GL: Fuel Prices vs. Marina Prices

[M S]

If it sounded like I was picking on the skipper bob books, I appologize. That was not my intent. I certainly understand the limitations of a printed publication. For reference, the skipper bob books do not go in a drawer or on a shelf. They typically live on a couch between us when not traveling and are at the helm when traveling.
   
  My point was fuel prices change almost daily, so a running list of fuel prices is of marginal value unless it is going to be done systematically on at least a weekly basis. Updates of marina prices on the list would be more valuable as they should be good for at least a couple of months and would supplement the marina guide.

  On a related note: While I would much prefer a flat per foot rate, has anyone ever heard a good explaination of the electric charge on top of the per foot cost? Back in Michigan and then down the river system, they almost never charged for electricity. Once we got to the coast, everyone wanted to add $3-10 for electric. If I maxed out a 30amp cable for 24 hours, I couldn't burn $10 worth of electricity and I would have a tough time using 15 amps contious. Even if you didn't figure it into the original per foot cost, it is too high. Is it just a marketin gimick to make the marina look cheaper? Does it somehow relate to taxes (maybe the slip fee is taxed, but the utilities aren't)? 
   
  Again, we anchor out some of the time, but as we work part time to make the trip possible, it isn't always a reasonable option for us.
   
  Mike & Tammy
  Valhalla II
  
Elaine Reib <ELReib at comcast.net> wrote:
  The prices in the Marinas by Skipper Bob were updated in July / August last 
year because I did it myself. I called EVERY marina listed and got the 
latest prices. The new book is due out in Aug. Can't do better than once a 
year or nothing else would get done. Remember the lower priced this month 
will be the lower price next month in most cases. Everyone is trying to make 
a buck but they are driving boats away from cruising and into "vacation 
homes in the water". The prices for fuel on the water is way higher than on 
land. WHY! Capt. Sterling is right. Anchoring is free and it might just put 
the fear of shutting down business into some of the marina owners who are 
over charging. They charge WAY too much for a hole in the water on a shaky 
dock and then add electric charges on top. I never understood that. The 
price of the dock should include electric and water. Just my opinion.

Elaine
717-479-5012
ELReib at comcast.net
Co-founder, Skipper Bob Publications

we've been using the latest skipper bob marina book and probably 2/3 of 
the prices are out of date. The worst so far is the Two Way Fish Camp in 
Georgia. The price has gone from $0.75/ft to $1.50/ft. Most of the time, it 
is still useful in providing relative prices. But, we have to call ahead and 
verify when we are planning the next week or two.
>
> Just a thought.
>
> Mike & Tammy
> Valhalla II (Gemini 3400)
> Currently: A lonely stretch of Georgia heading north
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