NMTA Member News

Marina Rents Bill (SB 5550)

2012-02-06T14:30:00.000-08:00

This issue puts us in a unique situation. It's rare that an issue that could affect a signficant segment of our members (marinas) is one where we do not take a position on. This is one of those examples. With winners and losers on both sides, NMTA has not weighed in on Senate Bill 5550, which has to do with how marina rents are calculated.

As for the latest, this bill is back from last year with a bit of new language. It's important to note that it does not impact yacht clubs. While we are not taking a position on this bill, you can count on me to provide you with the latest news on it (either here on the blog or you can email me at peter at nmta.net)

As for the latest iteration, SB 5550 establishes a marinalease pilot project in two markets (San Juans and Tacoma). According to the lobbyist who is advocating for the change, the pilotallows DNR to reduce the lease rates of those marinas above the 45% averagelease rate within their five-mile competitive market radius if the marina or uplandsare subject to public access requirements as detailed in the language.

Big Event on Wed, Feb 1 at the Seattle Boat Show

2012-01-30T18:26:00.000-08:00

Make plans to join us for a once-a-year opportunity (organized by the WA Boating Alliance which NMTA is a strong supporter of) to come together as a boating community. The purpose of this annual conference is to engage key boating leaders (that’s you); learn more about recreational boating and have some fun. I’ll be there and so should you.

"Washington Boating Programs in 2012: Opportunities and Challenges"

Location: Seattle Boat Show, Fish Stage (CenturyLink Exhibit Center)

Date: Wednesday, February 1 (9:00-1:00)

Cost: Free (not only is this event free but it also gets you into the Boat Show for that day for free.)

Guest speakers include Rob McKenna (Attorney General and candidate for governor), George Harris (NMTA), Steve Greaves, WBA, Kaleen Cottingham (Recreation and Conservation Office), Joanna Grist (WA Wildlife and Recreation Coalition), Gerry O'Keefe (Puget Sound Partnership), Jim Hebert (Hebert Research)

For full schedule of this event's festivities, visit this link: www.nmta.net/wba

*Rep. Jay Inslee was invited to speak but due to scheduling issues was unable to accept the invitation.

WA Boating Alliance Mission Statement: The mission of the WA Boating Alliance, an all-inclusive alliance of boating related organizations, is to develop, advance and implement consensus and proposals to enhance the recreational boating experience in Washington.

Please RSVP to WBA's Chair Steve Greaves (sgreaves@portagebaysystems.com)

Parking info:

Parking Instructions:

The most convenient parking is in the CenturyLink Parking Garage which you enter from Royal Brougham. The cost is $11. Credit cards may be used for parking.

Here is a link to parking details and a map: http://www.seattleboatshow.com/parking-details.html

Entrance Directions:

As the WBA Conference begins before the Boat Show opens, you will need to enter through the “Concourse Entrance of the CenturyLink Field & Event Center”. The Concourse entrance is on the 2nd level of the parking garage at the south end of the building.

If you choose to park elsewhere or arrive by transit, you can still enter from the Concourse level by walking to the south end of the building on Royal Brougham and use the stairs to get to the 2nd level.

There will be staff at the Concourse entrance to greet WBA Conference attendees and direct them to the Fish Stage.

Time:

The period between 9:00am and the beginning of the Conference program at 9:30am is for gathering, coffee, networking, obtaining your name badge at the entrance to the Fish Stage, and finding your seat. Please arrive in time to be seated by 9:30am as we have full program and speakers with tight schedules.

Legislative update

2012-01-24T12:18:00.000-08:00

By now, I’m hoping you have your BoatShow tickets and have cleared your calendars for the 65^th Annual Seattle Boat Show. While everythingis getting in place for the Show, eyes are focused on what’s happening inOlympia, too.

Here’s a brief update on our legislativepriorities:

House Committee Action:

HB 2444:Sets up a study of a marine innovation center
Position:OPPOSE

· While we are not opposed to the concept ofmarine innovation, we are opposed to taking $150,000 from the RecreationResource Account to study the benefits of a marine innovation center.

· Plus, this center seems redundant given thegood work already underway at the NW Center of Excellence and CAMPS (Center forAdvanced Manufacturing in Puget Sound).

· Solution: We would like to work with the primesponsor on finding grants and/or money in the higher education budget as thereis a much closer connection there than taking money from the RecreationResource Account, which is part of the Capital Budget.

· Status: The bill was heard last week in theCommunity Development Committee. You can view the testimony here.

HB 2469: Exemptsadvanced treatment systems for boatyards from the Shoreline Management Act

Position:SUPPORT

· Background: The new Boatyard Permit pushesboatyards towards purchasing water treatment systems (think giant Britafilters)

· This bill would allow them to get installedquicker with assurance that key environmental protections are maintained andshorelines are not harmed.

· Status: Execed out of the Local GovernmentCommittee on Friday. You can view the testimony here.

Senate Committee Action

SB 6171: Increasesthe weight that is eligible for a exemption from the Pilotage Commission

Position:SUPPORT

· Background: Currently, any foreign-flaggedvessel needs a pilot unless they can qualify for an exemption, which isavailable for any vessels under 200 feet and 500 tons.

· Working with the Puget Sound Pilots, we havereached consensus that the amount of tonnage can be upped to 750 tons.

· If this bill passes, foreign-flagged vesselswould be eligible for an exemption if they under 200 feet and 750 tons.

· Status: This bill was heard in theTransportation Committee and was voted out of that committee on January 23.Hearing link hereand vote to move it out of the committeehere.

SB6264: Add $1.00 to boat registrations to pay for a marine innovation center

Position:OPPOSE

· While we are not opposed to the concept ofmarine innovation, we are opposed to taxing boaters an additional dollar tofund a marine innovation center.

· Plus, this center parallels work already underway at the NW Center of Excellence and CAMPS (Center forAdvanced Manufacturing in Puget Sound).

· Solution: We would like to work with the primesponsor on finding grants and/or money in the higher education budget as thereis a much closer connection than charging the end user for this center.

· Status: The bill was heard last week in theMarine Waters Committee. You can view the testimony here

Neither rain, nor sleet, nor snow...

2012-01-19T19:55:00.000-08:00

While many stayed at home today, NMTA's legislative team was out in full force in Olympia, advocating for our members. Specifically, NMTA's Director of Government Affairs, testified in opposition to the tapping of the Recreation Resource Account to study the benefits of a marine innovation center. Similar to yesterday's bill (see the previous blog on the subject), this bill, while well-intentioned, goes about the funding in a way that has not sat well with our members.

You can view the testimony here: http://tinyurl.com/8xvxte2

Rep. Morris, the prime sponsor, tees up the bill and then Doug Levy (RBAW) and Peter Schrappen weigh in on why the concept is something that has merit, but the funds should come from some where else.

What do you think?

Marine Innovation Center?

2012-01-18T14:13:00.000-08:00

The most recent idea making the rounds sounds like a good concept. Who's not for creating a Marine Innovation Center like we already have in Anacortes?

Here's a bit of the background: House Bill 2444 takes money from the beloved Recreation Resource Account to study whether a Marine Innovation Center makes sense. The Senate version has a different funding approach (adding $1.00 to boat registrations) for a facility in Skagit County.

To view today's testimony on this $1.00 tax, you can view it here: http://tinyurl.com/862twzl

Let me know your thoughts on this idea. (peter at nmta.net)

Economic Impact Study takes to the cyber-newstands

2012-01-17T11:34:00.000-08:00

Deborah Bach at Three Sheets NW showcased the economic impact study co-funded by NMTA, NYBA and PNYA. It's here: Millions at Stake with New Proposal.

Tent for sale

2012-01-13T14:49:00.000-08:00

Canal Boatyard has a great deal on a tent.

Details: New"Portable" Shelter, Steel Pole Tent. 30' wide, 39' high, 60' long.
Includes double ground rails, double backbone, 14" double trusses.
Barn style doors. A 55 ton marine travel lift will fit through the door.

$25K or best offer!

If interested or if you'd like to see pictures of it, please contact Ivaylo Minkov at Canal (minkov@canalboatyard.com)

And they're off

2012-01-11T16:20:00.001-08:00

Governor Gregoire delivered her State of the State addressyesterday to a joint session of the state House and Senate. You can read herspeech here(along with the Republican response). Also,take a look at this session overview in The Seattle Times (here)that does a nice job reviewing the lay of the land and the session priorities.The conventional wisdom is that everything is on the table, which means that weare guarding those things near and dear to us (such as keeping the trade-inallowance in place; protecting the Recreation Resource Account and continuingto think about what a sales-tax hike would mean to member businesses (andboaters)).

NMTA’s agenda is not one of defense alone. Rather, there’ssome optimism from the Government Affairs shop that a bill to make it easierfor boatyards to install water treatment system as well as loosening up thePilotage requirements are on a nice trajectory for success in 2012. Also, Sen.Nick Harper, a freshman Democrat from Everett, has collaborated with us tointroduce a Senate version of the Marine Tourism Bill, which makes it easierfor out-of-state entity-owned vessels to visit Washington state.

Check back here regularly for legislative updates. Thingshappen very slow in Olympia, that is until they happen very fast. Know that wewill have a presence each day (and night) in Olympia on your behalf.

-Peter (peter at nmta.net)

News as America's Cup Approaches

2012-01-08T14:52:00.000-08:00

NMTA will be introducing legislation this legislative session, which begins tomorrow, to make it easier for boats to visit our world-class waters. Currently, any foreign-flagged vessel that is over 500 tons and 200 feet is required to have a pilot on board (if the boat is foreign-flagged, under 200 feet and 500 tons, there is an exemption process that allows them to access our area without a pilot). NMTA's bill would increase the ability to get an exemption by increasing the amount of tonnage eligible for an exemption from 500 to 750 tons. The exemption process would remain. 750 tons is in line with San Francisco, which is hosting the next America's Cup.

Additionally, President Obama signed the America's Cup Act of 2011, which provides an exemption for foreign-flagged boats to move owners and charter guests between ports if they are involved in the America's Cup regatta and related events.

Specifics on the federal legislation: http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h112-3321

The America's Cup World Series regatta will begin this summer in Newport from June 23-July 1 and San Francisco this summer.

Boatyard Permit Fee increase is put on hold

2012-01-04T15:09:00.000-08:00

Straight from the Governor's office, the move to raise boatyard permit fees from $350 to nearly $4,000 has been put hold.

Here’s a link to the Ecology web page dealing with the rulemoratorium: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/laws-rules/suspension_update.html

Was 2011 a record year for crabbing?

2011-12-28T22:17:00.000-08:00

Recreational boaters and crabbers enjoyed expanded crabbing seasons throughout the Puget Sound in 2011. The Seattle Times' Mark Yuasa spent time on the water recently with NMTA Director of Fishing Affairs Tony Floor in the south sound to experience first-hand the impact of those expansions.Click here to read about Mark's crabbing adventure online.

Seattle Boat Show's Facebook page gains in popularity

2011-12-28T14:22:00.000-08:00

The Seattle Boat ShowFacebook page (www.Facebook.com/SeattleBoatShow)is gaining fans quickly as the show approaches, which runs from January 27-February 5.

Currently, the page ranks#3 in the world (and #2 in the U.S.) for Facebook fans among boat shows with3,400+ people, behind #1 Bahrain Boat Show with 10,795 fans, and #2 Miami Boat Showwith 4,235. Take a look and like us on Facebook!

Legislative priorities set for next session

2011-12-17T08:25:00.000-08:00

Now that the special session has concluded in Olympia with the legislature finding about $500 million in savings, all eyes are set for the 2012 legislative session. This 60-day session commences on January 9 and is expected that the $1.5 billion hole in the budget will garner the vast majority of attention.

This past week, Three Sheets NW (www.threesheetsnw.com), a blog dedicated to covering recreational boating issues, went in depth on what's on NW Marine Trade Association's agenda.

Complete coverage here: http://tinyurl.com/chsqm5q

Additionally, Ann Avary, who runs the NW Center of Excellence & Marine Technology, spent thirty minutes recently with NMTA's Director of Government Affairs to learn more about the economic impact study and to hear what's in store for their government affairs program. That interview is here: http://tinyurl.com/c8wk4p3

100+ members attend NMTA Annual Meeting

2011-12-09T11:28:00.000-08:00

More than 100 members attended NMTA's Annual Meeting in Seattle last night. The business and social event featured a "Year in Review" led by George Harris, detailing the activities and accomplishments of NMTA during 2011. Congressman Jay Inslee also spoke to the audience via Skype from his office in Washington DC.

The night concluded with four industry awards:
Robert Rittenhouse Award (given to an individual from Oregon who has made a significant contribution to the boating industry: Trey Carskadon of BDC Advertising for his longtime work to prommote boating through the region.

Latham Goble Award (given to an individual outside the boating industry who has made a significant contribution to the industry: Michael Campbell, former NMTA president from 1999-2009

Jerry Brant Award (given to an individual in the boating industry who has made a significant contribution to the industry: Dwight Jones, manager of Elliott Bay Marina

Legislator of the Year Award: Rep. Dave Upthegrove (view Rep. Upthegrove's acceptance speech)

Thanks to the NMTA Annual Meeting sponsors: Fisheries Supply, Westmar Insurance, Windworks Sailing Center, Wells Fargo Advisors, Pacific Maritime Title, and Global Marine Insurance.

Member appointed to Fish & Wildlife Commission

2011-12-08T09:57:00.000-08:00

Larry Carpenter, owner of NMTA member business Master Marine in Mount Vernon, was appointed to the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission by Governor Gregoire this week.

The commission is a nine-member citizen panel that sets policy for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Members are appointed by the governor to six-year terms. The commission holds public meetings that provide an opportunity for citizens to participate in management of Washington's fish and wildlife. Three members must reside east of the summit of the Cascade mountains, three must reside west of the summit and three may reside anywhere in the state.

To view the full press release, click on http://wdfw.wa.gov/news/dec0711a/

Derby Series wraps up at Resurrection Derby

2011-12-08T09:37:00.001-08:00

69 teams of over 200 fishermen descended on Friday Harbor Dec. 1st for the 2011 Resurrection Derby, leaving no doubt that the San Juan Islands are the mecca of winter Chinook fishing in the Northwest. A total of 96 hatchery origin fish were weighed in for the Friday and Saturday event. The first fish to hit the scales was also the biggest at 22.34 lbs, caught by Walt Vanwingerden and his Grandson Tommy of Bellingham. This blackmouth eclipsed last years winner by over 2lb.s. Fair weather and fair fishing saw more fish caught the second day. Angler Steve Grey and skipper Mark Schinman of Everett reeled in a big fish over 20lb.s, shaking up the leader board and landing in 2nd. place. Team Defiance Boats out of Bremerton rounded out the top three. Last year’s winner, Team Big Kahuna, netted total weight honors with 63.52 lbs.

This Puget Sound Anglers event has quickly become one of the most coveted tickets on the Northwest Salmon Derby Series. A true gathering of the elite saltwater fishermen in the Northwest, and a brother and sisterhood of anglers who represent the best of what sportfishing has to offer. ESPN's The Outdoor Line from KIRO 710 broadcast live and fished the derby, adding to a large crowd for the official weigh in at Friday Harbor Seafood. All proceeds from this selective retention tournament will go to Salmon enhancement and hatchery projects.

Link to on-line tickets

2011-12-03T16:00:00.000-08:00

The link is now up so don't hesitate to get your Seattle Boat Show tickets.

Here you go: http://www.seattleboatshow.com/buy-tickets.html

Boat Show tickets go on sale this week

2011-11-28T10:50:00.001-08:00

Three Sheets NW (www.threesheetsnw.com) has all the details

Link: http://tinyurl.com/6rvnqvw

Special Session starts next week

2011-11-22T14:43:00.001-08:00

If you’ve seen the newspapers today, then you probably saw something about asales-tax increase. That’s because Governor Gregoire made news yesterday whenshe proposed an "all-cuts" budget to deal with the $2 billionshortfall that awaits legislators when they return for a special session next week.

The .05% sales-tax increase would be something voters would vote on inMarch. If we agreed to tax ourselves, then this $500 million in new revenuewould allow the legislature to buy back the very services that were cut. Thistax would last three years and then be set to expire.

The short of it is that Governor Gregoire is asking the legislature to cut$2 billion and then the voters will approve a $500 million tax to buy back someof the $2 billion in cuts.

There was some speculation that the governor would look to remove thetrade-in deduction for boat purchases as well as a place a luxury tax on boatpurchases. Thankfully, both of those measures did not make her list. Thatdoesn't mean that we are home free, however, as the governor doesn’t write thebudget (although she does have a loud microphone). That’s the legislature’s job.Certainly, it's better to be in a starting point where we find ourselves, butit's important to note that the budget process is a long, windy road, which wewill be watching from Olympia every day.

Governor Gregoire’s Press Conference: link

Reactions from key lawmakers, including Rep. Ross Hunter who attended NMTA’sforum in Belleuve last week here: ReactionsTo Governor's Budget Proposal

Speaker Chopp’s reaction here.

More coverage on the press conference from the Seattle Times and Tacoma NewsTribune

Tomorrow's Marina & Boatyard Conference

2011-11-08T19:59:00.000-08:00

If you are fortunate enough to have reserved a spot at the sold-out NW Marina & Boatyard Conference, presented by Marine Floats, then you know that it begins tomorrow at 10:00 am with a welcome from NMTA's George Harris.

The location is Maple Hall (104 Commercial/ La Conner WA). If you need specific directions or assistance, you can phone Peter Schrappen at 206.661.7855

Last chance to register for NMEA training

2011-10-24T11:31:00.000-07:00

Outstanding training opportunities offered by the National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) are coming to Seattle in early November, and Northwest Marine Trade Association (NMTA) members receive a 25 percent discount on course registration.

On November 2, NMTA will host the NMEA Basic Marine Electronics Installer session. On November 3. NMTA hosts NMEA 200 Training. And on November 4, NMTA hosts NMEA Advanced Marine Electronics Installer session. All courses run from 8am – 5pm, with an exam given at the end of the session.

Pre-registration is required. To register, please visit the NMEA website at NMEA.org, or contact the national office at 410-975-9425. Be sure to indicate that you are an NMTA member on your registration to qualify for the 25% discount. Course materials are sent out in advance, please sign up early.

All courses will be held at the NMTA office, located at 1900 N. Northlake Way, #233, Seattle, WA 98103.

NMTA Announces Endorsements of Seattle City Council Races

2011-10-20T12:38:00.000-07:00

As voters in Seattle continue to think about their choices for the city council, NMTA has endorsed several candidates. Specifically, NMTA has endorsed:

Position 3: Bruce Harrell

Position 5: Tom Rasmussen

Position 7: Tim Burgess

Position 9: Sally Clark

"We appreciate the public service commitment of all the candidates, but a consensus from our political action committee was formed around our endorsed candidates. These decisions were based on their experience, interviews and candidate viability," said Peter Schrappen, NMTA's Director of Government Affairs. "We look forward to working with them especially as they decide on the updates to the Shoreline Master Program."

NMTA's Political Action Committee, like all of NMTA's committees execpt the boat show committee, are open to all of NMTA's members. Please contact Peter if you would like to join the political action committee (peter at nmta.net)

$60,000 boat awarded to Hoodsport angler following Northwest Salmon Derby Series finale

2011-09-27T08:55:00.001-07:00

Randy Aden, the luckiest angler in Hoodsport,Wash. is walking away with keys to a new 22-foot River Hawk fishing boat valuedat nearly $60,000 after his name was randomly drawn from more than 7,000 anglersfollowing the conclusion of the 2011 Northwest Salmon Derby Series at theEverett Coho SalmonDerby last Sunday.

TheDerby Series, produced by the Northwest Marine Trade Association (NMTA),partners with existing fishing tournaments to help promote their events to alarger audience and increase participation at each event. The grand prizegiveaway is the hook for many fishermen and women. It began in 2004, partneringwith six tournaments that year and has grown to include 16 events in 2011. Inevery year since then, the Derby Series has awarded fishing boat packages in raffledrawings among all of the anglers registered in any of the participatingderbies. In its eight-year existence, the Northwest Salmon Derby Series hasawarded 10 boat packages.

Adenparticipated in the Hood Canal Salmon Derby in August.

“Thisjob, of giving away big time fishing boat packages is the ultimate Santa Clausjob,” said Tony Floor, NMTA’s Director of Fishing Affairs and lead organizer ofthe Derby Series. “Randy Aden, and his wife Kathy are perfect winners as theyhave been fishing the derbies in friends’ boats. The Derby Series, through thisgrand prize boat package is doing exactly what it was intended to do, gettingpeople excited about going boating and salmon fishing in the PacificNorthwest.”

Thegiveaway boat is a 22-foot aluminum fishing machine, built by River Hawk inMedford, Ore. It is powered by a 225 horse 4-stroke Suzuki motor resting on aKaravan galvanized tandem axel trailer. It is outfitted with radar, GPS/depthsounder and vhf, courtesy of Lowrance, along with Scotty electric downriggersand a Dual stereo system.

To help draw more anglers to the derbies, eachentrant receives one raffle ticket per derby for the grand prize drawing heldin Everett.

Three derby eventsoccur later in 2011, beginning with the four-day Einar Nielsen-Becky BarrFishing Classic in Roche Harbor beginning on September 29. Any anglersparticipating in the three remaining 2011 Derby Series events will be enteredto win the 2012 fishing boat package.

Last year, Gary Curtis of Edmonds was namedthe winner of the 2010 Derby Series boat prize in front of almost 2,000 anglersin Everett.

TheNorthwest Salmon Derby Series is presented by Allstate Boat Insurance andNorthwest GMC dealers. For more information about the DerbySeries, visit www.NorthwestSalmonDerbySeries.com.

Governor Gregoire calls for a special session

2011-09-26T12:03:00.000-07:00

Governor Gregoire announced last week that she will call the legislature into special session on November 28, after the next revenue forecast in mid-November, to deal with the state’s looming budget problems.

At an appearance at the annual meeting of the Association of Washington Busines, Governor Gregoire told the audience she has been told by the state’s chief economist and revenue forecaster to expect a further reduction in tax revenues in the mid-November forecast. If so, the budget hole for the state’s $32.0 billion budget could reach $2.0 billion.

This link will take you to a Seattle Times story on the special session:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2016279434_session22m.html

(If they are looking for a way to capture more sales tax, I would humbly suggest that they look at expanding the cruising permit to out-0f-state entity-owned vessels. The uptick this would bring is staggering:

241 cruising permits were issued in 2010. All were out-of-state residents who owned their boats individually. The assumption for the following numbers is that 241 cruising permits would be issued to out-of-state entity-owned boats.

$17 M: That’s the amount that these entity-owned boats from out-of-state would spend

29.8 M: That’s the amount of the direct ($17 M), indirect ($4.5 M) and induced ($8.2 M) that would be generated w this expansion.

313: That’s the total employment impact of changing this legislation. That’s $12 M in total labor income impact.)

George Harris is named to Governor Gregoire’s committee on tourism

2011-09-19T16:38:00.000-07:00

NMTA’s President/CEO was tapped by Governor Gregoire’s office this week to serve on an advisory committee to advocate for tourism in the western states. Governor Gregoire, who is the chair of the Western Governors Association for this year, has launched the Get Out West! initiative to promote recreational opportunities, especially as they relate to youth and rural communities. George is the only member of this 30-person committee that has a recreational boating focus.

The goals of this shared priority are three-fold:
-Highlight the importance of the recreational and tourism sectors of the Western economy

-Support efforts to boost recreation, conservation, healthy communities and tourism in the Western states by partnering with and putting a spotlight on existing successful efforts

-Improve public policies that facilitate tourism, recreation and conservation in the West.

Golf Tournament Re-cap

2011-09-09T16:39:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was NMTA's 42nd Annual Golf Tournament and we were pleased this year to have Capital Benefit Services as our presenting sponsor. Capital Benefit Services works with us to provide affordable health insurance to our members.

The weather was great, the course at Mill Creek was in tremendous shape and the overall amount raised to support our political action committee was over $10,000. Thank you to our hole sponsors, our golfers and presenting sponsor.

See you at next year's event.

NMTA Grow Boating launches promotion at University of Washington

2011-09-02T14:49:00.000-07:00

NMTA Grow Boating is launching a new promotion this fall at the University of Washington aimed at attracting more boaters to attend Husky football games via boat.

There are only two college venues in America where fans can attend by boat – the University of Washington, and the University of Tennessee. In 1962, a group of Tennessee fans boating to games at Neyland Stadium created the Tennessee Volunteer Navy to celebrate the on-water tailgating experience of attending games by boat. For decades, Washington Husky fans have done the same but without a formal club, name or identity. Beginning this fall, fans attending games by boat at Husky Stadium will be called the Washington Captains Club.

When fans enter the stadium from the Waterfront Activities Center from their boats, they will be greeted by NMTA staff and volunteers promoting the new Washington Captains Club brand. After the game, as fans return to their boats, they will be given a flag to hang on their boats displaying the Washington Captains Club logo.

“Husky fans are a passionate bunch. And boaters are a passionate bunch,” said John Thorburn, NMTA’s vice president of communications and marketing. “We’re excited to step in this fall to help build a brand that fans and boaters can rally behind.”

The goal of NMTA’s involvement in creating the Washington Captains Club is to build excitement and awareness about attending games by boat, and ultimately grow participation from more fans and boaters. In addition to promoting going to games at Husky Stadium by boat, Captains Club members will be invited to other Club events throughout the year, earn boating discounts around the region, and receive a complimentary pass to the 2012 Seattle Boat Show. The flags and other materials distributed during the campaign will feature the tagline, “Powered by the Seattle Boat Show.”

“The Seattle Boat Show is a well-respected, year-round brand for many boaters in the region,” said Thorburn. “It goes well beyond the 10 days of the January show, and is the brand we use to promote the fun lifestyle of boating every day of the year. We are excited to be associated with this longtime tradition of boating to Husky Stadium.”

The Washington Captains Club will have a formal display at four games at Husky Stadium this fall, plus the Apple Cup game at CenturyLink Field in November. Full details on the club are online at www.WashingtonCaptainsClub.com and www.Facebook.com/WashingtonCaptainsClub.

This article appeared in the September edition of the NMTA newsletter - Waterlife. Click here to view the full newsletter.

And the circus comes to town

2011-08-27T09:27:00.000-07:00

If you saw yesterday's Seattle Times ("Sailboat is home and stage for acrobatic couple"), then you saw that Elliott Bay Marina is having a big night this evening.

Specifically, there will be two performances tonight (Saturday, August 27 (5:30 and 7:30))

NW Marina & Boatyard Conference adds Keynotes

2011-08-24T14:27:00.000-07:00

We were pleased to add two keynotes to the upcoming 11th Annual NW Marina & Boatyard Conference, which will be Nov 9-10 in La Conner, WA. WA Roundtable's Steve Mullin and the new head of the Washington Tourism Alliance, Suzanne Fletcher, will headline this two-day event.

Registration form: http://bit.ly/NWmarinaconf

Location:
Maple Hall
104 Commercial
La Conner, WA 98257

Accomodations:
La Conner's Channel Inn & Country Lodge
360.466.3101

Good news on the number of Boater Education Cards

2011-08-11T16:40:00.001-07:00

Great news from our friends at State Parks. The number of Boater Education Cards has already surpassed the number of cards issued during the entire year of 2010. You may remember that this card is required if you intend to operate a boat and are 35 and younger.

For more info: http://boat.wa.gov/safety-ed.asp

Agreement finally reached on Seabeck marina

2011-07-30T14:33:00.000-07:00

If you've followed this story, then you know it's been years in the making

SEABECK — After almost abandoning plans to build a 200-slip marina in Seabeck earlier this year, the private developers behind the project have finally signed an agreement with the state Department of Natural Resources to build the marina.

Read more: http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2011/jul/26/agreement-reached-on-seabeck-marina/#ixzz1Tcw4IR9z

Upcoming events you will want to attend

2011-07-25T16:16:00.000-07:00

Get out your calendars as NMTA has a bunch fun and informative events in the near future.

This Wednesday, NMTA will host the Superyacht Committee meeting.

2:00-4:00 at NMTA's office (1900 N Northlake Way, Suite 233, Seattle, WA 98103)

Invited to present are Fred Robinson of Carney Badley Spellman, who will speak for the need to take regional approach to recreational boating. Also, Jim Hebert of Hebert Research will walk the group through the economic impact study that was recently completed. The numbers in the study continue to help us get our collective heads around that boating means business in the area.

Later on Wednesday night if you find yourself in Greenwood and are looking for a parade to attend, look for NMTA's staff as we promote the Bayliner Boat we are giving away.

On Thursday, the Government Affairs Committee will convene to discuss the progress on expanding the cruising permit and sales-tax cap for boat purchases. These two issues remain priorities from last year and the committee will have a special guest for this event: Jeff Erdman of Bollman Yachts. Jeff was part of Florida's effort to cap sales-tax at $18,000. He's going to share with us the key parts to their effort as well as stumbling blocks that they overcame.

Government Affairs Committee details:

10:00 – Noon

Thursday, July 28

Location: NMTA

To cap off the week, NMTA will play a major role in Seafair's Torch Light Parade. Watch for us on TV and on the parade route as we pull the Bayliner Boat boat through downtown Seattle. Thank you, Lake Union Sea Ray for making playing the integral role in this give-away.

Kirkland Uncorked

2011-07-16T15:17:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for some fun this weekend, head over to Kirkland Uncorked. The Seattle Boat Show will be there with some giveaways thanks to Wear it Washington!

Stop by and see our booth and NMTA's members Seattle Watersports, Granite Boatworks and Marine Servicenter, who will have boats for sale.

Florida's Marine Jobs Bill already paying off

2011-07-12T09:20:00.000-07:00

The Florida Yacht Brokers Assoc (FYBA), the trade association that drove the sales-tax cap legislation, has very promising reports thus far on this precedent-setting legislation. You may remember that this was the jobs bill that capped sales tax on all recreational boats at $18,000.

For the first six months (ending Jan 1, 2011), the Florida Dept of Boating, which is the agency that collects the tax, says that 85 boats have paid the $18,000 tax rendering $1,530,000 in taxes collected. Contrast that number with the taxes collected for the 12 months preceding the new legislation, which was $1,400,000, and you can see that this is a huge win for the state's coffers.

Additionally, the unofficial count is up to 145 boats/$2,600,000 for the first 10 months.

More importanly, the brokers report that the sales also have resulted in conversion of many boats to US flagged from foreign flagged. The implication is these boats will spend additional money without having to leave once their cruising permit expires.

So far, it all adds up to a win for the state of Florida, a win for the boat owner and a win for all businesses both marine and non marine supplying products and services.

NMTA and our members in the news

2011-07-08T10:25:00.000-07:00

If you are thinking that you are seeing a lot of buzz around NMTA’s members in the press, then you are correct. Most recently, Three Sheets NW's Deborah Bach covered the Downtown Sailing Series in this Seattle Times article. Also, NMTA’s President George Harris responded here to the recent action taken by the King County Council that requires life jackets on certain rivers in the King County area.

Boatyard Training Tomorrow

2011-07-05T13:34:00.000-07:00

The Clean Boating Foundation, an org that NMTA helped launch, has organized a training for boatyards tomorrow. The two-hour session with Dept of Ecology will assist them file their discharge monitoring reports on-line.

If you are interested in attending, please rsvp to Peter Schrappen (peter at nmta.net).

Details:

10:00-Noon

NMTA Conference Room

Wednesday, July 6

NMTA delivers safety message on King 5

2011-06-29T16:49:00.000-07:00

Maybe you saw yesterday's morning news on Kong 6/16. If not, then you missed three spots where NMTA was featured. The message was simple that the more you know about boating, the more fun you will have. Here's one of the stories, esp as it relates to the Boated Education Card: http://tinyurl.com/3v8edfd. Take a look; pass it around on Facebook and get ready for a great time on the water.

July 1 is a big day

2011-06-28T10:35:00.000-07:00

Hopefully boaters are aware of a couple of big events that will occur on July 1. First, the new crabbing season starts, which is a huge deal for recreational crabbers.

You can hear the excitement in Tony Floor's voice here. Tony's the director of fishing affairs for the Northwest Marine Trade Association and is encouraging everyone to "Know before you go."

Second, all recreational boats must have renewed registrations by July 1. More info can be found here: It’s time to renew: 2011 boat decals expire June 30 « Licensing Express

Seattle Times crabbing article

2011-06-27T08:11:00.000-07:00

A terrific article on this year's crabbing season by Mark Yuasa appeared in yesterday's Seattle Times. The write-up, which includes commentary from NMTA's Director of Fishing Affairs Tony Floor, looks at the expanded crabbing season and the importance for sport crabbers to pay special attention to the regulations this year to ensure crab seasons are open in the years to come.

You can read the full article here: http://bit.ly/2011crab

Mandatory Paid-Sick Leave

2011-06-23T14:17:00.000-07:00

There's a movement afoot in Seattle to require small businesses to provide paid sick leave for their employees. NMTA's Government Affairs Committee has not taken a position on the issue. If you would like to weigh in or want more info, please drop Peter Schrappen an email (peter at nmta.net)

Here's a link to the "pro" side: http://washingtonpolicywatch.org/2011/06/23/seattle-paid-sick-days-proposal-details-released/

And the "con" side: http://tinyurl.com/67aurxh

Time to register your boat

2011-06-21T10:37:00.000-07:00

All boat registrations expire on June 30.

The good news is that renewing the registration on your boat is one of the easiest and most important actions you can take to help grow boating in Washington state. From a government affairs perspective, there's a direct relationship between the number of boat registrations and the success marine trades have in Olympia.

The bad news is that the number of boat registrations has dropped off in recent years.

To find out more on how to register your boat, take a look at the Dept of Licensing website: http://www.dol.wa.gov/vehicleregistration/boats.html

Recovery continues to creep along

2011-06-20T10:31:00.001-07:00

The state's budget reserves were essentially wiped out last week due to the release of the lastest economic forecast.

Tax revenues were down $738 million, which leaves the state with a cushion of only $163 million dollars. As happenstance has it, Governor Gregoire signed the $32 billion budget last week with the understanding that there would be a $738 million reserve/cushion. With these new numbers, the state has a "paltry" $163 million, which begs the question: What happened?

The state's top economist Arun Raha explained that the recovery is occuring slower than expected. "The U.S. economy has entered another soft-patch in a recovery that is proving to be far more bumpy and fragile than usual. While growth continues, it does so at a slower rate than before," he said. (Seattle Times story is here.)

This begs another question: What's next? The next revenue forecast is in September and if it is negative again there is a real possibility of the governor calling another special session in the fall. Stay tuned.

Marina Rents News

2011-06-17T14:42:00.000-07:00

This is an issue reminiscent of the Energizer Bunny ads: It just keeps going and going and going. In the latest twist, Governor Gregoire vetoed a section yesterday about continuing to study the different options. Stay tuned as marina rents will continue to bump up periodically during the time before the legislative session begins in early 2012.

Here is a section from the governor’s veto message concerning section vetoes to the operating budget (HB 1087).

Section 308(10), pages 109-110, Department of Natural Resources, Marine Rents Committee
This proviso directs the Department to convene a marine rents review committee in order to explore ways to refine and improve the method for calculating rents for marinas occupying state-owned aquatic lands. A report and recommendations are due to the Legislature by December 1, 2011. Since no funding was provided to complete this report, I have vetoed Section 308(10). I am however, asking the Commissioner of Public Lands to review past studies on this subject, discuss the issue with all affected stakeholders and prepare legislation for next session.

How about going sailing this evening?

2011-06-16T15:29:00.000-07:00

The Downtown Sailing Series begins this evening at 7:00 PM at Elliott Bay Marina. If you want to get on a boat, get there earlier and stay after the race for hot dogs and fellowship.
Not only that, NMTA staff will be demoing and giving away life-jackets as part of the Wear-it Washington! Campaign.

It should be a special evening as we get a head start on the official start of summer.

Lunch plans today?

2011-06-15T11:42:00.001-07:00

If you are looking for a unique experience for lunch today, head over to Gas Works Park to engage the candidates running for Seattle City Council. The details are here and the main issue is to get a sense as to where they stand on updates to the Shoreline Management Act. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/politicsnorthwest/2015263889_upcoming_candidate_forums.html

As an aside at at Seattle City Council forum last night, candidates were asked to raise an Eggo waffle if they were neither a "yes" nor "no" on an issue. Here's that article: http://publicola.com/2011/06/15/i-dont-believe-i-said-that/

Coming to a windshield near you

2011-06-14T11:04:00.000-07:00

One of the changes that came out of the legislative session was the adoption of the Discover Pass, which is the $30 annual pass needed to access boat launches at Washington State Parks system (among other water access points, natural areas, trailheads, etc)

The Discover Pass goes into effect on July 1, 2011 and frequently asked questions are addressed at their site (www.discoverpass.wa.gov).

NW Marina & Boatyard Conference Details

2011-06-08T10:06:00.000-07:00

If you've attended this two-day event in the past, then you know it's one of the marquee events for NMTA members. This year will be no different as we've expanded the focus to include boatyards. If you are interested in attending or need more info, please contact Peter Schrappen at peter at nmta.net.

November 9-10

Maple Hall
104 COMMERCIAL
LA CONNER, WA 98257

We will have timely workshops, speakers and fellowship. We are pleased that Marine Floats will join us again as the Presenting Sponsor. More details forthcoming but please save the date and make plans to attend.

Clean Boating Foundation secures 501 C3 status

2011-06-07T08:56:00.000-07:00

The Clean Boating Foundation, which NMTA's has helped launch, secured its 501 C3 status last week. As its first order of business, CBF will hire an executive director and program manager. Additionally as its top priority, this org will begin the process of certifying boatyards as "clean". More info on all of this excitement in the days to come.

The results are in...

2011-06-03T16:59:00.000-07:00

Ballots for the NMTA Board of Trustees have been counted and Martha Comfort, Dan Wood and Mike Burns have been elected to three-year terms beginning July 1, 2011. Thanks to all who ran and the members who voted.

Welcome to the Water

2011-06-02T16:11:00.000-07:00

View the latest promotional video from Grow Boating - Welcome to the Water.

Legislative Session ends with a bang

2011-05-31T16:48:00.000-07:00

If you've been following NMTA's legislative priorities and the legislative session, then you know that we were not successful in expanding the Cruising Permit or the Jobs Bill, which would provide an incentive to sell boats in Washington state.

Yes, there was disappointment but our top priority has always been to secure funding to improve boating access and infrastructure, which the Recreation Resource Account handles. This funding was raided last legislative session. With the climate just as gloomy in 2011 in Olympia, we were hoping for a positive outcome but, admittedly, were a bit unsure as to how it would play out, even until the last day of session.

So now that the gavel has dropped and the legislators have gone home, NMTA is pleased to report that this grant money that comes from boaters at the gas pump remained in the final Capital Budget and will be dedicated to boating, just as it always has been (up until last year).

In the throes of Safe Boating Week

2011-05-26T19:42:00.000-07:00

As we gear up for the unofficial kickoff to summer, it's no coincidence that we are also in the midst of Safe Boating Week (www.boatwashington.org/). If you have been listening to the radio or attended the Seattle Sounders match last Saturday, then you may have noticed that the Wear it Washington! campaign (www.wearitwashington.com) has begun in earnest, too.

As one of the leaders supporting mandatory boater education in Washington state and fully behind the effort of the Boater Education Safety Card (http://www.boat-ed.com/Washington/index.html), NMTA encourages all boaters to ready, set, inflate their life jackets this summer.

Encore of the Boatyard Permit Workshop

2011-05-24T16:51:00.000-07:00

Getting to know the new NPDES Boatyard Permit

Gary Bailey, DOE’s Boatyard Permit writer, will review the new permit and answer your questions about what will be expected. Additionally, there will be DOE staff on hand to offer suggestions and feedback for best practices.

Friday, May 27, 2011

9:00 – Noon

Location: Center for Urban Waters (Commencement Bay N and South Rooms)
326 East D St.
Tacoma, WA 98421

This event is sponsored by the Clean Boating Foundation, which is a start-up non-profit that NMTA has helped launch.

Please bring a copy of the new permit with you, which is available here:

RSVP to me and I’ll send you a map. Parking spots are limited so please carpool if possible.

Map and Directions:

Map: http://www.tacoma.washington.edu/urbanwaters/contact.cfm

FROM NORTHBOUND I-5
Take EXIT 134 toward PORTLAND AVE.
Stay STRAIGHT to go onto E 28TH ST.
Turn LEFT onto E PORTLAND AVE.
Turn SLIGHT LEFT onto ST. PAUL AVE.
Continue onto S 11TH PL.
Turn RIGHT at E D ST.
Keep left to stay on E D ST.
Destination will be on the left.

FROM SOUTHBOUND I-5
Take EXIT 135 toward PORTLAND AVE.
Ramp becomes E 27TH ST.
Turn RIGHT onto PORTLAND AVE.
Turn SLIGHT LEFT onto ST. PAUL AVE.
Continue onto S 11TH PL.
Turn RIGHT at E D ST.
Keep left to stay on E D ST.
Destination will be on the left.

Looking for something to do this weekend?

2011-05-21T15:32:00.000-07:00

The Seattle Boat Show Spring Sale should fit the bill. The location is the Alderwood Mall and all the details can be found here: www.seattleboatshow.com/

AWB recognizes two NMTA members

2011-05-18T16:41:00.000-07:00

We are proud of the recognition that Seaview Boatyard and StormwateRx have received from the Assoc of Washingtoon Business. Recently, they both received awards for their environmental leadership. The whole story is here: http://tinyurl.com/6cz5vl9

Action Alert: Interest deduction for boats as second homes targeted

2011-05-12T12:14:00.000-07:00

The following is a legislative action alert sent from NMMA about troubling legislation recently proposed in Congress:

Dear Boating Industry Professional:

The interest deduction for boats as second homes is under fire, and we need to let Members of Congress—particularly House Members—know that this is just plain wrong. On Tuesday, May 3, 2011, three Members of the U.S. House of Representatives introduced H.R. 1702, a bill that would remove the deductibility of interest on boats that are used as second homes. This bill, the "Ending Taxpayer Subsidies for Yachts Act," is both misnamed and wrong-headed and would accomplish nothing except putting American boat builders and other boating service providers out of work, precisely at a time when the industry has not recovered from the worst downturn since the Great Depression. Go to the NMMA federal relations page where you will find the "Current Issues: NMMA Policy Briefs" and sample letter to email to your Member of Congress today!

This legislation is apparently based on the premise that "yachts" are owned by rich people and that the American taxpayer is subsidizing their extravagant lifestyle. This is a great misunderstanding. A "yacht," by definition, is any vessel that is 26 feet or longer, and the deduction on interest expense is only applicable if the boat has a head, galley, and sleeping berth. We know that a 26-footer is hardly what we all think of when we hear the word "yacht." Many a boat that can function as a second home on a lake or river fits the definition of "yacht." If land-sited dwellings and RVs can qualify for an interest deduction as a second home—and they can—why should a live-aboard boat be excluded simply because it floats on the water instead of being placed on land or driven down the highway? The logic is simply not there.

Furthermore, it is almost a certainty that the individuals that this legislation purportedly targets—the owners of what we might term "mega-yachts"—do not use this deduction. Those who are rich enough to afford the million-dollar boats the legislation's authors probably meant to target undoubtedly already have second homes on which they take the mortgage deduction. Instead, this bill would target the middle income family that decides to have their second home float on the water, instead of purchasing a stationary home or a rolling home. It all comes down to basic fairness.

If this legislation were to pass, its unintended consequence would be that sales of boats and boating services would diminish, thousands of American jobs would be placed at risk, and many middle class American families would be forced out of boating and deprived of their summer home on the water. Please go to http://www.nmma.org/government/issues/federal.aspx and find "Current Issues: NMMA Policy Briefs" for the sample letter you can use to email your Member of Congress and urge them to oppose H.R. 1702. Please act before it is too late.

Sincerely,

Thomas J. Dammrich
NMMA President

Northwest boating legend passes away

2011-05-12T09:48:00.000-07:00

Northwest boating legend and friend to many in the industry, R.M. “Tolly” Tollefson, passed away at the age of 100 this past Friday night.

In an article posted on ThreeSheetsNW.com:

The founder of Kelso, Wash.-based Tollycrafts Yachts, Tolly, as he was known, created motorboats whose timeless designs and sturdy construction earned him generations of devotees. Though never trained as a naval architect, Tolly was renowned as a pioneer in early fiberglass construction and a visionary who boldly used color on boats before others did.

He also made a point of talking with boaters, attending rendezvous and other boating events while cruising extensively along the Pacific coast.

You can read the full article on Tolly by clicking on http://threesheetsnw.com/blog/archives/16869

Tolly was honored in 2006 by NMTA with the Jerry Bryant award, given for his many contributions to the marine industry.

Wear-it Campaign!

2011-05-11T16:39:00.000-07:00

NMTA is firmly behind an educational effort to increase life-jacket usage. In particular, this national campaign (Wear-it!) has picked Washington state for a series of events this summer. It's centered around fun summer times and the ease and importance of wearing life jackets.

Here's a link to the website for the events: www.wearitwashington.com

Upcoming Boatyard Training

2011-05-10T14:51:00.000-07:00

The Clean Boating Foundation, a new organization that NMTA has helped launch, is planning their first event, and it's right around the corner.

Here are the details:

A conversation with DOE's permit writer Gary Bailey and DOE's field inspectors Kurt Baumgarten and Greg Stegman about the new permit that takes effect on June 1, 2011

Wednesday, May 18

9:00-Noon

Bellevue's DOE Field Office
3190 160th Ave SE
Bellevue, WA 98008

Bring your questions as we work together to get a better understanding of what's required. Here's a link to the new permit: CLICK LINK

Gov signs non-copper bill

2011-05-06T20:00:00.001-07:00

In case you missed it on Tuesday, Governor Gregoire signed the non-copper paint bill. Here's the updated story on Three Sheets Northwest: http://threesheetsnw.com/blog/archives/16508

Non-Copper Bill will be signed by the Governor tomorrow

2011-05-02T15:02:00.000-07:00

This just in: the non-coppper paint bill for recreational boats will be signed by Governor Gregoire tomorrow in her office.

Timeline extended for Seattle's Shoreline Master Plan

2011-04-28T09:56:00.000-07:00

The new date is May 31 to submit public comments. Please send written comments to me via e-mail or USPS to:
Margaret Glowacki (Margaret.Glowacki at seattle.gov)
City of Seattle – DPD
700 Fifth Ave. Suite 2000
P.O. Box 34019
Seattle, WA 98124-4019

The draft regulations, director’s report, and supporting material are posted at:
www.seattle.gov/dpd/Planning/ShorelineMasterProgramUpdate/

If you would like to get more involved in this issue (or your own muncipal updates), please contact peter at nmta.net .

Action Alert (Fishing Issue)

2011-04-22T13:51:00.000-07:00

There was a bill kicking around in Olympia that was looking to merge several state agencies into one (Senate Bill 5669). That seems to have lost some steam but what’s emerged recently are two amendments to take a great deal of authority and autonomy away from the Fish and Wildlife Commission.We at NMTA think this huge change is a bad idea and are asking you to connect with your State Senator to convey this message, too.

Please follow the link here to an email message that you can send directly to your State Senator. http://www.votervoice.net/groups/nmta/advocacy/?issueid=24790

Non-Copper Bill in today's Three Sheets

2011-04-21T07:53:00.000-07:00

Deborah Bach covers the non-copper bill in today's edition of Three Sheets Northwest. It's a nice recap of all the latest action with some nice quotes from Josh Baldi, DOE's top water quality person. Here's the link: http://threesheetsnw.com/blog/archives/16508

Story on the Boatyard Permit

2011-04-20T09:50:00.001-07:00

In case you missed yesterday's story from Three Sheets, it's a "must read" with news and quotes on the upcoming permit, which takes effect on June 1, 2011. Here's the link: http://threesheetsnw.com/blog/archives/16457

Non-copper bill is approved by the Senate

2011-04-18T11:31:00.001-07:00

About thirty minutes ago, the Senate concurred with the House of Represenatives language on Substitute Senate Bill 5436, which phases-out copper-bottom paint by 2020 for recreational vessels under 65-feet. The next step in this process is for Governor Gregoire to sign it, which is expected. If this seems a bit like deja vu, you are right. The Senate has already approved the bill but since the House voted on a bill that wasn't identical it needed to return to the Senate so they agree to the same language. Today's margin was 38-10 in support of this landmark legislation.

Special thanks to Sen. Ranker and Rep. Upthegrove as well as the boating community, including NMTA's environmental partner in this (Bruce Wishart of People for Puget Sound) for their support. Here's a link to what was passed this morning: http://tinyurl.com/6xno4y2

Recreation Resource Account is in the Senate Capital Budget, too

2011-04-13T11:36:00.001-07:00

Big news yesterday that our number one legislative priority took another big step. Specifically, the Recreation Resource Account, which is the fuel tax money that boaters do not claim in a refund, remained in the Senate Capital Budget. Given that this money was already in the Governor and House Budgets, we are right where we want to be to accomplish this goal.

NOAA sets new whale-protection rules in Puget Sound

2011-04-11T08:01:00.000-07:00

NOAA Fisheries recently issued new rules on vessel traffic aimed at protecting Southern Resident killer whales in Washington's Puget Sound.

The new rules prohibit vessels from approaching any killer whale closer than 200 yards and forbid vessels from intercepting a whale or positioning the vessel in its path. This doubles the current approach distance of 100 yards.

The rules go into effect in early May and apply to all types of boats, including powerboats, sailboats and kayaks in Washington's inland waters.

To read the full report on the new rules, click on: http://bit.ly/fzM3gw.

Recreation Resource Account is funded in the Capital Budget

2011-04-08T13:28:00.000-07:00

Not only was this a big week for the non-copper paint bill, but also we are pleased that the funding for the Recreation Resource Account has been maintained in the House Budget. The next step is to see it in the Senate Capital Budget which should be released in short order. Securing this funding was seen as the biggest priority for NMTA this legislative session.

NMTA member boat listings now on Facebook

2011-04-06T15:46:00.001-07:00

New and used boats for sale from member dealers and brokers are now listed on NMTA's Seattle Boat Show Facebook page (www.Facebook.com/SeattleBoatShow). Currently more than 1,700 boats from NMTA dealers and brokers are shown on the new "Boats for Sale" tab on the Facebook page. In addition to boats being listed for sale, visitors to the page also can search the entire NMTA member directory by Services, Brands, and Business Type.

The boat listings search engine is powered by the same infrastructure used by Yachtworld.com and Boats.com. Any NMTA member dealer or broker, who has a current account with either Yachtworld.com or Boats.com, automatically has their inventory listings appear in the NMTA search database. Any member without accounts for either of the sites, can list their boats for free in NMTA's boat database. To learn how to list your boats online, contact John Thorburn at the NMTA office: 206-634-0911.

Boats and member listings have appeared on the SeattleBoatShow.com homepage during non-event times since May 2009, when NMTA first contracted with YachtWorld.com/Boats.com to build the NMTA boat listing database.

Shipwrecks reveal secrets of Lake Union

2011-04-06T09:09:00.000-07:00

Congrats to NMTA Member Deborah Bach, who recently penned an article on what lurks underneath Lake Union. As of yesterday, it was the most read item on The Seattle Times website. You can regulary find her at Three Sheets Northwest and here's the link to her story: http://threesheetsnw.com/blog/archives/16219

Non-Copper Bill moves out of Rules

2011-04-05T12:11:00.000-07:00

Special thanks to Rep. Ann Rivers for pulling our bill (SSB 5436) out of the Rules Committee. The next step is for it to be voted on by the entire House of Representatives. This must happen by April 12, 2011 or the bill dies for this year. If and when this occurs and it passes, the differences between the House and Senate versions will be worked out in a subcommittee. Cruising World profiled what's going on with non-copper paint legislation around the country and pays special attention to Washington state and NMTA's efforts. You can read that here with this LINK.

Spring Membership Drive earns new, referring member Seattle hotel nights and more!

2011-04-05T10:52:00.000-07:00

Time to go fishing for Members! This year we’ve teamed up with Courtyard Marriott in Downtown Seattle’s historic Pioneer Square for a very special offer during the Spring Membership Recruitment Drive.

Help us catch new members by May 19 and you’ll be rewarded with a fun getaway (or stay-cation depending on where you live)!

For each new member you get hooked on the NMTA, you will receive a certificate for a free one-night stay at the beautiful new Courtyard Marriott in Seattle’s Pioneer Square. The new member who joins in during the recruitment drive will also get a free one-night stay at Courtyard Marriott, and both members will be recognized in Water Life.

BONUS: As an added incentive, you and your new member will also have the choice of one of two excursions departing from Seattle: a City Explorer Flightseeing Excursion from Kenmore Air or a San Juan Islands Day Trip with Whale Watching & Sealife Search from Clipper Vacations!

Located in the heart of downtown Seattle’s historic center, Pioneer Square, the Courtyard Marriott features water views of Elliott Bay. Room night may be used during the 2012 Seattle Boat Show. The hotel is located 2 blocks from Qwest Field. For more information, visit http://www.courtyardpioneersquare.com.

Kenmore Air provides safe, reliable and convenient air transportation to exciting destinations throughout Western Washington and British Columbia. For more information visit: http://www.kenmoreair.com.

Instructions on how to receive your reward:

1. Download a new member application at http://www.nmta.net/whyjoin.asp.
2. Write your name/company on the line that asks, “How did you hear about NMTA?”

3. Give the application to a recreational boating industry business that is not an NMTA member to complete and return to the NMTA. To see the current list of members, visit www.nmta.net/members.asp.
4. The new membership application and dues must be received at the NMTA no later than Thursday, May 19, 2011. Promotion valid for new active or affiliate members only.

For questions on the membership promotion or to refer a company for membership, please call Katie Groseclose, Membership Coordinator, at 206-634-0911.

Updated safety rules reflect growing Americans

2011-04-04T11:04:00.000-07:00

As the federal government updates their safety rules and weight guidelines, they are revising their numbers to reflect the fattening of the nation.

So who is heavier: a) the average bus rider, b) the average boater or c) the average flier?

The answer is the average flier, coming in at 195 pounds in winter clothing and 190 pounds in summer clothing.

The average boater weighs a bit less: 185 pounds, according to the Coast Guard.

While we're at it, the average bus rider is the leanest, weighing 175 pounds.

So how does that measure up to all Americans? The mean average weight is now 194.7 pounds for men and 164.7 pounds for women, according to the National Center for Health Statistics at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

NMTA Action Alert (Discover Pass)

2011-04-01T16:04:00.000-07:00

We are pretty excited over at NMTA that we are now using a one-stop action alert center to connect with legislators. This is the first time we are using it and it’s only effective if our members take this action step with us. This means that I need you to click on the link below which will take you to an NMTA page, which will make it that much easier to contact your state senator (in this case).

The issue here is that boaters are in danger of getting double-charged with the new “Discover Pass” scheme to access State Parks. This issue has gained momentum in the last couple of days and we think that we have a viable solution, but it’s imperative that your legislator hears from you. Everything you need is just one click away: http://www.votervoice.net/Groups/NMTA/Advocacy/?IssueID=24527&SiteID=-1

Good read on the updates to Seattle Shoreline Management Program

2011-03-29T10:49:00.000-07:00

Kirby Lindsay of Fremont Centrist wrote a pretty comprehensive piece on the Seattle Shoreline Managment Program. Updating this program is a huge undertaking and NMTA Members are front and center in its revision, including Margie Freeman of Fremont Tug.

Here's the link: http://fremocentrist.com/archives/237_03-16-11.html

If any of you would like to be featured - to tell your story about the Shoreline, some history or your business, contact Kirby at 206-632-3170 or at instigator@fremocentrist.com.

EPS Seeks Public Comments to help develop management practices for recreational vessels

2011-03-28T12:21:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking public comment from boaters and other stakeholders to help develop proposed regulations, as required by the 2008 Clean Boating Act, to reduce water pollution and the spread of invasive species in the nation's rivers, lakes and other water bodies. As an alternative to permits required for commercial vessels, the act directs EPA to develop and promulgate management practices for recreational vessels. The important input received through this process will help guide the development of proposed regulations to mitigate adverse effects from recreational boat discharges, such as bilgewater, graywater and deck runoff, that may contain substances harmful to water quality or spread invasive species.

The Clean Boating Act directs EPA to take steps to limit the impact of pollution and the spread of invasive species associated with the discharge from boats. As part of the public input, EPA is also seeking information from states that already enact standards to limit the impacts of boat discharges on waterways. Based on the important input received, EPA will seek to develop appropriate management practices and performance standards that protect waterways while also working with the U.S. Coast Guard, which will establish regulations governing the design, construction, installation and use of management practices. Implementation of these management practices will allow boaters and other water enthusiasts to continue enjoying our nation's water bodies while protecting water quality.

EPA is holding listening sessions and conducting webinars to inform interested parties about the Clean Boating Act and receive public input. The listening sessions will be held in Annapolis, Md. on March 18 and April 29.

More information about the Clean Boating Act: http://tinyurl.com/4cuot5k Also: http://tinyurl.com/4ae2nu9

Copper bills passes out of the Environment Committee

2011-03-24T16:52:00.000-07:00

Today marked another cutoff in the legislative calendar. Fortunately, the copper bill (Substitute Senate Bill 5436) passed out of the House Environment Committee this morning with a bi-partisan vote of 11 in favor and 2 opposing. Special recognition goes to Rep Upthegrove for his continued leadership. Now, the next step is to get it pulled from the Rules Committee.

New website at State Parks and Rec

2011-03-22T16:13:00.000-07:00

Our friends at State Parks have launched their new website for boating programs. If you have comments on it, send them to me (peter at nmta.net). Here's the site: http://www.parks.wa.gov/boating/
P.S. If you are 35-and-under, you will need your Boater Education Safety Card this year. You can access that site via the above link.

Grants available to help Grow Boating

2011-03-17T09:51:00.000-07:00

The Northwest Marine Trade Association (NMTA) is pleased to announce a grant program for non-profits seeking assistance in promoting boating in the region. The grants are being awarded through the NMTA’s Grow Boating program whose mission is to increase the number of boaters and encourage current boaters to boat more often. Since 2003, NMTA has spent more than $1M to promote boating in the Pacific Northwest through various programs. The NMTA will award up to $9,000 to one or more organizations by May 31st, 2011.

Applications must fall into one the following categories:

Youth Boating Grant
Awarded to a group or organization seeking funding support for an event or program aimed specifically at getting or increasing youth participation in boating activities.

Discover Boating Grant
Awarded to a group or organization seeking funding support for an event or program aimed specifically at introducing new people to boating.

Boater Education / Safety Grant
Awarded to a group or organization seeking funding support for an event or program aimed specifically at educating new or current boaters on how to be safe on the water.

Completed applications must be received by April 29, 2011. Grants will be awarded by May 31, 2011.

To apply for a NMTA Grow Boating grant, click on http://bit.ly/NMTAgrant and download a grant application. For questions, contact John Thorburn at NMTA: john@nmta.net or 206-634-0911.

Background on NMTA Grow Boating
The NMTA established a separate program called Grow Boating in 2003 to promote the benefits and lifestyle of boating in the region. The program’s mission is to increase the number of boaters and encourage current boaters to boat more often through the development of new programs, events and promotions. NMTA’s Grow Boating program is funded by a portion of space rental fees collected by the association at its Seattle Boat Show each January.

In addition to the available grants, NMTA Grow Boating funds a promotional campaign called the Northwest Salmon Derby Series – partnering with 16 derbies around the region to promote and increase participation in those fishing events, free sailboat rides through regional events on Puget Sound, a summer-long promotional partnership with the Seafair festival, new and used boat listings and news and boating event information on SeattleBoatShow.com, and more.

NMTA to host NMEA courses later this month

2011-03-16T16:09:00.000-07:00

NMTA and the National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) will hold educational training sessions March 22-24 in Seattle and NMTA members qualify for the discount NMEA-member pricing.

The training sessions will be held at the NMTA office in Seattle.

The courses offered:

Basic Marine Electronics Installer, Tuesday, March 22
NMEA 2000 Training, Wednesday, March 23
Advanced Marine Electronics Installer, Thursday, March 24

The courses run from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. with the exam given at the end of
the session. Pre-registration is required. To register, click on the registration form and submit it to NMEA, or contact the national office at 410-975-9425. Course materials are sent out in advance, please sign up early.

Recreation Resource Action Alert

2011-03-15T16:27:00.000-07:00

Now is the time to contact your legislators to let them know just how important this account is for boaters.

This dedicated fund is a great example as to how government can optimally work. It was set up by citizens (by initiative in 1964), paid into by users (it’s the unclaimed gas-tax money that boaters do not seek a refund on) and it’s a dedicated account that is spent on improving boating access. The money is divvied up throughout the state. A win-win-win-win.

Which legislators should I contact? You have two options: you can pick the district where your marina is located AND where you live.

How do I get this info? Go here: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/Default.aspx

2011-03-11T16:00:00.000-08:00

A quick update on the copper paint bill: The public hearing on Substitute Senate Bill 5436 has concluded. When TVW gets the footage loaded, you can view it here (it’s the first bill that is heard).

Copper bill will be heard in committee today

2011-03-11T10:35:00.000-08:00

If you are near a computer today, you can view George Harris’ testimony on the copper-bottom bill, which will be heard in the House Environment Committee. The proceedings begin at 1:30 and here’s the link .

Big Boats

2011-03-10T12:30:00.000-08:00

Here's some bar trivia: It's interesting to see that of the 270,000 registered recreational boats in Washington state there are 5,300 boats 40-feet and larger and 296 boats that are bigger than 65-feet.

Tax decision on dry-stack has been released from DOR

2011-03-09T13:17:00.000-08:00

The Department of Revenue issued their decision on dry-stack storage this week. If you have dry-stack storage, you should know that this space is no longer tax exempt (as you'll find with wet moorage). DOR ruled that dry-stack is not a rental of real estate. Instead, they will be taxing these structures similar to warehouses at the .484%. Public ports that have dry-stack will no longer have to pay the leasehold tax.

You can email me (peter at nmta.net) for more info.

Reaction on Boatyard Permit is coming in

2011-03-08T10:19:00.000-08:00

The much-anticipated Boatyard General Permit was issued last week. Now that the stakeholders have had the chance to peruse it, you may be interested to read what they have to say. Three Sheets Northwest continues to stay on top of the issue with today's story, which you can view here ("New boatyard regs draw mixed reaction").

Important cutoff day in Olympia

2011-03-07T14:37:00.000-08:00

It’s been pretty entertaining to hear the back and forth in today’s Olympia action. If you follow the state legislature, you will know that today at 5:00 is an important deadline. All bills that are not voted out of their house of origin by 5:00 pm take a significant step back if they are going to pass this year. (There's a saying in Olympia that no bill is dead in Olympia to that last gavel drops on the last day of session.)

One tactic the minority party can use to keep bills from coming up for a vote is to add amendments and speakers to each bill that comes up for a vote. That’s exactly what the Republicans are doing. You can follow the action here and you may just see a marine-related bill (Marina Rents Bill in the Senate or the Copper Bill in the House) come up for a vote, too.

DOE issues the Boatyard Permit

2011-03-04T08:51:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday, Department of Ecology (DOE) issued the NPDES General Boatyard Permit.

The most significant change between this version and the draft one, which was released in April, centered around the hardship provsion, which was removed in the final permit. This provision called for hard limits for boatyards that chose that option.

Here is the link to view the permit and DOE's response to comments.

Also, this issue received a great deal of attention in this month's Waterlife Waterlife. Take a look.

Copper bill passes Senate

2011-03-01T17:01:00.000-08:00

The Senate passed the copper-bottom phase-out bill this evening with a vote of 46-3.

Next step is to move the bill through House structure (i.e. Environment Committee, Rules Committee and Floor Action) and then have it signed by Governor Gregoire.

Boat Show Challenge winner takes delivery of boat

2011-02-25T15:11:00.000-08:00

Will Ketchen, the winner of the first ever Bayliner Boat Show Challenge contest at the Seattle Boat Show, took delivery of his new Bayliner 175 yesterday from Lake Union Sea Ray. Will stood on a wakeboard behind the boat for 72 hours at last month's Seattle Boat Show, and was selected in a random drawing from 4 other contestants who also managed to go the full 72 hour time-limit in the contest. This is Will's first time owning a boat.

Lake Union Sea Ray posted pictures of Will, who was very excited, while taking delivery of his new boat on its Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/LakeUnionSeaRay

Meeting with Seattle Mayor this Sunday

2011-02-25T13:59:00.000-08:00

This meeting is for anyone with a business within 200 feet of the shoreline, so marinas & boatyards within Seattle. Additionally, brokers may be interested to know that no yachts will be allowed (unless pre-existing) in any Urban Maritime or Urban Industrial setting.

Date: Sunday, February 27, 2011

Location: History House (790 N 34th StSeattle, WA 98103-8801)

Also there is a Lake Union Association/ Association of Independent Moorages meeting with Maggie Glowacki of DPD on Tuesday, March 1st at 2 pm at History House.

Economic study will be released tomorrow

2011-02-24T16:31:00.000-08:00

During tomorrow's Super Yacht Meeting (2:30 at NMTA), Jim Hebert of Hebert Research will share with our members his findings regarding the economic impact of recreational boating. If this is of interest and you would like to attend, please email peter at nmta.net to save a spot as space is limited.

You may remember that NMTA along with NYBA and the group formerly known as the Pacific Northwest Yachting Association commissioned this study to help us get our head around the dollars we bring to the area.

Early indications are that Florida's Sales-Tax Cap means more business

2011-02-22T15:11:00.000-08:00

As a preview of what we expect to learn on Friday (that there are significant ecnomomic benefits to recreational boating in Washington state) at the Super Yacht Meeting (all NMTA members are invited to this 2:30 event), there's this gem that appeared recently to support the Florida Sales-Tax Cap. Here's the link.

NMTA supports a 2020 phase-out for copper paint

2011-02-18T12:06:00.000-08:00

NMTA's Board met yesterday and agreed that Jan 1, 2020 would be an acceptable timeframe to phase-out the point-of-sale of paints for recreational boats under 65 feet.

Additionally both bills in the House and Senate remain alive. They are Senate Bill 5436 and House Bill 1785. We are working with Rep. Upthegrove to update his timelines.

House Bill 1785: http://tinyurl.com/5rfh2wm

Senate Bill 5436: http://tinyurl.com/4dqxgo5

To watch the George Harris' testimony on House Bill 1785, you can click here. The hearing on this bill is in the first several minutes.
Link: http://tinyurl.com/674suhs

Cruising Permit Action Alert

2011-02-09T13:49:00.000-08:00

Recently, Representatives Judy Clibborn and Jay Rodne have introduced a bill to make it easier for out-of-state boats to cruise in Washington state waters and spend money here. We completely support this bill and are appreciative of this bi-partisan effort.

The next step in the legislative process is to get a hearing for this bill in the Washington State House of Representatives.

That’s where you come in. Please help us get a hearing for this bill by directly emailing your representatives and state senator. (They can all be on the same email “to” field)

Find your district: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/Default.aspx and there is a formula for their emails. It’s their last name separated by a “.” And then “@leg.wa.gov” . For example: Rep. Ross Hunter would be Hunter.ross@leg.wa.gov

Background on this issue that you should know:

Smaller recreational boats tend to be owned by people in their personal name. For reasons of liability and insurance, the majority of larger recreational boats are owned by people via a legal entity (LLC’s, Corporations, trusts, ext). Individually-owned boats have two options when they visit: they can cruise our waters for 6 months per year, every year or can cruise for one year and then leave Washington state waters for two years. That makes sense to us.

On the other hand, recreational boats owned by out-of-state residents via entities (which are the majority of boats over 50 feet in length) are treated differently. These boats can only cruise for 60-days and then must vacate our waters or face a use tax around 10% (depending on your municipality) of the boat’s value. This rule activity discourages these larger boats from visiting our state and spending their money here on moorage, provisioning, refits and repairs, entertainment, dinning, and tourism.

(Please note: The cruising permit only applies to out-of-state residents.)

Our ask: Please treat out-of-state recreational boats owned via entities the same way our state treats individually-owned out-of-state recreational boats.

The gist of your email to your state representatives and state senator (If you aren’t sure who these folks are, go here and type you address in: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/Default.aspx )

***Your email and contact gets bonus points if your legislators are on the House Ways and Means Committee)*** (Here’s the list of Ways and Means Members from the House: http://www.leg.wa.gov/House/Committees/WAYS/Pages/MembersStaff.aspx

Here’s the gist of how your email should look:

Subject line: Cruising Permit Bill (HB 1904)

“Dear Senator _______ and Reps __________,

The Recreational boating is a $2.9 billion dollar industry for Washington state’s economy. Unfortunately, our state is “leaving money on the table” by not encouraging more recreational boating in our state.

One way to help support this is help us get a hearing for the Cruising Permit Bill, which is sponsored by Reps. Clibborn and Rodne, which is my direct ask to you, Rep. Hunter.

During the hearing, Northwest Marine Trade Association will demonstrate that there is a fiscal benefit to getting this bill signed into law. Please support our effort to treat boats visiting from out of state the same, whether they are individually owned or entity owned. Our economy benefits when out-of-state boats visit, which is the crux of this bill.”

Other points you may want to use in your email:

-Recreational boats bring all the direct and in-direct economic benefits to our economy. Boats are like floating economic stimulus packages where ever they go. With them, comes the need to provision, repair and accessorize.

-If you’ve owned a boat, then you know just how much money is spent for upkeep and maintenance. Our economy would greatly benefit from this revenue that we are currently sending to other states and Canada.

-All we are asking is to treat these out-of-state recreational boats owned by LLCs or S Corps the same way we already treat individually-owned out-of-state recreational boats.

Here is the link to the cruising permit bill:
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1904&year=2011

Marina Rents hearing is tomorrow

2011-02-07T16:39:00.000-08:00

As the marina-rents issue picks up momentum, the next step in this sausage-making legislative process is that this bill will be heard in House and Senate committees.

These hearings are scheduled tomorrow for the House and Wednesday for the Senate.

Recognizing that many (if not all of you) will be working during the hearings and won’t be able to attend, the second best way to make your voice heard on this issue is an email to the committee chairs with your feedback.

Rep. Dave Upthegrove: Upthegrove.dave@leg.wa.gov

Sen. Kevin Ranker: ranker.kevin@leg.wa.gov.

(If you would like to attend the hearings, please let me know and I’ll send along that info, map etc. You can reach me at "peter at nmta.net"

Here is more info on House Bill 1553: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/documents/billdocs/2011-12/Pdf/Bills/House%20Bills/1553.pdf

Senate Bill 5550 (which will be heard on Wed): http://apps.leg.wa.gov/documents/billdocs/2011-12/Pdf/Bills/Senate%20Bills/5550.pdf

Please note that NMTA hasn’t taken a position either way on marina rents. What we are taking a position on is giving our members the tools needed to advocate effectively on this and other issues that impact our industry.

2011 Northwest Salmon Derby Series kicks off

2011-02-03T09:35:00.000-08:00

The 8th annual Northwest Salmon Derby Series, presented by Allstate Boat Insurance, kicks off this weekend at the Roche Harbor Salmon Classic, February 3-5. The complete 2011 schedule is available online at www.NorthwestSalmonDerbySeries.com.

Each year, the Derby Series has awarded a grand prize boat to one lucky angler simply for participating in any of the 16 derbies on the Series schedule. This year's grand prize is a fully outfitted, 22-foot River Hawk boat, powered by a 225 hp Suzuki, on a tandem axle galvanized Karavan trailer.

The Northwest Salmon Derby Series was created in 2004 by NMTA for the purpose of promoting salmon fishing opportunities in the Pacific Northwest. In the first year of the Series, six existing derbies were identified to become partners of the Series. Since that year, the Series has expanded to 16 tournaments in 2011.

Carefully and selectively, the Series has been very keen to partner with derbies that are wild fish friendly. Each event occurs within the guidelines of open fishing seasons that occur at a time of the year and area where hatchery chinook and coho salmon exist. In fact, some of the tournaments have gone to “hatchery fish only” even during times and places where retention of unmarked chinook and coho are acceptable for retention in accordance with the Department of Fish and Wildlife rules.

We, at the Northwest Salmon Derby Series and NMTA, are a partner to the protection and enhancement of wild chinook and coho stocks. We encourage anglers to fish selectively and carefully to release unmarked chinook and coho salmon, particularly when the rules require release.

By working with government agencies to protect wild stocks, while accessing abundant hatchery salmon, we believe this formula is the road map to the future of sport fishing for salmon in the Pacific Northwest.

Copper-bottom paint update

2011-02-01T11:47:00.000-08:00

While the Boat Show was going strong (Here’s a recap from Three Sheets Northwest: Link), the copper-bottom phase-out legislation took a significant step last week. Specifically, Senate Bill 5436 was heard in the Senate’s Natural Resources & Marine Waters Committee. If you would like to view the testimony, you can go here (LINK) and then fast forward to 1:36.

While we are in full support of a bill that is tough, fair and reasonable to phase-out copper in bottom paint, we have some concerns with the senate bill. To drill down on what we are proposing: NMTA would like to begin this phase-out with new recreational boats up to 65 feet on Jan 1, 2017. We would like to extend this phase-out to cover all recreational boats (new and used) up to 65 feet by Jan 1, 2027.

Jan 21 is Seattle Boat Show Day

2011-01-18T11:34:00.000-08:00

Get out your calendars as the opening of the Seattle Boat Show is fast approaching. To commemorate this special occassion, NMTA has declared Jan 21 as Seattle Boat Show day in Washington State. For more info on the Boat Show, please visit http://www.seattleboatshow.com/