plan to tour Canada this summer.
Larry Daniel plans to take his grandkids on a tour of the Southeast.
And Sarah and Jonathan Kroeger, longtime road travelers with cross-country plans approaching, just want an upgrade.
That's why the practically palatial, 40-foot Gulf Stream Scenic Cruiser caught their eye.
The Kroegers, 60-something retirees from Land O'Lakes, enjoyed their tour through the 2005 Gulf Stream.
"She's a dream, " Jonathan Kroeger said.
But the listed sale price - a little less than $220, 000, down from the listed "suggested retail" of about $280, 000 - was a bit out of the couple's ballpark. So they kept shopping.
And then, the obvious question: With gas prices topping $3 per gallon, hasn't driving around the country in a home-sized vehicle become rather expensive?
"It requires some changes in your budgeting, and where you go, and figuring where's worth going, but this is what we do, " Sarah Kroeger said. "I want to see the Great Stalacpipe Organ in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley this year.
"And if gas is $10 a gallon. then we're still d--- well going to do it."
By RICK GERSHMAN
Published June 4, 2007
TAMPA - They came from all over to attend the sale. Couples from Lakeland and Sarasota. A man from Spring Hill. One family from a suburb of Gainesville.
But then, if you're looking for a deal on a recreational vehicle, you probably don't mind doing a little driving.
Sunday afternoon was the final day of the RV Super Sale at the Florida State Fairgrounds, and potential buyers browsed the offerings throughout the Expo Hall.
Why buy a vehicle that doubles as a home?
Beth and Charlie Wimbry, plan to tour Canada this summer.
Larry Daniel plans to take his grandkids on a tour of the Southeast.
And Sarah and Jonathan Kroeger, longtime road travelers with cross-country plans approaching, just want an upgrade.
That's why the practically palatial, 40-foot Gulf Stream Scenic Cruiser caught their eye.
The Kroegers, 60-something retirees from Land O'Lakes, enjoyed their tour through the 2005 Gulf Stream.
"She's a dream, " Jonathan Kroeger said.
But the listed sale price - a little less than $220, 000, down from the listed "suggested retail" of about $280, 000 - was a bit out of the couple's ballpark. So they kept shopping.
And then, the obvious question: With gas prices topping $3 per gallon, hasn't driving around the country in a home-sized vehicle become rather expensive?
"It requires some changes in your budgeting, and where you go, and figuring where's worth going, but this is what we do, " Sarah Kroeger said. "I want to see the Great Stalacpipe Organ in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley this year.
"And if gas is $10 a gallon. then we're still d--- well going to do it."
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Boat and RV sales not suffering, despite high gas prices
Boat and RV sales not suffering, despite high gas prices
5/30/2007 4:18 PM
By: Jessica Mokhiber
-- Click to Watch Video --
Boat and RV sales
Temperatures are rising, and more and more people are going to be heading out on their boats and in their RVs for the summer. But with the gas prices rising, are sales of boats and RVs slowing down? Jessica Mokhiber caught up with some people, whose answers may surprise you.
It costs more these days to get to where you're going, and not just for cars. With gas prices at near-record highs, it also costs more for boaters and people with RVs to fill up.
Dockside Landing Boat and Yacht Owner Craig Merrell said, "First of all, it's on the news channels on a daily basis."
So you may think that less people are boating. But it seems that's not the case.
Boat N RV Warehouse owner Geoffrey Hoffman said, "It's more a conversation people have in our showroom. People talk about gas prices, but it doesn't affect a recreational purchase."
"People are still coming in. People are still coming in on vacation. People still need to get away and enjoy themselves, and getting out on the water is one of the best ways to do that," said Merrell.
Hoffman, who also sells RVs, said gas prices haven't slowed down those sales either, but he thinks people may drive them less.
"Maybe on an RV, they'll leave it on the campground at the site more than they'll tow it around," Hoffman said.
But he agrees with Merrell and said in this day and age, people need their leisure time, and he thinks that's why gas prices aren't slowing down sales.
"We work really hard, and it's a stressed-out society these days, and people put a premium on their leisure time, and they work really hard for it," said Hoffman.
Merrell said, "All in all though, for experienced boaters, and people who love to boat, I don't think gas prices have affected things too much this year."
5/30/2007 4:18 PM
By: Jessica Mokhiber
-- Click to Watch Video --
Boat and RV sales
Temperatures are rising, and more and more people are going to be heading out on their boats and in their RVs for the summer. But with the gas prices rising, are sales of boats and RVs slowing down? Jessica Mokhiber caught up with some people, whose answers may surprise you.
It costs more these days to get to where you're going, and not just for cars. With gas prices at near-record highs, it also costs more for boaters and people with RVs to fill up.
Dockside Landing Boat and Yacht Owner Craig Merrell said, "First of all, it's on the news channels on a daily basis."
So you may think that less people are boating. But it seems that's not the case.
Boat N RV Warehouse owner Geoffrey Hoffman said, "It's more a conversation people have in our showroom. People talk about gas prices, but it doesn't affect a recreational purchase."
"People are still coming in. People are still coming in on vacation. People still need to get away and enjoy themselves, and getting out on the water is one of the best ways to do that," said Merrell.
Hoffman, who also sells RVs, said gas prices haven't slowed down those sales either, but he thinks people may drive them less.
"Maybe on an RV, they'll leave it on the campground at the site more than they'll tow it around," Hoffman said.
But he agrees with Merrell and said in this day and age, people need their leisure time, and he thinks that's why gas prices aren't slowing down sales.
"We work really hard, and it's a stressed-out society these days, and people put a premium on their leisure time, and they work really hard for it," said Hoffman.
Merrell said, "All in all though, for experienced boaters, and people who love to boat, I don't think gas prices have affected things too much this year."
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Showing posts with label RV Sales. Show all posts
Showing posts with label RV Sales. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
RV sales soar despite high gas prices
RV sales soar despite high gas prices
Gas prices are climbing higher again, but some Americans are still choosing to spend their summer vacations on the road, specifically in motor homes and trailers. The Recreational Vehicle Industry Association reports that close to 400,000 RVs were sold in 2006, the most in 28 years.
In addition, an RV dealer in Pueblo West says his business is $300,000 ahead in sales compared to last year. "It's taken off more than I expected especially with gas prices, you really think that its going to affect the RV industry and there are certain parts that taken hits, but progressively its just slowly gotten better ever single year so far," said Ryan Zabukovic, Manager of Zabukovic Motors.
Even though most RVs are gas guzzlers, owners say they save money in other areas. For example, RV owners point out they don't have to pay for hotel rooms.
Gas prices are climbing higher again, but some Americans are still choosing to spend their summer vacations on the road, specifically in motor homes and trailers. The Recreational Vehicle Industry Association reports that close to 400,000 RVs were sold in 2006, the most in 28 years.
In addition, an RV dealer in Pueblo West says his business is $300,000 ahead in sales compared to last year. "It's taken off more than I expected especially with gas prices, you really think that its going to affect the RV industry and there are certain parts that taken hits, but progressively its just slowly gotten better ever single year so far," said Ryan Zabukovic, Manager of Zabukovic Motors.
Even though most RVs are gas guzzlers, owners say they save money in other areas. For example, RV owners point out they don't have to pay for hotel rooms.
Friday, July 6, 2007
RV sales up despite high gas prices
RV sales up despite high gas prices
By Oren Dorell, USA TODAY
Americans are defying high gas prices and jumping into gas guzzling recreational vehicles for their summer vacations.
Two of the largest owners and managers of RV campgrounds in the USA said their lots are booked this July 4th vacation week and much of the summer.
Sales of RVs have shot up 22% in the past three calendar years. Last year 390,500 RVs were sold, the most in 28 years, according to the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association. This year they are on track to dip slightly, RVIA says.
"This week will be one of the busiest if not the busiest for the entire KOA system," says Shane Ott, president and chief operating officer of Kampgrounds of America, the USA's largest campground chain with 450 campgrounds and 72,000 camp sites.
RV parks say changes in how the vehicles are used along with a rise in ownership among affluent people is driving higher sales. The average cost of a new motor home is $260,000 says Richard Coon, president of the RVIA.
"When you're talking about motor homes, those people don't care about gas prices," he says.
Jerry Gelinas, vice president of marketing for Thousand Trails, which manages 81 campgrounds across the country, says customers tend to be baby boomers, retirees and young families with a healthy amount of discretionary income.
Gelinas says RVers increasingly want to use parks as destinations rather than mere stopovers. Parks are responding by offering more attractions such as pools, tennis courts and live entertainment. Rather than cooking nightly over propane stoves families can often buy prepared foods and takeout.
Coon says that compared to all the other expenses of a vacation, such as motels and restaurants, RVs are "still an economic way to go." If gas went up a $1, a family traveling 1,000 miles in a motor home that gets about 10 mpg would spend $100 more on gas, he says.
That's not to say RV owners are ignoring the cost of fuel.
Families are saving money by "going shorter distances and staying longer," says David Woodworth of Fish Camp, Calif., an RV historian.
Industry surveys show that owners have also slowed down to 55 mph or 60 mph, to conserve fuel, Coon says. Fuel mileage is "not great," but it's better than it was 10 years ago, Woodworth says.
The industry has introduced more efficient engines, and new materials that make motor homes and trailers lighter. Felix Kramer, founder of the California Cars Initiative, which promotes energy efficient vehicles, isn't surprised gas prices aren't scaring off RV owners.
"In terms of the percentage of people's annual income, expensive gasoline is not all that much," Kramer says.
But the 18 million RV owners plugging in every night "would be ideal plug-in hybrid candidates," he says. They would no longer need expensive on-board generators to operate appliances and they'd have silent, emissions free vacations.
Alex Kouris, 38, set out June 22 from Marengo, Ill., with his wife, Rachel, and two sons in a 34-foot-long motor home for a trip that will end Sunday. The 90-gallon tank cost about $200 to fill and he expects to pump in another $800 of diesel fuel the whole trip.
"You kind of get used to it so you kind of budget it in," he says.
By Oren Dorell, USA TODAY
Americans are defying high gas prices and jumping into gas guzzling recreational vehicles for their summer vacations.
Two of the largest owners and managers of RV campgrounds in the USA said their lots are booked this July 4th vacation week and much of the summer.
Sales of RVs have shot up 22% in the past three calendar years. Last year 390,500 RVs were sold, the most in 28 years, according to the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association. This year they are on track to dip slightly, RVIA says.
"This week will be one of the busiest if not the busiest for the entire KOA system," says Shane Ott, president and chief operating officer of Kampgrounds of America, the USA's largest campground chain with 450 campgrounds and 72,000 camp sites.
RV parks say changes in how the vehicles are used along with a rise in ownership among affluent people is driving higher sales. The average cost of a new motor home is $260,000 says Richard Coon, president of the RVIA.
"When you're talking about motor homes, those people don't care about gas prices," he says.
Jerry Gelinas, vice president of marketing for Thousand Trails, which manages 81 campgrounds across the country, says customers tend to be baby boomers, retirees and young families with a healthy amount of discretionary income.
Gelinas says RVers increasingly want to use parks as destinations rather than mere stopovers. Parks are responding by offering more attractions such as pools, tennis courts and live entertainment. Rather than cooking nightly over propane stoves families can often buy prepared foods and takeout.
Coon says that compared to all the other expenses of a vacation, such as motels and restaurants, RVs are "still an economic way to go." If gas went up a $1, a family traveling 1,000 miles in a motor home that gets about 10 mpg would spend $100 more on gas, he says.
That's not to say RV owners are ignoring the cost of fuel.
Families are saving money by "going shorter distances and staying longer," says David Woodworth of Fish Camp, Calif., an RV historian.
Industry surveys show that owners have also slowed down to 55 mph or 60 mph, to conserve fuel, Coon says. Fuel mileage is "not great," but it's better than it was 10 years ago, Woodworth says.
The industry has introduced more efficient engines, and new materials that make motor homes and trailers lighter. Felix Kramer, founder of the California Cars Initiative, which promotes energy efficient vehicles, isn't surprised gas prices aren't scaring off RV owners.
"In terms of the percentage of people's annual income, expensive gasoline is not all that much," Kramer says.
But the 18 million RV owners plugging in every night "would be ideal plug-in hybrid candidates," he says. They would no longer need expensive on-board generators to operate appliances and they'd have silent, emissions free vacations.
Alex Kouris, 38, set out June 22 from Marengo, Ill., with his wife, Rachel, and two sons in a 34-foot-long motor home for a trip that will end Sunday. The 90-gallon tank cost about $200 to fill and he expects to pump in another $800 of diesel fuel the whole trip.
"You kind of get used to it so you kind of budget it in," he says.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
RV sale lures road warriors to fairgrounds
RV sale lures road warriors to fairgrounds
By RICK GERSHMAN
Published June 4, 2007
TAMPA - They came from all over to attend the sale. Couples from Lakeland and Sarasota. A man from Spring Hill. One family from a suburb of Gainesville.
But then, if you're looking for a deal on a recreational vehicle, you probably don't mind doing a little driving.
Sunday afternoon was the final day of the RV Super Sale at the Florida State Fairgrounds, and potential buyers browsed the offerings throughout the Expo Hall.
Why buy a vehicle that doubles as a home?
Beth and Charlie Wimbry, plan to tour Canada this summer.
Larry Daniel plans to take his grandkids on a tour of the Southeast.
And Sarah and Jonathan Kroeger, longtime road travelers with cross-country plans approaching, just want an upgrade.
That's why the practically palatial, 40-foot Gulf Stream Scenic Cruiser caught their eye.
The Kroegers, 60-something retirees from Land O'Lakes, enjoyed their tour through the 2005 Gulf Stream.
"She's a dream, " Jonathan Kroeger said.
But the listed sale price - a little less than $220, 000, down from the listed "suggested retail" of about $280, 000 - was a bit out of the couple's ballpark. So they kept shopping.
And then, the obvious question: With gas prices topping $3 per gallon, hasn't driving around the country in a home-sized vehicle become rather expensive?
"It requires some changes in your budgeting, and where you go, and figuring where's worth going, but this is what we do, " Sarah Kroeger said. "I want to see the Great Stalacpipe Organ in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley this year.
"And if gas is $10 a gallon. then we're still d--- well going to do it."
By RICK GERSHMAN
Published June 4, 2007
TAMPA - They came from all over to attend the sale. Couples from Lakeland and Sarasota. A man from Spring Hill. One family from a suburb of Gainesville.
But then, if you're looking for a deal on a recreational vehicle, you probably don't mind doing a little driving.
Sunday afternoon was the final day of the RV Super Sale at the Florida State Fairgrounds, and potential buyers browsed the offerings throughout the Expo Hall.
Why buy a vehicle that doubles as a home?
Beth and Charlie Wimbry, plan to tour Canada this summer.
Larry Daniel plans to take his grandkids on a tour of the Southeast.
And Sarah and Jonathan Kroeger, longtime road travelers with cross-country plans approaching, just want an upgrade.
That's why the practically palatial, 40-foot Gulf Stream Scenic Cruiser caught their eye.
The Kroegers, 60-something retirees from Land O'Lakes, enjoyed their tour through the 2005 Gulf Stream.
"She's a dream, " Jonathan Kroeger said.
But the listed sale price - a little less than $220, 000, down from the listed "suggested retail" of about $280, 000 - was a bit out of the couple's ballpark. So they kept shopping.
And then, the obvious question: With gas prices topping $3 per gallon, hasn't driving around the country in a home-sized vehicle become rather expensive?
"It requires some changes in your budgeting, and where you go, and figuring where's worth going, but this is what we do, " Sarah Kroeger said. "I want to see the Great Stalacpipe Organ in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley this year.
"And if gas is $10 a gallon. then we're still d--- well going to do it."
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Boat and RV sales not suffering, despite high gas prices
Boat and RV sales not suffering, despite high gas prices
5/30/2007 4:18 PM
By: Jessica Mokhiber
-- Click to Watch Video --
Boat and RV sales
Temperatures are rising, and more and more people are going to be heading out on their boats and in their RVs for the summer. But with the gas prices rising, are sales of boats and RVs slowing down? Jessica Mokhiber caught up with some people, whose answers may surprise you.
It costs more these days to get to where you're going, and not just for cars. With gas prices at near-record highs, it also costs more for boaters and people with RVs to fill up.
Dockside Landing Boat and Yacht Owner Craig Merrell said, "First of all, it's on the news channels on a daily basis."
So you may think that less people are boating. But it seems that's not the case.
Boat N RV Warehouse owner Geoffrey Hoffman said, "It's more a conversation people have in our showroom. People talk about gas prices, but it doesn't affect a recreational purchase."
"People are still coming in. People are still coming in on vacation. People still need to get away and enjoy themselves, and getting out on the water is one of the best ways to do that," said Merrell.
Hoffman, who also sells RVs, said gas prices haven't slowed down those sales either, but he thinks people may drive them less.
"Maybe on an RV, they'll leave it on the campground at the site more than they'll tow it around," Hoffman said.
But he agrees with Merrell and said in this day and age, people need their leisure time, and he thinks that's why gas prices aren't slowing down sales.
"We work really hard, and it's a stressed-out society these days, and people put a premium on their leisure time, and they work really hard for it," said Hoffman.
Merrell said, "All in all though, for experienced boaters, and people who love to boat, I don't think gas prices have affected things too much this year."
5/30/2007 4:18 PM
By: Jessica Mokhiber
-- Click to Watch Video --
Boat and RV sales
Temperatures are rising, and more and more people are going to be heading out on their boats and in their RVs for the summer. But with the gas prices rising, are sales of boats and RVs slowing down? Jessica Mokhiber caught up with some people, whose answers may surprise you.
It costs more these days to get to where you're going, and not just for cars. With gas prices at near-record highs, it also costs more for boaters and people with RVs to fill up.
Dockside Landing Boat and Yacht Owner Craig Merrell said, "First of all, it's on the news channels on a daily basis."
So you may think that less people are boating. But it seems that's not the case.
Boat N RV Warehouse owner Geoffrey Hoffman said, "It's more a conversation people have in our showroom. People talk about gas prices, but it doesn't affect a recreational purchase."
"People are still coming in. People are still coming in on vacation. People still need to get away and enjoy themselves, and getting out on the water is one of the best ways to do that," said Merrell.
Hoffman, who also sells RVs, said gas prices haven't slowed down those sales either, but he thinks people may drive them less.
"Maybe on an RV, they'll leave it on the campground at the site more than they'll tow it around," Hoffman said.
But he agrees with Merrell and said in this day and age, people need their leisure time, and he thinks that's why gas prices aren't slowing down sales.
"We work really hard, and it's a stressed-out society these days, and people put a premium on their leisure time, and they work really hard for it," said Hoffman.
Merrell said, "All in all though, for experienced boaters, and people who love to boat, I don't think gas prices have affected things too much this year."
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