So are there fewer boats out on the water this year

[sailorchic34]

I've been bouncing around on the water for the last 10 days or so. Sailed from the SF Bay to the CA Delta and back. My impression is there are fewer boats heading out for a weekend or longer this year. I'm off China Camp at the moment and there are only 5 boats here in the anchorage. In years past it there would be 10-15 or more boats anchored here on a sunny summer weekend.

Just wondering if its slow elsewhere, or if its just my imagination.

[Lowcountry]

Still pretty busy here in Charleston.

[senormechanico]

A lot fewer in the PNW, and the few power boats are going slowly.
Still a few knotheads in Bayliners though.

[sailorboy1]

seems to be less boats in the Boston area, even in the mooring fields

[Unicorn Dreams]

Kema h, Galveston Bay Tx. area on weekends is an obstacle course on weekends. If I go out on weekends, I try to leave right at sunrise to avoid the traffic, kayaks, canoes, wind surfers, weekend racers, sailboats, small fishing boats and anything that floats. AND it seems like they all want to hang out by the bridge

[mbianka]

Got a few empty moorings in the field this year on Long Island. I noticed fewer sails on the Sound too. Still early though. Docks seem full.

[sarafina]

fuel costs maybe? lots of sail boats actually motor A LOT... so...

[sailorchic34]

I'm sure fuel costs play a part along with less disposable income overall. I'm seeing a 50-70% drop in anchored boats from 3-4 years ago. It really hit home this last week. I anchor out at least a few days almost every week, but normally during the week. Not that I'm complaining

[David M]

Originally Posted by sailorchic34

I've been bouncing around on the water for the last 10 days or so. Sailed from the SF Bay to the CA Delta and back. My impression is there are fewer boats heading out for a weekend or longer this year. I'm off China Camp at the moment and there are only 5 boats here in the anchorage. In years past it there would be 10-15 or more boats anchored here on a sunny summer weekend.

Just wondering if its slow elsewhere, or if its just my imagination.

I am seeing more recreational boats out of the weekdays now on the SF Bay, which is when I work. I wonder what that means?

[markpierce]

Originally Posted by David M

I am seeing more recreational boats out of the weekdays now on the SF Bay, which is when I work. I wonder what that means?

I think it is like the phenomena of the increased highway traffic whenever I choose to go driving. (Doesn't anybody work for a living anymore?)

I thought sailboaters weren't concerned about the price of fuel because they use nature's wind.

The several times I've been out in the last few weeks I've seen boats going in either direction in Carquinez Strait, but ninety percent of the sailboats move under power. They might as well get motorboats.

[markpierce]

[SaucySailoress]

Originally Posted by David M

I am seeing more recreational boats out of the weekdays now on the SF Bay, which is when I work. I wonder what that means?

Clearly flexi-time rocks!!! Or perhaps it simply means that innovations in e technology mean that more folks can work from their boat?

Or perhaps they've all just lost their jobs, and are making the most of their boat till they're forced to sell it at rock bottom....

[IdoraKeeper]

Originally Posted by senormechanico

A lot fewer in the PNW, and the few power boats are going slowly.
Still a few knotheads in Bayliners though.

One more coat of paint on the cockpit combings and I will be taking up space and dodging Bayliners out there with ya.

Todd

[FrankZ]

We have noticed fewer boats out when we are sailing.

My yard also has more boats still on stands than should be this time of year.

[boatman61]

On my 3 deliveries so far this year.... N.Biscay round to W.Spain areas what used to be a fairly routine sighting of 10-20 sails on the horizon offshore its just been one or occasionally two a day...
Things are definitely much quieter over here...

Welcome back Saucy... how was the sailing trip with the 'Mad Axeman'.....lol