Have you heard of hyperdriving? This is a new phrase that is being used for a style of driving that conserves on gas consumption. Many drivers are using hybrid vehicles and trying to push the mileage per gallon limits by utilizing slower starts, coasting downhill and deaccelerating early at red lights in anticipation of the light turning green. All “green” techniques that improve fuel economy.

Sailors practice “hyperboating”. While “your mileage may vary”, for me a tank of diesel fuel typically lasts a whole summer of day sailing. Departing or entering the marina, occasional lulls in the wind, or getting out of a tight spot quickly, are the few times that operating the engine are necessary. It can be very peaceful with no engine running. Just the quiet hum of the shrouds as the wind propels you forward. This is green boating at its best.

While pump prices are averaging $3.20 a gallon this week, dockside you can certainly add a $1.00 to this price. A weekend outing in a comparable sized boat to my 30’ sailboat can easily exceed several hundred dollars and go over a thousand depending on the size and number of engines.

It will be interesting to see how continued pressure at the pump affects recreational boating. Will there be a shift towards more conservative sized boats? Will boating only be for the wealthy? Will interest in sailing increase? I welcome your comments.