JimH wrote:
.........we already know what will happen with the 25 ft+/twin engine boat
market.

So what do you predict will happen with the single engine 19-23 foot boat
market?

People who go boating because the enjoy being out on the water won't be
impacted all that much. They will slow down to "just on plane" or even
displacement speeds and have a great time. People who can't imagine
boating with anything less than the biggest available engine
cranked up to the highest possible rpm are going to be paying, and
paying, and paying for the privilege and it may be tough to find others
willing to pay much to take over the privilege and responsibilty of a
$100 an hour (or maybe substantially more) habit.

If you want to see what high fuel prices do to recreational boating,
check out Europe.
On previous visits to Britain and Spain, I have developed an informal
impression that
1) There are a lot fewer pleasure boats per capita
2) There are a lot more sailboats than powerboats
3) Nearly all powerboats are diesels

Game plan for gas boaters is likely to be; Tune up, lighten ship, look
for the most efficient operating speeds, clean the bottom, and make
sure every excursion is so much fun that
the price of fuel will be an afterthought.

Boats in the 19-23 foot range won't suffer as badly as boats somewhat
larger. The smaller boats can be more easily trailered, and usage
patterns will shift to where boaters haul the trailer to a ramp closer
to the fishing hole, state park, etc and run the boat for shorter
distances on its own bottom.

I predict that for many boaters, priorities will shift and attributes
that were important just a few years ago (i.e. maximum available speed)
will become less important as fuel prices move inexorably upward.