JefnDeb,
I sympathize with you. I agree with all of the previous posts except the part about some of the comments being smug and insensitive (the rest of that post is very good). Reality is that generally, fuel costs are a small part of the overall costs of boating, so even with the "relatively" large fuel cost increases this statement is still generally true (although in theory this could change). However, for people on very limited budgets, these increases can still be very troublesome!
The bad news..... and these next statements are not political, just observations and my predictions (and I don't own a crystal ball
).
Inflation and price increases are most likely going to continue. Most of the more prosperous countries have been on money printing binges for the last 2+ years effectively diluting the value of the money already in circulation, in essence, causing inflation (hopefully not worse). Inflation is basically an insidious form of taxation, as far as Government debt goes. Many factors have influenced general energy prices (lack of development of new sources, lack of new investment, lack of exploration, backlash against pipelines, etc, etc.). Supply and demand dictate a rise in prices for the foreseeable future, especially with the uncertainty in Eastern Europe. Rising energy costs WILL affect the cost of most everything else. For boating that will mean marina fees, insurance, repairs, parts, labour, FUEL, etc. The costs to produce goods, warehouse, and transport goods are going up in a direct relationship to the increasing energy costs. Any shortages and supply chain issues that develop will worsen the situation.
Based on this total mess and uncertainty (and I hope I am wrong), I think that the next decade will not be anywhere near as good (for the average person) as 2010 - 2020 was.
I feel your pain JefnDeb.
