State Fuel Tax Refund
Recreational boaters can apply for a partial refund of the state sales tax on highway motor fuel. The refund, 8%, is currently based on an average $1.60 paid per gallon. The state will process refunds when at least 87 gallons of gas is purchased. Boaters can claim a refund on purchases made within the past 13 months, and must include all sales receipts with the claim. For additional information pleae visit http://www.dol.wa.gov/vehicleregistration/ftrefunds.html

In order to apply for the refund, call the Washington State Department of Licensing's Fuel Tax Section at (360)664-1838 to obtain a permit number. Once that is issued, and an application for the refund will be mailed.

• Registered boats: 264,393
• Numbering: All motorboats except those less than 16' w/10hp motors or less used only in state waters; sailboats 16' or more
• Square Miles of Inland Water: 4,720
• Square Miles of Coastline Shore: 3,026
• Launch Ramps: BoatUS Ramp Locator
• For more information: (360) 902-8514
• Website: http://www.parks.wa.gov/
• Contacts: BoatUS.com/gov/states/contact.asp

• 4/6/2012 - Raid on Washington State Boater Fund

 WA State Parks and Rec Need Boaters Help

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is seeking an experienced hunter or angler who uses a boat in their sport to serve on the Boating Safety Advisory Council.

The deadline for submitting applications is May 8. The appointment will be made in the month of May, and the term will go through Dec. 31, 2015.

The Boating Safety Advisory Council is a general advisory committee that assists and advises the Commission on the administration of its Boating Safety Program, which provides information and education on safe and environmentally sound boating practices to agencies, organizations and individuals statewide.

The council meets four times a year at the State Parks’ Headquarters Building, 1111 Israel Road S.W., Tumwater, Wash. 98504. The 2013 meetings are set for the following dates: May 16, Sept. 26 and Nov. 21.  All meetings are held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Council members will be reimbursed for travel and other expenses when attending council meetings.

Interested applicants are required to provide a completed application along with a resume and letter of interest explaining why they are qualified to serve on the council. To request an application, contact the Boating Safety Program at doni.thomas@parks.wa.gov, P.O. Box 42654, Olympia 98504-2650, or call (360) 902-8832.

2011 Washington Boating Issues 

• 4/21/2011 - Copper Antifouling Paint Ban Legislation Amended
• 4/14/2011 - Copper Bottom Paint Ban Legislation
• 2/2011 - Copper Antifouling Paint Ban  Legislation Passed

2009 Washington Boating Issues

• 2/6/2009 - WA Boating Safety Funds in Jeopardy