WILMINGTON -- If you drove anywhere this weekend you probably noticed a big difference on how much it cost to get there. That's because there's been a big change at the gas pump.
AAA says prices have jumped 30 cents on average since early April. Analysts blame refinery production snags and demand for gasoline growing faster than usual.
AAA also says you can expect to see record prices by the end of the month.
According to AAA's website, the average price for a gallon of regular is $3.03. Here in North Carolina the price is a little less, averaging $2.93 a gallon.
The price in the Wilmington metro area is right on par with the rest of the state at $2.93 a gallon.
Those high gas prices are not just affecting drivers.
Boaters are also feeling squeezed when they go to fill up.
In our area, the price of regular unleaded gas at dockside pump stations is about $4 a gallon.
Cape Fear Yacht Sales owner Glenn Overton said, "Everybody gets the fever, you know. It's starting to warm up, everybody's coming out, looking at the beach, looking at the water".
But have they looked at the gas prices?
This season to top off a boat with regular unleaded fuel will cost about $3.99 a gallon.
And if you're using diesel fuel it's $3.50.
Just like motorists boat lovers can expect to shell out more money this season. Overton says business is still good despite the high gas prices
"You know, the gas prices are higher but that's not going to keep people off the water," Overton said.
Many boat lovers will tell you this is an expensive hobby, and with gas prices skyrocketing, many people are changing the way they use their boat.
Boat owner Brooks McCuen says the rise in the price of gas has influenced the way he travels.
McCuen said, "We've cut back on the speed, primarily to save diesel fuel, and we just go a little bit slower it's much more economically."
Overton says another fuel saving trend is limiting long distance trips.
"I find that people are doing shorter trips, but they're still using their boats," Overton said. "Got to have your boat."
And extra cash to enjoy your next ride.
Experts also suggest if you're looking to buy a boat and save money on gas, you might want to think about downsizing.
It can cost several hundred dollars less to fill up smaller boats.
