Quote:
Originally Posted by Acres per Second
Why, those scoff-laws!!!  The Marine Patrol should be cracking down on people who don't pay the Registration Fee!
Ohhhhhh... You meant the paddlers, rowers, windsurfers, sailboats under 12' in length, plus inflatable craft who aren't yet affected by taxation— I get it now.
Yup: New eight-dollar fees will go a long way in helping the MPs enforce stickers on paddlecraft—and to pay the retirements of those State employees hired to collect the then-new $23 fees placed on sailboats back in the 80s). 
Why not a Luxury Tax on canoes assessed at over $150? 
 Say, hiring more government workers will reduce unemployment!
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So now you're worried about MP enforcement costs? Sailboats, canoes and kayaks account for a large part of MP assists as it is. Same with smaller fishing boats, as evidenced from the spring. I would assume as more people get interested in paddling and sailing, more assists will be needed.
The NHMP has a big job statewide. Accidents and incidents are up, and comparable to the great weather summer/Fall of 2006, when there was a lot more boating activity and good weather than this year. Just like everything else, the MP either gets more funding, or cuts services. Maybe they should act like Sea Tow, and just assist those that are paying members
Courtesy inspections are way, way down since 2005. While other government agencies have become bloated, perhaps the MP's budget needs to be brought higher? A cursory look at the stats would show this is true. How else are they going to be able to enforce and argue about rafting in Braun Bay?