Instead of complaining about the cost of fuel, do something about it. The mega oil corporations don't hold you in a fuel prision. You do have a choice. I know I've mentioned it before but I'm suprised that there's not more interest in this, given that most boat owners on here are very inventive, savy, DIY type people that often have the time for a home fuel project. It's very easy to make small batches of "biodiesel", (say 30gal/ea) and can be done with very little investment. (say ~$150) There is a few things to learn re: quality control and a some saftey precautions to learn but it's quite easy. Everything you need to know is very available for free on the net. Biodiesel is a very clean burning stable fuel and it's only real drawback is that at low temps, (below 40B:F) it must be heated or mixed 56/50 with diesel. It's a perfect match for most diesel boat where their fuel is never that cold. It's not only very good for the enviroment but can save a lot of money and is really a fun project to do. Probably the easiest way to get started is to attend a seminar like the ones put on by "Maria (she goes by Mark) Alovert" [ http://www.girlmark.com/ ] where you will actually make your own small batch BD while also learning everything you need to put together your own equipment. You come away knowing how really simple it really is with the confidence to do your own thing. BTW: she's the one on top of her homemade BD reactor--an old hot-water tank--and that's an entire setup she's put together on a trailer. Some friends of mine in OH have been making about 150gal/month, at a cost of about $.75/gal, for use in their personal vehicles and in construction equipment, and now want to form a "Coop" (an excellent idea for a group of local boat owners) and move up to the 1000+ gal/month scale. It takes the same amount of time and effort, just with larger equipment/storage. So far they are getting all their feedstock for free but as this becomes more desired, and it will, they know that even paying $.50/gal for stock to make $1.25/gal fuel beats $5.00+++/gal at the pump... don't you think so? See where many farmers have joined to do this already [ http://biofuels.coop/ ] At that scale "the coop" can actually "hire" one person to just run the system to all the member's benefit. Think about it... Works for farmers... Why not boaters??? Here's the basics. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biodiesel http://auto.howstuffworks.com/biodiesel1.htm http://www.girlmark.com/ http://biodiesel.infopop.cc/6/ubb.x?a=cfrm&s=447609751 I've attended classes of Mark's (Maria at girlmark.com) and her info/class is very good. I'm not selling anything here, and it's just my thoughts of course. Cheers, Jon Original msg: >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> great-loop@lists.samurai.com Sent: Saturday, June 14, 2008 12:12 AM Subject: What the hell r we gonna do now? With the fuel prices as they are, and are going to be, along with the unemployment, and economy n the kraper , what the hell r we gonna do now? personally , I refuse to give up boating! See you on the Waterways! Capt. Sterling http://sterling.talkspot.com/aspx/templates/blank.aspx/msgid/2