BoatPAC is the recreational boating industry’s political action committee. It works by bringing all industry segments together to support candidates running for Congress who will represent and protect the interests of the recreational boating industry on Capitol Hill. But we need your help. Each year, we update our compliance records to ensure that we have […]

Earlier this month, the Senate passed U.S. Coast Guard funding reauthorization legislation. The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2017 (S. 1129). The bill is a priority for the recreational boating industry as it includes provisions regarding boating safety, boat registrations, and environmental protections. Speaking on the importance of the Coast Guard reauthorization, Senate President Mitch […]

The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation has launched the Take Me Fishing Fishing License & Boat Registration widget to bring fishing license and boat registration information to consumers on any site the widget is added to. This free tool can be embedded directly on marina, boatyard or any stakeholder website, to help customers and potential […]

The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable issued a video this month reviewing the release of the first-ever report on the outdoor industry’s economic impact, known as the Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account (ORSA). Click here to watch the video. The ORSA report, produced by the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis was officially announced during a Capitol […]

The National Boating Safety Advisory Council (NBSAC) held its 100th meeting last week at the United State Coast Guard Training Center in Cape May, New Jersey. The council is comprised of Coast Guard officials, industry representatives, and members of the boating public and serves to provide invaluable advice to the Coast Guard on a broad […]

The National Park Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior is seeking nominations for individuals to be considered for appointment to the Made in America Outdoor Recreation Advisory Committee. The Committee provides advice to the Secretary of the Interior on the public-private partnerships across all public lands, with the goal of expanding access to […]

BoatPAC, the federal political action committee of the MRAA and the National Marine Manufacturers Association, exceeded its 2018 fundraising goal of $200,000, raising nearly $202,000 from 348 donors. That figure is up from $154,000 and 312 donors in 2017. BoatPAC supports the election of candidates to the United States Congress who are strong advocates for […]

The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, the leading trade association of North American small businesses that sell and service recreational boats, expressed grave concern over the Trump administration’s move to direct the Environmental Protection Agency to allow for the sale of gasoline with 15% ethanol, or E15, year-round. Matt Gruhn, President of the MRAA, […]

On Wednesday, October 10, the Senate passed the America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018, and it now awaits President Trump’s signature. The bill has been a major priority for the recreational boating industry, as it contains numerous provisions that affect issues such as efforts to combat aquatic invasive species, dredging programs, everglades restoration, and controlling […]

While the outdoor recreation industry supports fair international trade policies and efforts to protect U.S. business interests in the global market, recent trade policy developments have threatened continued growth in this critical $673 billion industry. We understand the Administration’s efforts to safeguard U.S. intellectual property and balance unfair trade deficits, however recent tariffs have prompted […]