enlarge The Associated Press

Whaleback Lighthouse is seen off Kittery Point on a hazy summer day. Boaters who want to save on gas can find enjoyable destinations along the coast or on the lakes without having to go far.

High gas prices have fueled speculation that boating, like Maine's tourism industry, could suffer a decline this year.

But there are some encouraging signs that indicate plenty of people will be enjoying time on the water this summer.

It's business as usual for at least one marina in southern Maine. Last week, workers at Richardson's Boat Yard on Sebago Lake were as busy as ever, working to get boats in the water in time for the start of Maine's boating season.

"We've seen no decrease in the number of people getting ready to go," said owner Rick Richardson. "Everybody's been talking about how much fuel has gone up, but people will still enjoy their boats. They might not drive around as much, and instead anchor out more or stay at the dock. Fuel is a very small part of owning a boat."

For those of us who are sailors, fuel prices are even less significant. The wind in our sails provides us with propulsion, and many sailors consider getting there to be half the fun.

Still, even the purists can eventually reach the point that they will fire up the "iron main" when the wind doesn't cooperate.

But regardless of their propulsion of choice, boaters shouldn't let high fuel prices rob them of their favorite summer activity.

While getting there may indeed be half the fun, there's more to boating than getting from one place to the next by watercraft. Just as important are the places you go and what you do when you get there.

A lot of boaters already have a short list of favorite destinations. They may be attracted by the natural beauty of the spot, recreational opportunities, good fishing, a local restaurant or the crowd that hangs out there.

In this season of high fuel prices, people may forgo the usual lake or bay tour and head straight to their destination.

Just remember to enjoy responsibly -- you're sharing the waters with others.

If you don't have a favorite spot yet, there's no shortage to choose from. Whether you keep a bigger boat on the coast or a large lake, or whether you trailer a smaller boat, you don't have to go far -- or burn a lot of fuel -- to find someplace special.

Coastal boaters need only look at a chart, or for more detail, one of the cruising guides available at the local chandlery.

Along with tips on approaches and good anchoring spots, the guides share information on everything from local history to recreational opportunities.

Casco Bay alone offers dozens of places to visit with enough variety to please everyone, from nature lovers to food connoisseurs. You don't have to travel far to have a good time.

People who frequent Maine's lakes and ponds have just as much variety and a broad range of resources to help them find that special place. Lake charts are available at marinas and retailers or through www.mainelakecharts.com.

The state Bureau of Parks and Lands maintains a list of public boating facilities at its Web site:

http://www.maine.gov/doc/parks/programs/boating/sitelist.html. Boaters can get a printed brochure by calling (207) 287-4952.

And there are some people who can have fun without even leaving the dock.

Richardson points out that some of the larger boats at his marina simply stay put some weekends and serve as a floating summer camp for their owners.

While some people might seem puzzled by the idea of owning a boat and not taking it out at every opportunity, there is something to be said about a good dock party.

It's a great way to get to know your marina neighbors, and potluck affairs can bring out the gourmet chef in all of us.

It's hard to make any solid predictions this early in the season, as a lot of boats typically don't hit the water for another week or two. And there's one factor -- something far more important than fuel prices -- that no one can do anything about. Rick Richardson probably speaks for everyone when he says, "We're hoping for good weather."

Gail Rice of Freeport and her husband, Randy, race and cruise their Pearson 30 sloop on Casco Bay. Reach her at: gnrice@yahoo.com