By Chad Tokowicz, MRAA Government Relations Manager The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has taken an important first step toward reexamining Federal vessel regulations intended to protect the endangered North Atlantic Right Whale, and this development has meaningful implications for the
• MRAA Advocacy update: New bill addressing boat loan interest deduction will make boat ownership more affordable for everyday Americans WASHINGTON (Jan. 28, 2026) — The No Tax on Boat Loan Interest Act of 2026, recently introduced by Rep. Nancy Mace, proposes extending the above‑the‑line loan interest deduction available for
• 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), 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
• 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
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
• 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
• 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.
• 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
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
