Tim Sheridan and Katie Neer from the Capitol Group in Albany as BIA guest speakers on Thursday, Oct.28.2010.
Boating Helps Reduce Stress
We can’t stress the statistics enough - numerous studies have shown that a little bit of boating fun each day can go a long way towards reducing stress. In fact, a 2005 National Marina Manufacturers Association survey of over 1,000 American households listed boating in the top-three of all stress-relieving activities.
Advocacy Day in Albany was held March 29, 2011. Pictured are Patti White from Pirates Cove, Hans Wahl from French Creek Marina, Barb Caster from Morgan Recreational, Bruce Walker from Reiter's Marina, Jeff Kennedy from Morgan Marine, John Jablonski from Sailboat Shop, and other attendees that are not pictured were Chris Gaige from Rivetts Marine, Tim Habecker from Krenzer Marina.
UPDATE: E15 decision excludes marine engines
The Environmental Protection Agency today waived a limitation on selling fuel that is more than 10 percent ethanol for model-year 2007 and newer cars and light trucks.
The waiver applies to fuel that contains as much as 15 percent ethanol, known as E15. The decision excludes marine engines and other non-road engines, such as those on snowmobiles, lawn and garden equipment, and other small gasoline-powered engines.
Marine industry groups, including the National Marine Manufacturers Association, the Marine Retailers Association of America and BoatU.S., have vigorously opposed E15.
The NMMA is concerned that the EPA does not plan to take significant steps to address anticipated problems that involve consumer confusion and the risk of misfueling. The EPA also will not take action to ensure that compatible fuels remain available for the nation's 13 million registered boat owners or the hundreds of millions of owners of gasoline-powered equipment, the association said after the EPA's decision.
"We are extremely disappointed that EPA is allowing this fuel to enter the market without the appropriate scientific data or consumer and environmental safeguards," NMMA president Thom Dammrich said in a statement. "This decision not only adversely impacts marine manufacturers, but creates a significant risk of misfueling for the nation's 66 million boaters, who will be left 'holding the bag' for performance issues and expensive repairs.
"We are astonished that EPA has decided to move forward with a fuel that will increase air pollution and damage hundreds of millions of existing products," he added.
The EPA says it has done vigorous testing to ensure that E15 is safe for cars from model-year 2007 and later and the agency reiterated in a press conference that it was holding off a decision on older-model cars. Also, Gina McCarthy, EPA's assistant administrator for air and radiation, stressed that marine engines and other smaller engines were not included in the waiver.
Also, she said, the waiver is not a mandate to force the use of E15.
"EPA is not requiring the use of E15. This decision is not a mandate," she said. "This decision is about allowing the use of E15."
"Thorough testing has now shown that E15 does not harm emissions-control equipment in newer cars and light trucks," EPA administrator Lisa P. Jackson said in a statement. "Wherever sound science and the law support steps to allow more home-grown fuels in America's vehicles, this administration takes those steps."
A decision on the use of E15 in model-year 2001 to 2006 vehicles will be made after the EPA receives the results of additional testing that is expected to be completed in November.
However, no waiver will be granted this year for E15 use in model-year 2000 and older cars and light trucks - or in any motorcycles, heavy-duty vehicles or non-road engines - because there are no test data to support such a waiver.
Additionally, steps are being taken to help consumers easily identify the correct fuel for their vehicles and equipment. The EPA is proposing E15 pump-labeling requirements, including a requirement that the fuel industry specify the ethanol content of gasoline sold to retailers.
An E15 petition was submitted in March 2009 to EPA by Growth Energy and 54 ethanol manufacturers. In April 2009, EPA sought public comment on the petition and received about 78,000 comments.
The petition was submitted under a Clean Air Act provision that allows the EPA to waive the act's prohibition against the sale of a significantly altered fuel if the petitioner shows that the new fuel will not cause or contribute to the failure of the engine parts that ensure compliance with the act's emissions limits.
New Yorkers make 2010 Discover Clean & Safe Boating Pledge
Oswego, NY - New York Sea Grant, the Boating Industries Association of Upstate NY, and Marathon Boat Group have announced that more than 1,400 New York residents from Clayton and Oswego to Skaneateles, Seneca Falls and Syracuse have taken the Clean and Safe Boating Pledge in 2010, and thousands more were exposed to good boating practices by the 2500-plus mile February-September campaign.
The opportunity to promise to follow good boating practices came as the 2010 edition of the Discover Clean and Safe Boat traveled through Upstate NY on its educational mission. The 19-foot "made in New York" Grumman aluminum pontoon boat was equipped with the legally-required and recommended gear for safe boating on New York waters. Marathon Boat Group in Marathon, NY, supplied the boat, also equipped with two electric motors and a generator, for the tour.
People of all ages signed their promise to safely operate their boats, minimize wake, prevent fuel and oil spills, practice good cleaning and maintenance, use pumpouts and dump stations, keep waters free of litter and waste, and control the spread of aquatic nuisance species.
New York Sea Grant Coastal Recreation and Tourism Specialist Dave White traveled with the boat to sites and events including:
. Central New York Boat Shows in February and September in Syracuse
. The Great Lakes Seaway Trail Reveal Road Show: Ogdensburg, Sackets Harbor, Oswego, Webster, and Niagara Falls, NY, and Erie, PA
. The Antique Boat Museum Antique Boat Show in Clayton
. Festival of Sail and H. Lee White Marine Museum in Oswego
. Oswego County Fair, Sandy Creek
. Skaneateles Antique Boat Show
. Empire Farm Days in Seneca Falls.
"Visitors to the Discover Clean and Safe Boat asked good questions about how to keep themselves, their children, and their friends safe on the water. Being able to see the various types of personal flotation devices (life vests), and other safety gear is a great hands-on way to learn," White said.
White added some people were surprised to learn how easily they could help prevent oil and fuel spills with two inexpensive items - a bilge sock and a fuel nozzle bib.
"The 2010 Discover Clean and Safe Boating Campaign was a new program for Marathon Boat Group. We are pleased to return in 2011 to help New Yorkers learn how to enjoy our fabulous boating waters by following good practices to protect themselves and the marine environment," said Marathon Boat Group CEO John Jackson.
"The partnership of Boating Industries Association members, Marathon Boat Group donating a brand new vessel to help attract interest, and New York Sea Grant as the clean and safe boating educational arm made this campaign possible in 2010. Support from the state, industry and tourism sectors provided boating-related prize wheel items to make the exhibit great fun, and I am excited to announce we already have planning underway for the 2011 Discover Clean and Safe Boating campaign," said Boating Industries Association of Upstate New York President John Jablonski.
Morgan Recreational Supply, Taylor Made Products, the Sailboat Shop of Skaneateles, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation, and the Great Lakes Seaway Trail byway donated 45 PFDs (personal flotation devices/life vests), 500 boating bags, 220 bilge socks, and 60 Nautical Seaway Trail Chartbooks to the campaign.
The 2011 edition of the Discover Clean and Safe Boating will debut as part of the Boating Information Center exhibit at the February 2011 Central New York Boat Show in Syracuse, NY. A different style of vessel will have a new educational focus for the 2011 campaign. Watch for details on the New York Sea Grant website at www.nysgextension.org or call 315-312-3042 for more information.
Sidebar Suggestion: 2010 Clean & Safe Boat Part of NY History The Grumman aluminum pontoon boat provided for the 2010 Discover Clean and Safe Boating campaign came direct from the Marathon Boat Group assembly line at Marathon, NY, for its educational mission. It can be called a descendant of the engineering that created lightweight, stretch-formed aluminum aircraft use as carrier-based fighter planes during World War II.
In the summer of 1944, after portaging a heavy wood and canvas canoe in the Adirondack Mountains, Grumman Aircraft Engineering Vice President William Hoffman decided to create a lightweight canoe. The first aluminum canoe was produced at the Bethpage aircraft plant on Long Island in 1945. By the end of the war, Grumman was making six different length aluminum canoes. The plant moved to Marathon, NY, in 1952 and began producing larger aluminum boats there.
MRAA Asks Dealers to Ask President to Say NO to Untested E15
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is set to decide on usage of an E15 ethanol standard. This decision is expected to come later this month or early next month. MRAA asks dealers to contact the White House by visiting the www.FollowTheScience.org Website to write an email to the President requesting that he urge the EPA to test all gasoline powered engines, including marine engines before allowing universal E15 in the marketplace.
In the spring of 2009, a pro-ethanol association of primarily corn co-ops and farmers petitioned the EPA to ask that the ethanol standard for gasoline engines be raised from 10% to 15%. The EPA decided to pursue the petition and issued a new rulemaking which would waive the current standard. The decision was further delayed to the present to allow for more testing of the E15 standard.
As you know, E10 in marine engines has caused a safety concern due to the destructive nature of the ethanol in marine fuel systems. MRAA is concerned that an increase to E15 will only increase the safety concerns.
MRAA believes the ethanol issue, especially if it is raised to E15, will continue to impact the boating community. MRAA also asks dealers to inform boat owners, suppliers, and other interested individuals.
Beginning November 1, 2009, Section 40, Subdivision 1 of the Navigation Law shall be amended by adding new paragraph (e), which reads as follows:
No owner or operator of a pleasure vessel less than twenty-one feet, including rowboats, canoes, and kayaks shall permit its operation, between November first and May first, unless each person on board such vessel is wearing a securely fastened United States Coast Guard approved wearable personal flotation device of an appropriate size when such vessel is underway.
Failure to wear a lifejacket on such vessels will be considered a violation under Section 73-c if the Navigation Law and is punishable by a fine of not less than $25 nor more than $100, applicable to either the operator and/or the owner of the vessel.
KEEPING NEW YORK WATERS SAFE FOR EVERYONE
NMMA urges all members and friends of boating to get engaged in political activism by sending e-mails and making calls to their elected officials regarding some of the most pressing policy issues concerning our industry. Our grassroots activists are our best advocates, and Congress needs to hear from you directly!
New York officials are not going ahead with a proposed 5 percent tax on boats of more than $200,000, which was included in Gov. David Paterson's original budget proposal.
"We're pleased that the legislature and the governor realized that this boat tax would not only fail to bring in revenue, but would significantly damage many marine businesses," said David Dickerson, NMMA director of state government relations, in a statement.
The NMMA, along with the New York Marine Trades Association and other allies worked to have this proposal eliminated from the budget. Hundreds of letters and e-mails were sent to the governor warning of the consequences such a tax could have on the marine industry, the NMMA said.
"The impact of the proposed tax would hit New York marine dealers most immediately. About 38 percent of their sales are of boats 30-39 feet long, most of which retail for more than $200,000," the NMMA said in a letter to the governor.
"Loss of even 20 percent of these sales to neighboring states, or to decisions to not purchase a vessel rather than pay the tax, would lead to even greater layoffs than already experienced in the New York market," the letter stated.
The NMMA notes that area dealers also have experienced significant sales declines since the New York National Boat Show had its dates moved to December. In 2001, attendance was 95,000 and, at the most recent show, it dropped to less than 50,000.
NYMTA executive director Christopher Squeri said the tax would do nothing to increase the state's coffer because consumers will simply buy fewer boats or purchase them out of state. That will hurt everyone, from dealers to marinas and other waterfront businesses.
"It's a domino that's just going to be horrible," Squeri said when the proposal was announced.
Stop the New York Luxury Tax on Boats Time is Short; Act Now
The proposed five percent luxury tax on sales of boats costing more than $200,000 is fully alive in the New York Senate and Assembly. The Governor and the legislature did cut a deal this week to drop a number of taxes from the proposed 2009-10 budget, however the Luxury Tax on boats was not one of them.
NMMA has two lobbyists on the ground fighting against the tax. Likewise, the New York Marine Trades Association has its lobbyists working hard on your behalf. Yet, it is marine dealers like you who are our best hope for stopping this tax.
(click here)
Tell Washington to provide relief for marine floorplan financing
The marine industry is struggling as a result of general economic conditions, but most specifically due to financial instability and a near total-lack of financing for dealer showroom floors. Production is at an all-time low, employees are being laid off by the thousands and businesses are shuttering their doors at an alarming rate.
The good news is that lawmakers in Washington, DC are in a position to help. The bad news is that the boating industry has not been included in recent efforts by Congress and the Treasury Department.
Stop the New York Luxury Tax on Boats Time is Short; Act Now
The proposed five percent luxury tax on sales of boats costing more than $200,000 is fully alive in the New York Senate and Assembly. The Governor and the legislature did cut a deal this week to drop a number of taxes from the proposed 2009-10 budget, however the Luxury Tax on boats was not one of them.
NMMA has two lobbyists on the ground fighting against the tax. Likewise, the New York Marine Trades Association has its lobbyists working hard on your behalf. Yet, it is marine dealers like you who are our best hope for stopping this tax.
(click here)
Tell Washington to provide relief for marine floorplan financing
The marine industry is struggling as a result of general economic conditions, but most specifically due to financial instability and a near total-lack of financing for dealer showroom floors. Production is at an all-time low, employees are being laid off by the thousands and businesses are shuttering their doors at an alarming rate.
The good news is that lawmakers in Washington, DC are in a position to help. The bad news is that the boating industry has not been included in recent efforts by Congress and the Treasury Department.
Saltwater Fishing Tax Would Sink New York's
Recreational Fishing Community
Albany, NY - January 27, 2009 - When New York Governor David Paterson unveiled his 2009 Executive Budget, many New Yorkers couldn't help but snicker at such belt-tightening proposals as the 15% "obesity tax" on non-diet drinks. For the recreational fishing and boating industry however, particularly a new coalition called Save Boating and Fishing Jobs in New York, the sweeping set of new taxes levied at their "active" tourism industry in New York is no laughing matter.
Efforts to force saltwater anglers to buy a $19 dollar saltwater license ($40 for out of state anglers) before casting a line in New York's coastal waters would strike a heavy blow to marinas, tackle shops and marine dealers, most of whom are already suffering from a two-year-long decline in business. In addition to a saltwater license, the governor's budget would also impose a 5% luxury tax on all boats costing over $200,000, an increase in marina fees, an increase in state park fees and a lifting of the cap on state fuel taxes.
"We're outraged that the Governor would recommend not one, but five new or increased taxes targeting fishermen, boaters and the $1 billion New York recreational fishing industry. We're experiencing an unprecedented downturn in fishing activity. Even fishing from the shore will be an expensive outing under this tax plan," said Jim Donofrio, Executive Director of Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA), a national advocacy group for recreational fishing.
Joining in RFA's opposition is a coalition comprised of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), New York Fishing Tackle Trade Association (NYFTTA), United Boatmen of New York and the New York Marine Trades Association (NYMTA). The new coalition is calling itself Save Boating and Fishing Jobs in New York.
Recreational marine fishing in New York created $812 million in sales, directly supported 5,365 jobs, provided $424 million in value-added economic impact and $126 million in tax revenue, according to a 2006 National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) study. NMFS excluded significant revenue from excise taxes applied to fishing trips, bait and tackle sales, and marine fuel.
"Fishermen already pay a huge amount in taxes to enjoy their sport," Donofrio said. "The state should create more incentives to spur its growth. A healthy, vibrant recreational fishery can increase revenue. Now is the time to support this important industry, not stifle it."
Coalition leaders believe that efforts by the state government to levy increased fees on regional fishing and boating could seriously impact New York's marine tourism industry. "When a politician implements a $2 cigarette tax or a 15% obesity tax, he'll tell you unabashedly that it's designed in part to stop people from using these products," said Jim Hutchinson, Jr. Executive Editor of The Fisherman. "Likewise, this over-taxation of boating and fishing will push many people and businesses over the edge. Fishermen will stay home, small businesses will be hurt and the state will lose more in general tax revenue than it gains from these sweeping taxes."
The NYFTTA has worked in recent months with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) to design a marine district saltwater registry that will minimize the cost to fishermen while increasing federal funding of fisheries management and boating infrastructure. "We hope the governor and legislature will drop the tax and instead support the saltwater registry being developed by the NYS DEC," said an obviously frustrated Gene Young, President of NYFTTA. "The Governor's license plan will smash open the lock box that now prevents the diversion of funds earmarked for marine conservation. The license fees will disappear into a general conservation fund, and the net effect will be a cutback in marine fisheries management."
"It has become tough enough to enjoy fishing in just the past few years. Summer fluke season has been shortened, winter flounder fishing soon will be banned and there's lower take limits on other local game fish," stated Philip Curcio of United Boatmen of New York, a trade organization representing the voice of the recreational charter and party boat industry in New York.
To learn more and to send a form letter to Governor Paterson, visit the RFA website at www.joinrfa.org.
The Recreational Fishing Alliance is a national, grassroots political action organization representing recreational fishermen and the recreational fishing industry on marine fisheries issues. The RFA Mission is to safeguard the rights of saltwater anglers, protect marine, boat and tackle industry jobs, and ensure the long-term sustainability of our Nation's saltwater fisheries. For more information, go to www.joinrfa.org or call 1-888-JOIN-RFA.
President Bush Signs 2008 Clean Boating Act into Law
President Bush last night signed into law The Clean Boating Act of 2008, protecting more than 17 million recreational boats throughout the U.S. from unprecedented federal regulations.
The signing took place on Air Force One as the President was en route from Ohio to Washington, D.C.
Both houses of Congress passed the Clean Boating Act July 22.
“This is welcome news for all recreational marine manufacturers across the country,” said Thom Dammrich, president of the National Marine Manufacturers Association, in a statement. “NMMA raised the alarm on this misguided court decision nearly two years ago, and we are thrilled that Congress and the President have prevented the bureaucratic nightmare that was set to become law.”
Introduced by Sens. Bill Nelson, D-Fla. and Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., and Reps. Steve LaTourette, R-Ohio, and Candice Miller, R-Mich, The Clean Boating Act of 2008 permanently and fully restores a regulation that excludes recreational boaters and anglers from the Clean Water Act federal and state permitting system designed for land-based industrial facilities like sewage treatment plants.
Without legislative relief, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was set to implement new permitting regulations for boaters by Oct. 1, 2008.
Congressional action was prompted by a U.S. district court decision in September 2006 under which recreational boats would have fallen under Clean Water Act permit requirements effective Sept. 30, 2008. The federal permit would have dictated maintenance and operation procedures and potentially subjected boaters to citizen lawsuits as well as a penalty system designed for industrial polluters.
At the same time it passed The Clean Boating Act of 2008, Congress also passed legislation to provide a moratorium on permitting for commercial vessel discharges until the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency completes a review of certain incidental discharges.
“It’s just a wonderful day for boating and it’s really wonderful that this common-sense legislation went all the way through this legislative process to become law,” Margaret Podlich, vice president of government affairs for BoatU.S., told Soundings Trade Only this morning.
The bill went to the president last Friday, Podlich said, but it was unknown when it would be signed.
Also, she noted, comments on the draft permits proposed by the EPA had been due this week, “so for recreational boaters, it’s a nice clean timeline because he signed it before that Aug. 1 comment deadline.
” Podlich, and officials from the NMMA, praised the efforts by so many in the industry that led to the passage of this bill. “The beauty of this year-plus effort is that everybody came together toward this common goal,” she said. “The industry, marinas, equipment manufacturers, equipment sellers … and the boaters themselves.”
“Passage of this legislation is a testament to what is possible when our community joins forces and speaks with one voice before key decision-makers,” said Scott Gudes, NMMA vice president for government relations.
— Beth Rosenberg
Boat/Jet Ski Certification Effective January 1, 2004
Effective January 1, 2004, New York State requires every PWC operator to have a boat/jet-ski certificate, and that means taking a boater safety course.
The requirement has been hasped in over years by age, and applies to all PWC operators beginning the first day of this year. While PWC's make up less than 10 percent of the state's registered boats, they are involved in nearly 30 percent of all accidents.
Advocacy Day in Albany was held March 29, 2011. Pictured are Patti White from Pirates Cove, Hans Wahl from French Creek Marina, Barb Caster from Morgan Recreational, Bruce Walker from Reiter's Marina, Jeff Kennedy from Morgan Marine, John Jablonski from Sailboat Shop, and other attendees that are not pictured were Chris Gaige from Rivetts Marine, Tim Habecker from Krenzer Marina.
Effective January 1, 2004, New York State requires every PWC operator to have a boat/jet-ski certificate, and that means taking a boater safety course. 