RBAW Monthly Newsletter

- October 2026 -

Legislative Update

With fall upon us, RBAW's Legislative Committee is turning its attention toward the 2027 legislative session. The Board of Directors has approved our proposed 2027 Legislative and Regulatory Priorities for presentation to the delegates representing our affiliated clubs, who will vote on their adoption at our Annual Membership Meeting in November.

As Washington approaches another challenging state budget cycle, protecting recreational boating programs and ensuring boaters have a voice in Olympia will remain central to our efforts. Below is a brief overview of our proposed priorities, divided into two categories:

State Legislative Priorities

Boating Taxes and Fees: Oppose new or increased taxes and fees targeting recreational boaters while advocating for boating revenues to support boating programs.

Lakebay Marina: Continue supporting redevelopment efforts and securing funding for the marina's restoration.

Derelict Vessel Removal Program: Protect existing funding from budget cuts or sweeps and support the program's long-term sustainability.

Mobile Pumpout Services: Pursue additional funding to expand mobile pumpout capacity, particularly in underserved waterways.

Policy, Regulatory, Agency & Budget Initiatives

Mooring Buoys: Support additional mooring opportunities while reviewing proposed DNR regulations.

Lake Union Seaplanes: Continue monitoring shared waterway safety and supporting efforts such as the MindTheZone campaign.

Marine Parks and Buoys: Advocate for maintenance, expanded mooring capacity, and new stern-tie opportunities.

Capitol Lake and Deschutes Estuary: Support Olympia Yacht Club's interests as the estuary restoration project moves forward.

Boating Safety and Access:Monitor potential changes to life jacket requirements and boating education regulations.

Watercraft Excise Tax: Continue advocating for a fairer depreciation schedule, particularly for older vessels.

These summaries provide just a snapshot of the issues and initiatives outlined in our proposed priorities. We encourage all members, particularly our club delegates who will be voting on their adoption in November, to review the complete document available on the RBAW website.

View the Full Proposed 2027 Legislative & Regulatory Priorities

RBAW Annual Meeting - November 21st, 2026

Make Your Voice Heard at RBAW’s Annual Membership Meeting!

Join us on November 21st at Edmonds Yacht Club for RBAW’s Annual Meeting! This is your opportunity to connect with fellow boaters, hear what’s happening in recreational boating across Washington, and make your voice heard on the issues that matter most to our boating community. Your participation helps shape RBAW’s priorities and strengthens our collective voice in Olympia.

Not a member yet? Join RBAW for just $20 a year and help us protect, promote, and preserve recreational boating in Washington State. We hope to see you there!

RBAW Member Registration

We are Pleased to Announce PNW Boater's Guide as our Newest Gold Contributing Business Member!

Looking for boating information and adventure, right at your fingertips, right when you need it? The PNW Boater’s Guide is a free app that puts marinas, pumpouts, fuel stops, marine parks, tides and weather on your phone—with no registration required. Get your free download at pnwboatersguide.com. And for conversations about boats, gear, destinations, and the people who make our boating community special, check out The Boat Geeks podcast at theboatgeeks.com.

November Ballard Locks Transit Advisory for Tall Sailboats and Large Powerboats

Boaters planning to transit the Ballard Locks in November should be aware of a temporary closure affecting the Salmon Bay Railroad Bridge.

From November 2 – 25, 2026, the BNSF railroad bridge will be closed to vessel openings for maintenance and will remain in the down position. Available clearance beneath the bridge will vary with the tide, potentially affecting sailboats with tall masts and large powerboats.

Before transiting, skippers should know their vessel’s air draft, check tide predictions, and determine whether there is sufficient clearance to safely pass beneath the bridge.

November 14 – 15 Exception: The bridge may be opened for vessel traffic with at least 24 hours’ advance notice to the bridge operator. Boaters should contact Travis Woodley at travis.woodley@bnsf.com or (682) 978-3311 to arrange a transit or ask questions.

If you’re planning a November trip through the Ballard Locks, be sure to plan ahead and review the official Coast Guard notice for complete details.

Read the full Coast Guard notice: https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/lnms/lnm13352026.pdf

Reid Harbor Pumpout Station Closure – Mid Oct. through early Dec.

Boaters visiting Stuart Island should be aware that the Reid Harbor pumpout station will be temporarily closed from mid Oct. through early Dec. while Washington State Parks replaces its aging support structures.

Updated First Avenue South Bridge Deviation Schedule: January – July 2027

Mariners navigating the Duwamish Waterway should plan ahead for nighttime repairs to the First Avenue South Bridges in Seattle. The updated bridge deviation schedule will run from January 15 through July 12, 2027, replacing the previously scheduled period of July 14, 2026, through January 8, 2027.

During this period, bridge openings will be slower than usual as crews perform repairs during nighttime hours on weekdays and weekends. The schedule could affect approximately 179 nights, including up to 26 weekends. Vessels that do not require the bridge to open will not be affected.

Mariners must notify the bridge tender twice during deviation hours:

At least 24 hours before their scheduled arrival.
Again 2 hours before their scheduled arrival.

Bridge Tender Contact Information

Phone: 206-764-4160
VHF Channel 13

Mariners should allow extra time when planning their transits and account for potential delays during nighttime bridge openings.

For questions or concerns about the updated schedule, contact Christina Stavers at WSDOT at 206-768-5889 or christina.stavers@wsdot.wa.gov.

Be Whale Wise

Stay a Safe Distance from Whales

Know the new 2026 rules and guidelines to follow in regards to your proximity to the whales while you are cruising. Educate yourself with the links below.