Occupancy At Sacramento Marina Down Sharply

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) - It's one of the biggest boating days of the year and the unofficial start of summer. So why was the Sacramento Marina half empty?

They might prefer to say half full, but optimism isn't filling the slips or paying off the loan for a multi-million dollar remodel.

Fewer people in the Sacramento region are now able to enjoy the luxury of boating.

At the Sacramento Marina, on the Sacramento River near Old Sac, the occupancy is now at a historic low. "For Sale" signs are a common sight on the boats that are docked there, along with cobwebs.

Clark McCoy works at the marina. "I know that four years ago they had a six-month waiting list here," he said. "This was filled up."

The waiting list is gone. There is no last chance to get a spot. The occupancy is just 52 percent. The rates, starting at $286 a month per slip, appear to be too much for most.

"It's free at home," one boater said. "We've got a driveway for a reason."

For regulars on the river, the change is easy to see.

"Obviously, some people can't afford to go anymore," another boater said Monday.

Michael Arroyo used to cater parties on the river. Oysters are his specialty.

"This year it's been pretty bad," he said. "Economically, nobody's really got the money for it."