September 5, 2005
Labor Day is historically one of the busiest boating weekends of the year, but with soaring gas prices, boaters now have to handle a shortage.
"We've never had this happen to us before," said Scott Dugan, a Lake Monticello boater.
For the first time gas for boats is being rationed.
"The fear was that we were going to run out on Saturday and then leave two days with no ability to get gas," said Gary Hannifan, the marina manager. "That would have ruined this holiday weekend for everybody."
As of Friday September 2, all Lake Monticello boaters could only fill up a little over 6 gallons. Due to the limitations marina officials lowered their prices to $3.16, which cost each boater about $20.
"6.3 gallons is enough for most boats to ride around for the entire day," said Hannifan.
However, some feel the gas shortage is putting a damper on a whole weekend of fun. "We usually go out all day long for the whole entire weekend and as you can see there is nobody out there at all, so the 6.3 gallons of gas that we're allowed doesn't really cut the day for you," said Dugan.
While the gas rationing is limiting some boating activities, other boaters said their weekend wasn't completely washed up yet.
"We spend a lot of time on the boat on weekends so this is normal for us," said Riyad Abusharr, another Lake Monticello boater.
Several families spent Labor day water skiing, tubing, canoeing, and just cruising around soaking up the sun.
"You make the best of it, that's all there is to it, you've got to do what you've got to do," said Dugan.
The marina is expected to receive the next shipment of gas on Thursday, however the supplier cannot guarantee the shipment
