When I was a young man, around 25 years old, We owned a 28 foot plywood Chris with a 351 Ford as memory serves. Gas at that time was running about .30 cents a gallon for commercial fisherman and about .40 cents for non-commercial. If one purchased a commercial fishing license and sold "A" fish commercially, one qualified. The license cost $25.00 annually, You do the math. We all were pretty much commercial boats!
Anyway, for the story- gas prices took a huge jump to around .45 cent for commercial and respectfully for the non-commercial as well. During a after Yatch Club meeting, ( I was a 'yachtiee' in my youth) discussion of these increased prices took place. I ventured that I was finding it expensive to buy gas on my youthful wage. An old timer quipped-"If you can't afford the gas, sell the damn boat!" Good advice, the next day I ventured to the local marine hardware store and announced that the purchase of a "For Sale" sign would signify my last purchase. I paid my account up and departed. Sold the boat.
Now in my mid 70's when the subject of price of gas or diesel comes up (Gas-$3.12 Diesel $3.96) (We have very low State fuel tax)
I am the first to announce that if the car or boat needs fuel, "filler Up- Miles to go and times a wasting!!"
Every time I see one of the kids and they ask how boating is going, It is my sad obligation to tell them I am spending the inhairtence, as Sanatra use to say "My Way".
Just saying,
A.M.(Al) Johnson-Ketchikan
27' Marben-Pocket Trawler-
"I've learned that you shouldn't compare yourself to others-they are more screwed up than you think."
