$800.00 permit. All Boats!! Every Year!!!

[jbjennings]

Re: $800.00 permit. All Boats!! Every Year!!!

I may be going out on a limb here, but on this message board, most people are do-it-yourself types.. I'd guess that there are more people on here with older, lesser expensive, boats, than brand new expensive boats. People on this board are mostly on here because they have a passion for boating and are not the types that only have a boat for show and take it out 3 times a year.

That being said, everyone has a right to use boat ramps. If you don't like the poor people in ugly boats clogging up the ramp, and you'd pay $800 a year to get rid of them, then why don't you just go to a private ramp and pay $10 to launch?

I already pay a yearly fee to register my boat, trailer, tow vehicle, and taxes on the gas I put in it. If I want to fish, I pay for a fishing permit. There is absolutely no need to raise my prices of boating.

The poor person with the lawn chair seats is probably one of the first people to help out a snobby boater when their precious boat breaks down.

Well put, Capt.Kid,
Just what I was thinking!
JBJ

 

[lime4x4]

Re: $800.00 permit. All Boats!! Every Year!!!

I really don't care what a person uses as long as it's safe and there not being jerks.Many of times when going to the lake we wait for people with beat up alum boats loading and unloading and everyone of them have been nice people to talk to. There always saying be done in a minute i always tell them take your time. Alot of them actually ask if i want to unload first but i always decline they were there ahead of me samething when we come back in

 

[Navy Jr.]

Re: $800.00 permit. All Boats!! Every Year!!!

The legislation is to EXEMPT recreational boats from this permit. Not to apply it. The permits are in place and the court said it has to apply to all boats/ships, not just commercial shipping.

This was my understanding, as well. Moreover, I read somewhere that unless the 2007-2008 Recreational Boaters Act is passed before then, the new rule could be enforced as early as this August.

But here's the thing. Just who exactly is going enact and enforce it? Are they going to stake officers on our ramps and lakes looking for those who don't have the appropriate sticker? And what will be the penalty for those who refuse to pay the fee? Will they impound all of those boats?

This could actually be a bigger headache for the enforcers than the enforcees.

 

[10 FOOT INVADER]

Re: $800.00 permit. All Boats!! Every Year!!!

If this becomes law... Time to break out the scuba gear and cordless drills.

 

[Dakota47]

Re: $800.00 permit. All Boats!! Every Year!!!

You guys are funny, $800.00 Nobody will ever pay that.. they can kiss my

 

[Nandy]

Re: $800.00 permit. All Boats!! Every Year!!!

But here's the thing. Just who exactly is going enact and enforce it? Are they going to stake officers on our ramps and lakes looking for those who don't have the appropriate sticker? And what will be the penalty for those who refuse to pay the fee? Will they impound all of those boats?

This could actually be a bigger headache for the enforcers than the enforcees.

I dont see the problem. The same LEO that checks for your local state registration sticker will be looking for that other sticker. Or, the state will add the price to your sticker and they are back to just one sticker...

Anyway, write to your representatives, MAKE SURE YOU VOICE YOUR CONCERNS!!!

 

[SnappingTurtle]

Re: $800.00 permit. All Boats!! Every Year!!!

For us to all blow off steam here is not going to accomplish anything.

If you want to do something to stop this infringement on your right to boat,
go here: http://www.boatblue.org/takeaction.aspx

Please do it now, tomorrow maybe to late!!!

 

[cordell]

Re: $800.00 permit. All Boats!! Every Year!!!

My senator in CA replied to my email, or at least her intern did!

Dear Mr. Abney:

Thank you for writing to me to share your support for the "Clean Boating Act of 2008." I appreciate hearing your thoughts about this legislation, and I welcome the opportunity to respond.

As you know, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must create and manage a Clean Water Act permit system for recreational boats by September 2008. I understand that recreational boating is a very popular activity in California, and I appreciate hearing your support for reinstating the recreational boat exemption.

I am pleased to inform you that I am a co-sponsor of the "Clean Boating Act of 2008" (S. 2766). This legislation would restore the exemption of recreational boats from EPA regulations regarding the discharge of pollutants such as engine cooling water, deck runoff, bilge water and gray water. Please know that I appreciate your interest in actively contributing to the legislative process, and I hope that you will continue to keep in touch on matters of importance to you.

Again, thank you for writing. If you have any other questions or comments, please contact my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 224-3841. Best regards.

Sincerely yours,
Dianne Feinstein
United States Senator

 

[Knot Waiting]

Re: $800.00 permit. All Boats!! Every Year!!!

Fired off 5 emails through that link. One for each one of my accounts and each one tailored a little different as to gain more attention.

 

[SnappingTurtle]

Re: $800.00 permit. All Boats!! Every Year!!!

I sent mine!

 

[Viking77]

Re: $800.00 permit. All Boats!! Every Year!!!

Good post!
I contacted Senator Jim DeMint's office and let them know that this was poor legislation and unfair taxation. I asked them to let Senator DeMint know that he should defeat this bill because it would tax pleasure craft and boat owners unfairly. Monitoring small boats and even large yachts for concerns about the enviornment as far as I understand was not the reason for introducing the bill. It was to do something about large commercial ships that were dumping their bilge water.

There is also another point that this whole thing brings up. Some lower court judge added this taxation of every boat on later. So, WATCH OUT FOR THOSE JUDGES THAT LEGISLATE FROM THE BENCH. They are like dictators accountable to no one. Instead of interpreting the law and the will of the people through established law and voting they just make up the law at will.

 

[TN-25]

Re: $800.00 permit. All Boats!! Every Year!!!

Ah, the EPA! Unelected, unaccountable, and completely omnipotent!

Free country my bleep!


This is so draconian. I am not saying that I am for pollution, but the problems are being way overstated, and the "cure" is so unduly onerous that I feel some comraderie with the Soviets, seeing as we both apparently have the same overlords, the government (by the people, for the people???)

No, I live in Canada, but as far as our government, have you seen our gun laws? Only our scofflaws are armed (laws don't matter to the lawless...)

It ain't over...

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: $800.00 permit. All Boats!! Every Year!!!

Millions of miles of petroleum based asphalt that it rains on, and they are worried about recreational boats. What about the oil slicks on the highways from leaky trucks and cars that cause hazardous run off? Where are their heads at,,,,,,,it aint on their shoulders!

BTW, the floods we have been having on and off all these years introduce more contaminants into the water system than all the vehicles and boats combined. I'm stopping before I blow a gasket and cause the EPA to come in and charge me to clean it up........SS

 

[Hitech]

Re: $800.00 permit. All Boats!! Every Year!!!

I used the take action web site to send the standard email also. Someone did a nice job with that web site.

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: $800.00 permit. All Boats!! Every Year!!!

I just finished taking the action also. Plus I contacted a local radio personality. I'm going to try to get him to do some segments on this subject on his show. Think I will also try my best to get some attention at some of the local TV stations in the area as well.

 

[cordell]

Re: $800.00 permit. All Boats!! Every Year!!!

another response today!

Dear Mr. abney:
Thank you for writing to me about recreational boating. I appreciate hearing from you.
I am pleased to inform you that on May 21, 2008, the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW) unanimously approved the Clean Boating Act of 2008 (S.2766). As Chairman of the EPW Committee, I proudly joined Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) in introducing this bill to establish measures that ensure the protection of water quality while minimizing any burdens for recreational boaters under the Clean Water Act.
The Clean Boating Act makes it clear that recreational boaters will not have to get a permit under the Clean Water Act, while also requiring the Environmental Protection Agency and the Coast Guard to develop management practices, outside of any permitting programs, to assist boaters in minimizing adverse pollution impacts. By helping boaters to maintain and improve water quality, the boating experience can be enhanced for all users.
In developing this bill, I worked closely with boat user groups and recreational boat manufacturers to meet the needs of boaters and our mutual goal of clean water.
The National Marine Manufacturers Association, which is leading the efforts on behalf of boaters everywhere, said, "This legislation takes a balanced approach which protects the American marine manufacturing sector, boaters and anglers, and the nation's aquatic resources."
Rest assured that I will continue working with my colleagues to see that Congress passes this legislation to protect recreational boaters and improve water quality.

Again, thank you for writing to me. Please feel free to write to me in the future about this or any other issue of concern to you.

Barbara Boxer
United States Senator

 

[Knot Waiting]

Re: $800.00 permit. All Boats!! Every Year!!!

another response today!

Dear Mr. abney:

....... while minimizing any burdens for recreational boaters under the Clean Water Act.



That part sounds a little scary..

 

[tommays]

Re: $800.00 permit. All Boats!! Every Year!!!

Well

From what i have read recently they may let it slip in with NO fees BUT up to 32,000 dollars a day fines and see how it goes and then try and creep in rules

 

[Knot Waiting]

Re: $800.00 permit. All Boats!! Every Year!!!

Of all the emails I sent this is the only non "canned" answer I got... Not exactly sure what he means by what he wrote or if its good news or bad..


Dear Mr. Geise:

Thank you for taking the time to contact me. I value the
correspondence I get from the people in Wisconsin, and welcome
this opportunity to address your concerns regarding the Clean
Boating Act of 2008.

The "Clean Boating Act of 2008," S. 2766, which I co-
sponsored, was introduced by Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) on
March 13, 2008. This legislation would amend the Federal Water
Pollution Control Act to continue an exemption for recreational
boats from a national permit system. This permit system is
intended to monitor ballast water discharges that may be
responsible for introducing invasive species into rivers and lakes.

Currently, S. 2766 has been referred to the Committee on
Environment and Public Works. Please be assured that I will keep
your thoughts in mind should this legislation advance to the full
Senate.

Again, thank you for contacting me. I appreciate knowing
your thoughts on this issue.

 

[Neverhome]

Re: $800.00 permit. All Boats!! Every Year!!!

I read a thread last night that indicated a Senator from Alaska may be holding up passage of the bill to protect the commercial fisherman in her district. Wish I could remember her name but she is the only female senator in Alaska. Check on the Boats U.S. Forum. I belive they have a post on it with a way to contact her office. If she stalls this much more than another week or two we are in serious jeapordy of having to pay the $800.00 fee.

Neverhome