About BoatPAC
boatpac - your voice in action on capitol hill
We are the federal political action committee of the recreational boating industry, promoting your business interests in Congress. BoatPAC supports the election of candidates to the United States Congress who are strong advocates for recreational boating and ensures that our priorities are protected. All contributions to BoatPAC go to candidates for federal office and are distributed on a nonpartisan basis.
BoatPAC promotes advocacy and engagement in the political process. We encourage voluntary contributions by educating and mobilizing BoatPAC eligible individuals to support candidates for political office who champion recreational boating issues in Washington, D.C.
2021 Advocacy Priorities
- Introduce the recreational boating community to the 117th Congress and new administration
- Eliminate the E.U.’s 25% tariff on American boats and engines
- Protect and modernize conservation programs
- Increase funding for boating access projects
- Defeat harmful legislation and regulations
2020 advocacy wins
- Delivered $100 million in Paycheck Protection Program funding
- Passed Great American Outdoors Act, investing billions in outdoor recreation access projects
- Secured mandatory wear of engine cutoff devices
- Ensured $850 million for Everglades and Great Lakes Restoration
- Provided $25 million in tariff relief
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BoatPAC is managed by the following volunteers from the recreational boating industry:
Clarke Smith – Trident Marine Managers – Chair
John Swick – Safe Harbor Marinas – Vice Chair
Melanie Ashby – MariCorp US
Jason Blackburn – Faria Beede
Dave Briggs – Wayzata Marine
Natalie Carrera – Indmar
Raul Chacon – MG+M The Law Firm
Ray Fernandez – Bridge Marina
Michele Goldsmith – Soundings Trade Only
Jim Hardin – Grady White
Charlie Johnson – Maverick Boat Group
Greg Lentine – Norcross Marine
Joe Lewis – Mt. Dora Boating Center and Marina
Dave Marlow – Brunswick
Dana Russikoff – Rodan, LLC
Larry Russo – MarineMax
Mark Tracy – Yamaha
Paul Vitrano – Polaris
Mick Webber – HydroHoist