State proposes doubling annual boater’s excise tax!

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Update: Because so many boaters, boating businesses and Senate leaders spoke up, the Senate removed any increase to the Watercraft Excise Tax in their Senate budget. We are turning off the action-alert campaign at this time. NMTA

This is something that affects all of us boaters so please take a moment to review this message from the Northwest Marine Trade Assoc. and the Recreational Boating Assoc. of Washington

All Boaters,

This morning I testified before the Senate Transportation Committee opposing a new proposal to double the watercraft excise tax. This is the tax Washington boaters pay annually when they register their boats.

Boaters are the only user group that pay an excise tax and we think it is unfair and inappropriate to increase this tax.

The funds from this Vessel Excise Tax go directly into the state general fund.

Please take action now and let our state senators know you do not support this increase. It only takes one minute! Click this LINK now to send a message to your state senator.

Sincerely,

George Harris

NMTA President/CEO

Life jacket survey

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from the Washington State Parks Boating Program….

Life jacket survey for recreational boaters:

Do you have three minutes to spare? As a recreational boater, your feedback matters.
In recent years, Washington state legislators have proposed potential bills to address gaps in recreational boating safety and education. The Washington State Parks Boating Program would like your feedback about one of those recent proposals — mandatory life jacket wear on human-powered watercraft.
The survey is five questions, your answers are confidential and no personally identifying questions are asked.  Take the survey

Thank you for your time, we appreciate the feedback.

About the Washington State Boating Program
Washington State Parks administers the state’s Boating Program, which provides leadership in boating safety and environmental education and outreach. The program is funded primarily by the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund through federal grants. The goal of the program is to reduce accidents and fatalities, increase stewardship of Washington waterways, and keep recreational boating a safe, accessible and enjoyable pastime. For more information on the Boating Program, visit: http://www.washingtonstateparks.us/Boating

Get to know your neighbors…

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As the weather gets better and folks come out of hibernation, it’s a great time to meet the new arrivals and get caught up with the non liveaboards that start to come back down to their boats.  We have a great community here so let’s try to make everyone feel welcome!

When you live in such close quarters, its hard not to be in each other’s space, so getting out on the dock becomes the relief… the “office water cooler”, the “cul-de-sac”, the “neighborhood coffee shop/bar”.  Get out and have a dock box chat-an easy way to social distance.  Help your neighbor go to the fuel dock/pumpout/haulout.  Go boating!

Building a Shilshole Community

Upcoming Snow/Freeze Event

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We have some cold weather in the forecast and it may or may not contain snow, but it’s the time of year to always be prepared…

  • Please check on your neighbors, especially the elderly or those with limited mobility and if you need it, don’t be afraid to ask for help-either from your neighbors or the Port staff at 24/7 cell:  206-601-4089
  • Be careful with space heaters-don’t use them with extension cords and turn off your water heater breaker at night so you can have more amps and won’t blow your main breaker
  • Be careful walking the docks-stay in the middle
  • Snow shovels are available to check out at the office
  • Be patient with the pumpout services…if the marina pumps are frozen, they can’t use them either
  • Keep your water tank topped off when your hose defrosts
  • Don’t drive if you don’t have to, but top off your car gas tank in case you get stuck out driving, and have water, snacks, blankets and boots in the car
  • When it warms up and starts to melt, make sure your scuppers are clear to drain

Here is Seattle’s plowing priority map…

crime

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Sometime between last Thursday, February 4 and today, Monday February 8, the catalytic converter for my car, a Toyota Prius was stolen. We are under siege. I’m told four catalytic converters from Prius’ were stolen in the last two weeks.
This was two rows away from E dock. Continue reading →