Minnesota boaters grapple with soaring fuel costs this holiday weekend
Boaters in Minnesota are facing higher fuel costs this Memorial Day weekend. Prices at the pump have climbed sharply, with some paying up to $6.75 a gallon for premium fuel. The rising expenses are making many think twice about how often they head out on the water. At Tonka Bay Marina, premium gas now costs $6.75 a gallon. This marks a significant jump from last year, when boaters like Jim Loffler paid between $1.50 and $2 less per gallon. The state’s average fuel price has also surged, reaching $4.38 a gallon—nearly $1.40 higher than in 2023.
To ease the burden, the marina is offering a 25-cent discount per gallon for the summer. Management is also working with multiple fuel suppliers to secure better rates. Despite the discounts, many boaters are still feeling the pinch.
Jim Loffler, out on the water for the holiday weekend, admitted he’s watching prices closely. Meanwhile, fellow boater Paul Grandbois remains optimistic. He believes the rising costs won’t stop people from enjoying boating and fishing. The higher fuel prices may change how often Minnesotans take their boats out this season. With discounts and supplier negotiations in place, marinas are trying to soften the impact. Still, boaters will need to adjust to the increased costs for their trips.
