That may well be the case - a change over to sail. But it does away with the domestic market of the UK power boat industry.

I for one chose power boating over sail simply because I wanted to cruise and could not afford the time it takes with sail. That plus the requirements of my better half meant it had to be power boats.

I have a large power boat and devote a lot of resources to it - however I would move it to the Med if the fuel price hikes up to road fuel levels. This would mean a lot less use but hopefully better quality use.

In any event, The chancellor would not gain more revenue from me but a lot less revenue. Losing VAT and many other taxes that I pay in maintaining the boat. I think that overall there is a very good chance that the revenue stream to the government will lessen. The loss of UK jobs, marina berths, manufacturing production etc. He will certainly gather no more tax on the fuel - it is a far more sensitive matter than it first appears to be.

For me a trip to Padstow and back costs about £300 in fuel. I pay just over £1 per gallon. This could change to £1500 in fuel costs - its cheaper to fly out to the Med and enjoy better weather. Its not just the direct cost that matters it’s the cost of competing alternative actions and its these alternatives that would quickly alter the balance. I certainly could not justify £250 per hour fuel costs for using the boat in the UK. Where to keep the boat is a balance between weather, convenience etc. A 500% fuel hike for me would put a stop to my UK boating.

Paul