The EPA thinks you do.  At least they’re going to treat you like you do.

EPA regulations which go into affect in September of this year will require all boats to get a “discharge” permit.  This permit would regulate engine cooling water, bilge water, and even deck runoff.   The permit, of course, comes with a fee.

The original intent of the regulations is good.  They’re designed to help reduce and eliminate many of the environmental problems that result from large ocean-going vessels taking on water in one part of the world and discharging it in another part.  Invasive species and chemical contamination are just two results that impact everyone.

It’s rediculous, however, to place those same regulations on the Alumacraft Navigator that never leaves Lake Wisconsin.  Before now, the EPA has always differentiated between big ships and small recreational boats.  That will change this fall–unless Congress does something about it.   And you’ll be the one to pay the price–literally!

A few members of Congress are trying to put some common sense back into the law with Senate Bill 2677, “The Clean Boating Act of 2008″.  Boatblue.org has details, but they need your help.  As a boater, you need to contact your Senators (in Wisconsin they are Herb Kohl (D) and Russ Feingold (D); links are to their official contact pages) and tell them how important it is for them to support this bill.

This is the last week for most of the manufacturer promotions and rebates.   If you’re planning on buying a boat, this is the week to do it, there are thousands of dollars in rebates, discounts, and other incentives that all vanish at the end of the month.

March 31st is the last day for Honda Marine’s “Best Deal”, Alumacraft’s “Alumacash”, Evinrude’s “Fish More, Spend Less”, Yamaha’s “250 Reason$”, and Rinker’s “Take the Summer Off” promotions.

Stop in this week and talk to Jason about your new boat.   Get a great deal, and have your new boat waiting for you when the ice breaks.

Thank you to everyone who came to see us at the Spring Melt-Down.   It was a busy weekend for us all, and we had the opportunity to meet quite a few new faces.    Events like this are a lot of work, but the benefits are certainly worth it–both for us, and for all our customers.

The showroom and shop are quickly being put back into their normal set-up so we’re ready to handle summerizing, rigging, and all the other work that needs to be done to get you out on the water this spring.