Industry News and Announcements
08.12.08: President Bush Signs Clean Boating Act, relieves Boating Industry
President Bush recently signed into law The Clean Boating Act of 2008, protecting more than 17 million recreational boats throughout the U.S. from unprecedented federal regulations. The Act exempts certain discharges incidental to the normal operation of a recreational vessel from regulation under the Clean Water Act.
"This is welcome news for all recreational marine manufacturers across the country," said Thom Dammrich, president of the National Marine Manufacturers Association, in a statement. "NMMA raised the alarm on this misguided court decision nearly two years ago, and we are thrilled that Congress and the President have prevented the bureaucratic nightmare that was set to become law."
Introduced by Sens. Bill Nelson, D-Fla. and Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., and Reps. Steve LaTourette, R-Ohio, and Candice Miller, R-Mich, The Clean Boating Act of 2008 permanently and fully restores a regulation that excludes recreational boaters and anglers from the Clean Water Act federal and state permitting system designed for land-based industrial facilities like sewage treatment plants.
Without legislative relief, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was set to implement new permitting regulations for boaters by Oct. 1, 2008.
Congressional action was prompted by a U.S. district court decision in September 2006, under which recreational boats would have fallen under Clean Water Act permit requirements effective Sept. 30, 2008. The federal permit would have dictated maintenance and operation procedures and potentially subjected boaters to citizen lawsuits as well as a penalty system designed for industrial polluters.
At the same time it passed The Clean Boating Act of 2008, Congress also passed legislation to provide a moratorium on permitting for commercial vessel discharges until the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency completes a review of certain incidental discharges.
"Passage of this legislation is a testament to what is possible when our community joins forces and speaks with one voice before key decision-makers," said Scott Gudes, NMMA vice president for government relations.
06.25.08: Time Running Out for Clean Boating Act
The Clean Boating Act, aimed to exempt America’s 13 million recreational boaters from a permit system, is running out of time. Introduced by Senators Barbara Boxer (D-California) and Bill Nelson (D-Florida) and Representatives Steve LaTourette (R-Ohio) and Candice Miller (R-Michigan), the Act has already been approved in committee and has companion legislation in the Senate, but Congress has yet to let boaters off the hook. If they fail to do so before the Fourth of July holiday or its August summer recess, the recreational boating industry will move scarily close to the September 30 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) deadline.
The issue came to fruition when a lawsuit aimed at preventing invasive species in the ballast water of some 91,000 commercial vessels from being dumped in U.S. waters was filed. When Judge Susan Illston of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California ruled on the ballast water in 2006, recreational boats were included in her ruling, which ultimately means the general boating public will be held accountable for the same restrictions as commercial vessels. The EPA was handed a Sept. 30 deadline to establish the necessary rules, regulations, and penalties.
If the Clean Boating Act fades away, the EPA must formulate new rules for water discharged by commercial vessels and all recreational boats, ranging from paddle-powered canoes and kayaks to charters, power boats, and sailboats under 79 feet in length. Every recreational boater in the country will have to obtain a federal or state permit in order to operate their boat, which translates into yearly fees, bureaucratic red tape, confusing and potentially state-by-state regulations, potential citizen suits and $32,000 per day penalties for non-compliance. These permits would apply to deck run-off, bilge water, engine cooling water, and any other water-based, operational discharge from a recreational boat.
Currently, the EPA appealed Illston's ruling to the 9th District Court of Appeals and a ruling has yet to be made.
What you Can Do: All boaters concerned with the approaching deadline should contact their U.S. Senators and tell them to co-sponsor S.2766, the Clean Boating Act of 2008. You can quickly and easily send a letter to your Senators by visiting: www.boatblue.org.
06.06.08: Marine Insurance Company Launches Anticipated Website
Sarasota, FL., June 6, 2008 – National Boat Owners Association (NBOA Marine Insurance) announces the launch of their innovative website which will streamline the quote request process and provide boat owners with competitive, quick-response rates. As one of the largest specialized insurance agencies in the country, NBOA Marine Insurance operates on the principal that all boat owners should have access to distinguished insurance professionals and products. The new website is a natural extension of their 20+ year philosophy.
NBOA aims to educate boat owners by providing industry insight, custom towing programs, and specialized insurance services. Website features include an interactive quote request form, up to date industry and boat owner information, monthly e-newsletter publications, and an online Ship’s Store offering discounted safety equipment and specialty boating items.
“There are other insurance companies that offer similar online quoting services,” says Patrick Farrell, NBOA media director, “but since we cater to the entire boating lifestyle, we had to be sure the new website properly reflected all of our services.”
The new website is the agency’s initial endeavor in creating a fulfilling, interactive online experience for boat owners.
03.31.08: Sea Ray Owners Club Partner With National Boat Owners Association Marine Insurance
KNOXVILLE, Tenn., March 31, 2008 – Sea Ray Boats, the world's largest manufacturer of superior quality pleasure boats in business since 1959, has announced their “Platinum Partnership” with the National Boat Owners Association, also known as NBOA. It is only natural that Sea Ray partner with NBOA, an organization with a history of being one of the largest U.S. agencies to specialize in marine insurance. NBOA takes great pride in providing their customers with unparalleled rates.
“Both companies specialize in accommodating all aspects of the ultimate boating lifestyle and doing so with only the highest standards,” said Rob Noyes, vice president of marketing for Sea Ray.
In order to deliver an impeccable customer experience to all Sea Ray Owners Club™ members, NBOA and Sea Ray have partnered to provide the “Platinum” insurance package including exclusive rates, free towing coverage, discounts on boating safety products and more. The customary towing program, for example, is a favorable feature of the new partnership, offering members $1,000 in additional on-water coverage, as well as $150 on-road towing assistance, guaranteeing members complete coverage.
“NBOA has worked closely with Sea Ray since 1996,” said Jeffrey Berndt, vice president of sales for NBOA. “This “Platinum Partnership” is a reflection of our history together and our commitment to continue to provide outstanding rates and benefits to Sea Ray owners nationwide.”
For further information on Sea Ray's “Platinum Partnership” with NBOA, visit www.searay.com or www.nboat.com. For a free insurance quote, please visit www.nboat.com/insurance/searay.shtml.
ABOUT SEA RAY
Founded in 1959, Sea Ray is the world's largest manufacturer of superior quality pleasure boats. Sea Ray is headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn., and operates as part of the Boat Group division of the Brunswick Corporation. With more than 40 models ranging from 17 to 60 feet, Sea Ray makes a boat for every lifestyle – each built with a unique commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and excellence throughout. Additional information about Sea Ray is available at www.searay.com.
The Fun Facts About Finance
It sounds too good to be true: by financing your boat purchase through marine lending specialists you can usually afford a newer, larger, more powerful boat, a better trailer, and even all the gear that it takes to make boating safer and more fun. So why don’t more boat owners approach boat loan experts when they are planning on financing or re-financing? Maybe it’s because they just don’t know any better?
Boat buyers have more choices when dealing with marine lending specialists. The main aspect that sets regular financiers apart from the specialized marine lenders is the fact that they are specialized. Marine lenders understand boats and their buyers; they recognize the value of a well-maintained boat, so terms will generally be more attractive than those offered by local banks or credit unions. Some of the benefits that go along with financing your boat are lower down payments, fast credit decisions, longer financing terms, and even lower monthly payments.
For more information on financing or re-financing your boat, contact NBOA’s marine lending specialists – the Financial Underwriters Network (F.U.N. Inc.) Their experienced staff will be happy to help!
ABOUT NBOA MARINE INSURANCE
Established in 1984, the National Boat Owners Association (NBOA) is one of the largest marine insurance agencies in the country, collaborating with several A-rated carriers to provide superior rates to its customers. NBOA accommodates all aspects of the boating lifestyle, offering towing memberships with excellent benefits, as well as safety products and specialty items from its online Ship's Store. For more information, please visit www.nboat.com.
For Additional Information, contact:
Iceseas Hanson, Marketing Manager
NBOA Marine Insurance
4404 N. Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34234
941.360,6777 / (F) 941.360.6888
