Among the wide range of provisions tucked into the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBA), some will have a positive impact on the recreational marine industry — from tax policy to workforce development. Here are four important provisions the MRAA supported. 1. Qualified Business Income Deduction The 199A Qualified Business Income deduction — set to […]
Category: Advocacy
No Boat Tax Increase in New Jersey
• Strong Advocacy Efforts Lead to Boater Victory in Garden State In late June, Governor Murphy officially signed the 2026 New Jersey State Budget, keeping the boat tax unchanged. The Marine Trades Association of New Jersey exemplifies how vital state marine trades associations are in advocating for our industry. Their efforts highlight the importance of […]
How Tariffs Are Rocking the Boat
• A Q&A with Rick’s Small Sailboats, Florida-Based Dealer and MRAA Bronze Member By Chad Tokowicz, MRAA Government Relations Manager Rick Upson started his dealership, Rick’s Small Sailboats, with a simple goal: to share his love of sailing and help more people experience the joy of being on the water. Working solo from his home […]
Coast Guard Reports Fewest Boating Fatalities in More Than 50 Years
• 2024 United States Coast Guard Recreational Boating Statistics Report Overview By Chad Tokowicz, MRAA Government Relations Manager On Tuesday, June 24, 2025, the United States Coast Guard released its annual Recreational Boating Statistics report for 2024, marking the 66th edition of this comprehensive analysis. This report is a vital resource for understanding the current […]
Recreational Boating Industry Supports Introduction of Boating Trust Fund Reauthorization
MINNEAPOLIS, June 12, 2025 — The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) backs a bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund (SFRBTF). It was released on Tuesday in the U.S. House of Representatives. The reauthorization of the SFRBTF is a top priority of the recreational marine industry. 75 Years […]
MRAA Helps Unlock Relief for Marine Businesses in Minnesota Lead Key Ban Reversal
MINNEAPOLIS, June 12, 2025 — The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) applauds the Minnesota legislature’s passage of H.F. 4, which included a provision that has relaxed the state’s previously enacted lead key ban. Unlock Minnesota Coalition The MRAA, as part of the Unlock Minnesota Coalition, comprised of Minnesota-based businesses, worked together to shepherd […]
Texas Boating Bill Protects Consumers, Retailers
• Senate Bill 1267 Increases Transparency in Boat Transactions MINNEAPOLIS, June 10, 2025 — The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA), along with a coalition of recreational boating organizations, commends the state of Texas for enacting Senate Bill 1267, signed into law on May 27 by Gov. Greg Abbott. This bipartisan legislation, classified as […]
Why Marine Dealers Should Attend the American Boating Congress: Advocacy, Networking, Impact
By Liz Keener, MRAA Senior Director of Dealer Development During the opening night dinner at the American Boating Congress, organizers invited first-time attendees to stand up. There were dealers, manufacturer representatives and industry suppliers who rose from their chairs — and, of course, me. For 14 years, I had heard of this event — ABC […]
Tariff Policy & Cross-Border Marine Trade
• A Q&A with Kellen Friedlander, President, Great Lakes Marine By Chad Tokowicz, MRAA Government Relations Manager Rapidly shifting global trade policy is resulting in rising costs and supply chain disruptions. It’s ultimately creating uncertainty for boat dealers, especially those serving both recreational customers and public safety agencies. To explore these challenges, we spoke with […]
South Carolina’s Boat Tax Reform: A Victory for Boaters, Dealers and the Marine Industry
There is big news coming from South Carolina, as the state is one step closer to cutting the nation’s highest boat property tax. With an overwhelming 89-7 vote in the South Carolina House of Representatives, this reform effort has picked up serious momentum — and it’s a major victory for boaters, dealers and the entire […]
