Why Boaters and Industry Both Matter
When taxes and fees increase in Washington State, it is recreational boaters who pay them. Not the industry. Not the dealers. Not the manufacturers.
It is the individual boat owner—our members—who write the checks for registration fees, excise taxes, moorage taxes, fuel taxes, and user fees. Every increase comes directly out of a boater’s pocket.
Those increases can absolutely impact the marine industry represented by Northwest Marine Trade Association—fewer boat sales, fewer service contracts, less activity at marinas. But the financial burden itself falls squarely on boaters.
That is why the Recreational Boating Association of Washington exists.
RBAW represents the payer—the recreational boater statewide—focusing on access, affordability, stewardship, and fair use of our waters. NMTA represents the businesses that build, sell, service, and support boating—from marinas and boatyards to manufacturers and dealers.
These roles are complementary, not interchangeable.
During legislative session especially, alignment is powerful.
Boaters (RBAW) bring the real-world impact: How will this tax or regulation affect access and affordability?
Industry (NMTA) brings industry impact, economic data, technical expertise, and operational insight.
Together, that unified voice protects both public access and the long-term health of Washington’s marine economy.
But it is important to be clear:
If boaters are not represented independently, the voice of the people who actually pay the taxes and fees is diminished.
Both organizations are necessary. One represents the businesses. One represents the boaters who fund the system.
Without both, the balance—and our impact—suffers.
