CHINA (AP) – The price pinch of high gasoline prices doesn’t stop when the road runs out, and boaters throughout Maine often are finding fuel prices higher than what has been offered at roadside gas stations.

Maine drivers last week paid an average of $2.10 per gallon, according to Maine’s Office of Energy Independence and Security. Boaters typically pay 30 to 50 cents more at marinas, according to marine industry experts.

The Great Pond Marina in Belgrade was charging $2.79 per gallon last week, and some boaters reported marinas charging as much as $3.50 to compensate for higher liability insurance premiums and higher fuel grades.

Climbing gas prices have not deterred all boaters, however. Many are still eager to get wet in the water after the winter, no matter the cost.

“I’m going boating regardless of any gas prices,” said August Velten as he unloaded his boat on China Lake.

Tipping his hat to a Dodge sport utility vehicle he used to tow the boat, he said, “That’s the killer.”

Since marina customers cannot negotiate gas prices, many die-hard boaters have begun to look at more fuel efficient – and more expensive – boats that use four-stroke motors. Others have monitored their time on the water.

Cliff Curtis said he lives with the soaring gas prices by watching how far he boats on his weekly fishing trips on the Belgrade Lakes.

While he would often head to the North Woods for trout and salmon, Curtis now sticks closer to the south, where pike are more plentiful.

Curtis uses a small aluminum boat that costs $15 to fill up. But add that to the gas for his truck and it still costs enough for him to consider other hobbies.

“I recently took up golf,” he said. “There’s no gas involved in that.”