Gas Prices Slowing Down Boaters

AAA predicts 521,000 Oklahomans will travel over the holiday weekend. A look at the News On 6 gas gauge shows the statewide average is up to $3.75 a gallon. That's another record high for gas.

News On 6 anchor Craig Day reports the prices will impact the boating economy this weekend.

While gas prices aren't stopping boaters from enjoying area lakes, it is slowing them down.

John and Nancy Renfrow are counting down the hours until their grandkids join them for a long weekend of fun at Skiatook Lake.

Their personal watercraft is ready to hit the water, but they'll keep an eye on things to make sure gas prices don't hit their wallet.

"We use about 18 gallons a day and then with it being three and a half, you can just do the math on that," said John Renfrow.

The Renfrow's will cut back on some of their time spent on the water. Others will likely do the same thing, opting for other lake activities that won't cost as much in fuel.

Ann Davis at Paradise Cove Marina on Ft. Gibson Lake predicts slower than normal boat activity.

"People are going to go out and enjoy, do more picnicking on the waterways, they're not going to ski or tube and wakeboard as much, they're going to slow down, back off their throttle a little bit, but they're still going to come out and enjoy the lake on the weekends," said Davis.

Although some boaters will spend less time on the water because of the high price of gas, others predict crowds could be larger on area lakes.

"The fuel prices and everything, people are coming to the lake instead of going out of state and taking other trips," said Mike Fawcett of Redbud Marina

For the Renfrow's, they'll still spend a lot of the summer at the lake despite gas prices, but with more time on the shore.

"We're going to be staying out of the water a little," said John Renfrow.

You can check ahead of time to get the latest information on lake levels across the area in one location.