According to a recent news article, Americans are buying smaller cars as a result of the upwards of $4.00 per gallon for gas at the pump. In my Wisconsin market, two weeks ago we were paying as much as $4.25 a gallon for gas. Currently the pump price is a bit lower and we can now buy gas for $3.75 a gallon.

The autos and trucks that are getting a healthy boost in sales are those offering 35 miles per gallon or better, like the Chevrolet Cruze and Ford Focus. And many of these economical cars being sold are powered by very efficient four-cylinder engines that give excellent performance. Apparently, buyers are impressed not only with the better economy of the smaller cars; they like what the auto companies have done with styling and amenities to make them much more than just cheap, economical cars.

Another news article talked about how prices at the gas pumps are painful for 4 in 10 Americans. And many Americans have said that the high gas prices have caused them some hardship. And regardless of the pump prices at gas stations, boaters have always experienced even higher gas prices at marina pumps.

This all leads me to think that now, more than ever, it is time for boat companies to offer smaller boats with lower horsepower engines. Continue reading Higher gas prices = smaller cars & boats?? →