Almost certainly, the reports of the death of pleasure boating in the US are greatly exaggerated. At the same time, taken as a business, many sectors of boating are in poor shape at the present time.
A national source reported that only 2000 sailboats (of all types) were sold last year. Recent figures suggest that sales of PWC are steady at best, and probably declining.
Locally, it appeared that almost all of our marinas had slips they could not let for the season. Few new boats were on display in local dealerships, and dealers had plenty of used offerings.
How does all of this relate to taxes? Well, it seems that some see the salvation of the marine industry in terms of changes in tax policy.
The recent BOAT/U.S. Magazine reported that Congressman Patrick Kennedy, of Rhode Island, has introduced a bill which would grant 20% tax credits for purchase of custom built yachts over 50 feet long. It seems some of his constituents buy or build such things. You can do your own analysis of how this will affect our local economy.
It has been reported in another national publication that boat fuel taxes will be diverted from safety programs to finance a "boating is good for you" advertising campaign. Something like the generic ads you see for milk is projected.
Another change in tax policy actually made it into law. Federal taxes on pleasure boat fuel go into a special "trust fund" which, in the past, and excluding safety programs, has gone mostly for fishing improvements and boat ramps.
This year it was recognized that some boaters don't fish, and that few large boat use launching ramps, yet these users generate significant portions of the fuel tax revenues. (Many trailer boaters buy cheaper fuel at service stations, and pay road rather than boat taxes on their fuel.)
Starting soon, 15% of boat fuel taxes will be allocated to construction of facilities for "cruising boats." How the program will work is still unclear, but it could provide money for visitors' docks at places like our riverfront parks.
Why aren't more people boating? If you ask people why they are not buying new boats, they say "too expensive," but it may be that they just don't want to leave air conditioned environments, or don't see anything exciting about a boat ride. It's not just an American problem, British figures parallel ours.
Of course for those of us who are boating, it means better deals and less crowded waterways.
Keep your eyes open and keep your governmental representatives advised on your feelings.
Cdr Thomas W. Martin, AP October Squadron Meeting
Our September meeting was hit with a good rain shower, and attendance suffered. Those who were there had a good meal and a good time.
Our October dinner and program will be at Minard's Restaurant, in Clarksburg.
George Snider, S, was unable to attend the September meeting, but will be the speaker this month, with a trip on the River Thames, in England as his probable topic.
We will order from the menu.
Social hour at 1830, dinner at 1900 with meeting to follow.
Lt/C Alan Smith, JNWe are teaching the Boat Smart course as our fall public class. This class meets over a four week period, including the examination.
The Morgantown class will be held at the old Sabraton School on 8 October at 1900.
The Fairmont class will be held at the YWCA on Pleasant Valley road starting on 7 November at 1900. Anyone with any interest in helping please let the Education Department know.
Our long range plans were to offer Marine Electronics, Seamanship and Piloting this fall. We can't teach them without students (and course materials) and so far none of you have stepped forward. Everyone interested in one of these should contact me as soon as possible. We will schedule times and locations for classes to best meet students' needs.
Every member should complete Seamanship. It's not about going to sea or sailing. It's 'basic boating' skills like boat handling, anchoring, and the use of lines covered in more detail than in our public courses, but without the 'rules and regulations' material.
We have a group of students planning to take Navigator this year. They have
decided to start in late October.
What have YOU done this year?
Our Squadron goals include having every member participate in at least one Mountaineer activity during the year, be it education, service, or "just social." We realize that each member has different obligations and interests. Not everyone is free to teach, take a class, or serve as an officer, but we would at least like to have the opportunity to renew our friendship.
Mason-Dixon Parade Of Boats 1998
The day is beautifully bright,
With sunshine galore, and sky full of blue,
There is a warm breeze to please,
As we gather at the dock
Near the friendly gazebo of the park.
There are beautiful little girls,
With swishing dresses and costume tiaras,
Waiting to board a houseboat already there.
I see Stalneckers in their boat,
Wave a friendly greeting, and stop to chat a bit
Then Wally with his SnoGoose arrives,
With Mason-Dixon colors ruffling in the tickling breeze,
He carries the parade marshal in his boat,
We all board on the different boats,
And line up to go up the river,
With a yellow hover craft leading us.
The water is still summer warm,
The trees have just started to splotch fall,
It is a time to love the river
As it meanders through the hills.
The familiar river's edge
Shows the passing scene,
As we go under the Star City's blue bridge,
Then on past this and that,
Eventually with Morgantown on our left,
And Westover on our right.
I try to see my house from there, way down in the river,
But the thickness of late summer leaves
Impedes my view
The boats all nod proud
As we arrive at the park,
That is full of interesting activities,
And delicious smells of foods cooking,
So people clamber off the boats at dock side
And the good parade is over...for this year!
-- Melba Dungey
In June, P/C Wallace Venable, AP and Norma Jean Venable, P visited Seattle. While there, they decided to take a ferryboat ride to Bremmerton. As fate would have it, the next boat was "foot passengers only."
As usual, they headed for the open decks, and found that they were only allowed outside on the stern. After they got under way, they found out why. The Chinook travels at speeds of over 40 knots. It has catamaran hulls and jet drives.
For the return trip, they waited for the car ferry. You get a longer ride for your $1.75 on that one.
Wally says "You've got to take your hat off to this boat. If you don't, it'll
blow it off."