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Who is RBAW?

Since our formation in the 1950s, RBAW has been championing the needs of Washington's recreational boating community, growing alongside it to support the state's 250,000 registered boats. As a member-supported nonprofit of dedicated boaters, we drive statewide advocacy on the issues and opportunities that impact recreational boating. Proudly the "Voice of Boaters" in Olympia, we work to ensure a thriving future for boating in Washington. 

RBAW is the only organization in Washington devoted to representing and advocating for recreational boaters. Through our work in advocacy, awareness, and preserving and expanding boating opportunities, we create lasting impacts for every boater on Washington waters. 

Become a Member. Make an Impact. 

BECOME AN INDIVIDUAL MEMBER TODAY

Join for just $20 a year!

Your individual membership fuels the essential work of RBAW, supporting Advocacy, Awareness, and the Preservation & Growth of Boating Opportunities across WA.

Amplify your voice on important issues like safety regulations, taxes, and pro-boating legislation.

Preserve your favorite boating destinations by joining forces with fellow boaters to drive positive change statewide.

Stay informed with direct access to RBAW’s newsletters, legislative alerts, and the latest boating news.

Become a Member

YACHT & BOAT CLUB MEMBERSHIP

Join for just $20/member a year!

Learn More About Yacht & Boat Club Membership

CONTRIBUTING BUSINESS MEMBERSHIP

Invest in the Boaters who Invest in You!

Learn More About Contributing Business Membership

News

We are Hiring an Executive Director!

 

Learn More

Members, Register Today!

In-Person at the Tacoma Yacht Club or Via Zoom Webinar

Register for the 2024 Annual Meeting

Give Whales Space!

Washington State Laws

  • Boats to stay 300 yards from Southern Resident killer whales on either side.
  • Boats to stay 400 yards out of Southern Resident killer whale’s path/in front and behind the whales
  • Boats to go slow (<7 knots) within ½ mile of Southern Resident killer whales
  • Disengage engines if whales appear within 300 yards.
  • REMINDER: Distance regulations will increase to 1,000 yards (1/2 nm) starting Jan 1, 2025. 

Boats should stay 100 yards from all other marine mammals (e.g. humpback whales, gray whales, sea lions and seals).

Learn More

Know the Zones

Learn More About 2025 Change in Regulations

Learn More About WA State Regulations & Guidelines

RBAW Updates

See ya next Summer! 

FREE Mobile Pump-outs return to West Puget Sound in May 2025.


Watercraft Excise Tax Depreciation Schedule Impact on Vessel Registrations

RBAW testified in a DOR hearing on August 6, 2024 and again on September 25, 2024 in support of our position that the current depreciation schedule does not accurately represent boat values in our years of ownership. 

RBAW Comments & DOR Responses

More Info on WA Watercraft Excise Tax

Thank you to RBAW President, Bob Wise, and The Boat Geeks for sharing the important work we do! 

Working together, we amplify the voices of NW boaters!

Watch the Full Podcast Here

RBAW Awarded CVA Grants!

RBAW is excited to announce that we have been awarded two Clean Vessel Act (CVA) Grants, securing federal pass-through money that is administered and awarded by Washington State Parks. Both grants are for mobile pump-out capabilities and supports our goal of increasing their availability in Puget Sound. 

Learn More

Lakebay Marina Redevelopment

RBAW secured $206,000 in the state capital budget for continued renovation work. This additional money brings the total to over $500,000 obtained over the last two legislative sessions to continue renovating the Lakebay Marina! 

Learn More

Featured in Northwest Yachting Magazine!

RBAW was highlighted in the July 2023 edition of the Northwest Yachting Magazine's "Making Waves" section.

Read Full Article

RBAW is Proud to Lead Mind The Zone

This campaign raises awareness of the seaplane advisory buoys on Lake Union from Memorial Day through Labor Day. 

Learn more about Mind The Zone

Legislature Approves Directing 25% of WET Funds to Derelict Vessel Removal

A huge thanks to out House and Senate bill sponsors: 

Rep. Dave Paul (D-Oak Harbor/10th Dist.), Rep. Dan Griffey (R-Union/35th Dist.), Liz Lovelett (D-Anacortes/40th Dist.), Ron Muzzall (R-Island County/10th Dist.)

And to Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz and the folks at DNR who have partnered so well with us. Thank you!

Read the DNR Fact Sheet

RBAW Marine Parks Conservancy is a 501c3, Donations May Be Tax Deductible! 

Please consider donating to our Lakebay Marina renovation drive - go to the conservancy website or send your tax deductible donations to:

RBAW Marine Parks Conservancy 

PO Box 17591 

Seattle, WA 98127

Conservancy Website

Thank You to our Business/Corporate Members

for Investing in the Recreational Boater!

Gold Members


Silver Members




Bronze Members

Port of Kingston

Home | Elliott Bay Marina



Stay in the Know: Boating Info

Calling All Seattle-Area Boaters: Powerboat Handling Courses Available!

Affordable, hands-on powerboat handling courses for beginner and experienced boaters alike are now available from Ahoy Rentals in partnership with the @BoatUSFoundation. 

Sign Up Today


Where to Pump-Out and Mobile Pump-Out Services

Boating is good clean fun, let's keep it that way! To easily find locations where you can pump-out or a list of businesses that operate mobile pump-outs that will come to you, click link below.

Pump-Out Info

No-Go Zones for Boaters in Gulf Islands and San Juan Islands: June 1 - Nov 30

Please be aware of two seasonal No-Go Zones in the Gulf Islands, and the one year-round voluntary No-Go Zone in the San Juan Islands. Our friends at Waggoner Guide have all the information!

More Info

The Boaters Guide App Makes Planning Easy!

Planning a trip on the water and exploring the Salish Sea? Download the free Boaters Guide App to make planning a lot easier!

This app puts a lot of what you need in one place. The Boaters Guide App shows you marinas, VHF contact info, lets you quickly check the weather and tides, and even report whale sightings and find the lowest cost fuel!

Download on Apple App Store

Download on Google Play

WA Boaters Can Get a Fuel-Tax Refund on Unleaded Fill Ups

WA boaters can file for their road-tax refund via the Gallons app. There is a road tax placed on all non-dyed fuel sold in Washington (RCW 82.38.180). Refunds are issued by DOL. See the Gallons website for more information.

Learn More & Download Gallons App


Clean Vessel Act Grant Program Funds $900,000 in Pump-Out Projects

To find where you can pump-out, visit the link below or download the free Pumpout Nav app!

Apply for a CVA Grant

Where to Pump-Out

Pumpout Nav- Apple Download

Pumpout Nav- Google Play Download


Copyright © 2023 Recreational Boating Association of Washington - All Rights Reserved.


Recreational Boating Association of Washington
P.O. Box 17063, Seattle, WA 98127
Phone: (206) 929-2757

Email: Info@RBAW.org

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