| 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 ~210,000 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. |
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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.
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News |
RBAW is opposed to the proposed 10% luxury tax on boat purchases greater than $500K in value as this would be a DOUBLE tax to boaters who already pay an annual value-based excise tax (~$20million annually). We have joined industry partners in a letter to WA Legislators to oppose this tax - and are asking all Boaters to contact their Legislators asking them to oppose this bill. This will negatively impact boat sales in WA thus having a devastating impact on the trades, jobs, and increase the prices of marine goods and services. Click the button below for how to contact your Legislator. Send the email, make the call, tell your friends and protect the boating lifestyle we love. Industry letter to WA Legislators Message to Members & How to Contact Your Legislator WA Boaters Pay Annual Excise Tax | 
Give Whales Space! Washington State Law - Mandatory Measures
*NOTE: It can be difficult to determine different types of killer whales, especially at a distance when you’re underway. When in doubt, err on the side of caution, treat them as endangered, and follow the appropriate regulations and guidelines. Boats should stay 100 yards from all other marine mammals (e.g. humpback whales, gray whales, sea lions and seals).Learn More About 2025 Change in Regulations Learn More About WA State Regulations & Guidelines |
RBAW Updates |
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. |
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! |
FREE Mobile Pump-outs return to West Puget Sound on May 3rd, 2025! |
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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. |
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! |
Featured in Northwest Yachting Magazine! RBAW was highlighted in the July 2023 edition of the Northwest Yachting Magazine's "Making Waves" section. |
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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. |
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! |
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 |
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Thank You to our Business/Corporate Members for Investing in the Recreational Boater! |
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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. |
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. |
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! |
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! |
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! Pumpout Nav- Google Play Download |
