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

BoatPAC’s 2021 Fundraising Goal

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