High gas prices don't seem to be slowing down boaters who are docking at the Port of Orillia.
The port recently opened for the season, and hopefully be a busy one, despite the gas prices, said Allan Lafontaine, harbour master and managing director of the Orillia and District Chamber of Commerce.
But the success of the boating season is determined more by weather than by gas prices, he said, adding there was still ice on the water at the end of April and beginning of May, when the port opened for business.
“I think long-haul trips will be down,” said Lafontaine. “They will take more shorter trips and come down to the port and visit our downtown.”
This works out perfectly for the Port of Orillia, which is a transient marina, meaning its business comes largely from short-term rentals, he explained.
Alex Barnett recently upgraded to a 28-foot boat, replacing his 24-foot one to accommodate all the swimming equipment his seven grandkids onboard.
It’s too late to consider the impact of gas prices now that he’s already bought a new boat, he said as he tested out his new boat Saturday at the Port of Orillia.
“I tend not to travel too far anyway,” said the Orillia resident. “Mostly, it’s trips to Big Chief Island or down to Barrie.”
The distance of the trips will also depend on a number of other factors affecting gas prices, said Barnett.
“It depends on what (the cost of gas) goes to with the political uncertainty over gas and oil pipelines and carbon taxes,” he said.
Gas prices aren’t something Orillia boater Lori Edwards has to worry about much.
“We’ve got a diesel boat,” she said. “And it’s quite good. We average about $8 an hour, and I think that’s higher than what other boats would do.”
But a high maintenance cost and gas expenses are part of the package, said Jasper Blekkenhorst, mechanic with Pride Marine Group.
“All boats are hard on gas,” he said as he showed Barnett the bells and whistles on his new machine. “That’s how it is, unfortunately.”
But there are some ways of increasing efficiency for boats, said Blekkenhorst, such as keeping the engine tuned up, the hull clean, the boat well maintained and the weight down.
Normally, gas prices aren’t the big cost factor in boating, said Lafontaine. There are other costs associated with it, such as equipment, maintenance and insurance.
Yet boating season goes on, he said.
Each summer weekend, there’s an event happening at the port that attracts boat owners, said Lafontaine.
Most of the 220 slips are already booked for Christmas in June, which takes place June 23. Bookings are ramping up for the Canada Day weekend, he said, and he hopes to also see busy weekends in August.
Boaters who want to moor during the day can do so free of charge and are welcome to check in at the port building and then go visit downtown, said Lafontaine.
“We’re just trying to get feedback from people about how we’re doing and what they enjoy about Orillia and area,” he said, “because we have a lot to offer.”
Boaters coming to the port can also take advantage of special packages for those who want to use the facilities overnight, Lafontaine said.
“We have a couple of specials, like if you stay two nights, you get the next night free of charge,” he said.
For more information, visit Port of Orillia’s Facebook page or the chamber of commerce website, or call 705-326-6314.
