Drought effects on Central Texas boating

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Central Texas drought continues. Local lakes are up to 14 feet below normal levels. The economy is struggling and people are cutting back on luxury items. A favorite warm weather activity, boating, is actually doing well.

Portions of Central Texas have seen only 25 to 50 percent of the normal amount of rain in 2008. According to the Lower Colorado River Authority , rain totals are running eight to 12 inches below normal. In the worst regions, rain totals are running between 12 and 20 inches below normal. As of Dec. 18, Lake Buchanan was about seven feet below the historic December average, while Lake Travis was about 13 feet below. Many boaters are not finding the lower lake levels a bother.

"It's just a little inconvenient getting to your boat but other than that you know which parts of the lake are low and you know to avoid them," said boating enthusiast Jon Meyer.

It's not only the drought but the economy that could hamper the boating enthusiasts this year. In a struggling economy, luxury items like boats often are set aside or sold.

"Austin is not what we call a tough economy,” said Buzz Watkins with Sail and Ski. “The unemployment is relatively low and a lot of our customers are relatively affluent and so they see it as an opportunity to buy a boat at a better deal because our manufacturers nationally are putting great deals out there."

Watkins says the bargains are drawing customers that are already in the market for a new boat. Dealers like Sail and Ski will showcase some of those deals at the 2009 Austin Boat Show . The 2009 Austin Boat Show runs from Thursday, Jan. 15 through Jan. 18. More than ten local boating dealers will be at the Austin Convention Center. Tickets are just $8. Children and seniors can get in for $4.