BOATING TIPS -- OCTOBER 1993
Fees, Taxes, and a Winter Layup Checklist

First, a reminder from the pages of BOAT/US REPORTS, the newsletter of that organization that goes to all its members. They report that the "User Fee" tax phaseout is nearly complete, and no boats less than 37 feet long will need a sticker after September 30. If your boat is 37 feet to less than 40 feet in length, you'll pay $50 next year; 40 and over $100. To get stickers, call (800) 848-2100.

After September, 1994, there will be no more tax. That's the good news. The bad news: although the utterly stupid and anti-productive "luxury tax" on boats is repealed, Congress in its infinite wisdom has established a new tax of 20.1 cents per gallon on Diesel fuel for recreational boats.

Of course, no other recreational vehicles are now taxed with any similar tax, nor are gas boats, so we Diesel boaters find ourselves in the situation where our vessels, using less fuel (as Diesels do) which is easier and more petroleum-efficient to refine than gasoline (as is Diesel fuel) and which produces less harmful pollutants (as does Diesel fuel) are now taxed enough to at least partly make such energy savings less sensible.

And they wonder why we are angry with politicians....

Here's an October checklist for those of you who are less hardy and are making your last cruises for the year already:

• Change the oil before neglecting the boat, to keep acidic used oil from harming your engine;
• Close the sea cocks, being sure that you don't have a dose of fresh water from a rainy day in the Nooksack in your hoses or valves;
• Get the light bulbs and heaters out, set them on low, keep heater thermostats from bilges in gasoline boats, and otherwise plan to keep the boat warm enough;
• Cover engine room vents to keep the wind out;
• Make sure your mooring lines are in good condition;
• Secure halyards and other loose or "slapping" appurtenances on you vessel, to avoid wear and tear on the item and the boat; and
• Make sure that your moorage neighbors know how to reach you in case of a winter emergency.

Happy Fall!

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