By Chad Tokowicz, Government Relations Manager, Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) If there was one clear takeaway from state level advocacy battles in 2025, it’s this: recreational boats remain an attractive revenue target for lawmakers. Across the country, legislators introduced proposals to increase sales taxes, impose new “luxury”
• Two Dealers Honored for Outstanding Commitment to Protecting Boating Access and Advancing Advocacy TAMPA, FLORIDA – Dec. 18, 2025 – The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas recognized two outstanding dealer advocates during its annual awards luncheon at the 2025 Dealer Week Conference and Expo, presenting the MRAA Dealer
The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) celebrates an incredible achievement for our industry’s advocacy efforts — the industry’s political action committee, BoatPAC, has set a new all-time fundraising record! Thanks to the generosity of more than 400 donors across the recreational boating industry, BoatPAC raised $359,000 during the
The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA), joined by several Connecticut-based marine retailers, has submitted formal comments to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) regarding its proposed Wake Boat and Wakesurf Study. The wakesurfing study is intended to evaluate the operation and impacts of wake boats
• Marine Trades Association of Maryland established new, vital workforce program at Annapolis Power Boat Show By MRAA Government Relations Team Developed through a grant from the city of Annapolis, the Marine Trades Association of Maryland announced the launch of a marine tech apprenticeship program at the recent Annapolis Powerboat
• Facing the Next Wave: How Dealer Action Protects Access and Your Bottom Line MINNEAPOLIS, September 22, 2025 — Recreational boating activities, including wake surfing, face scrutiny across the country. Proposed regulations threaten to restrict access to waterways and limit where and how your customers can enjoy their time on
• BoatUS Foundation and United States Coast Guard Boating Safety Toolkit Despite the recreational boating season beginning to wind down, the safety of your customers and others on the water should still be of the utmost importance. Boating Education — Boater Safety As summer begins to change into fall, colder
• New legislation would modernize accessibility to saltwater recreational fishing regulations and marine waters navigation information WASHINGTON, September 12, 2025 – Saltwater anglers, hunters and marine recreationists joined the, Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, National Marine Manufacturers Association, American Sportfishing Association and the Congressional Sportsmen’s
By Chad Tokowicz, MRAA Government Relations Manager In May the United States Coast Guard announced plans to remove a number of Aids to Navigation (ATONs) across the Northeast. These ATONs — buoys, markers and beacons — are essential tools that guide boaters safely through our nation’s waterways. The Coast Guard
• Amendment Passes in the 2025-2026 Mass. State Budget The Massachusetts Marine Trades Association has once again secured funding for workforce development efforts in Massachusetts. The recently passed state budget as included $150,000 specifically to help bolster workforce development and career technical education initiatives within the recreational boating industry. These
