Reginald P. Smithers III wrote:
HK wrote:


Isn't it amazing, Wayne, that when I put up a post about boating that
is even slightly controversial, it provokes lots of boating-related
discussion?

Have a nice day.

Actually, this was a great thread, because it did encourage lots of
boating related discussion. The problem with your surtax is it would
not be any real impact on our national consumption of fuel. The only
way to do that is to substantially increase the tax all fuel to
encourage new technology for alternative energy and the use of fuel
efficient cars. Your surcharge on boating related fuel, at best, would
put small boat mfg'ers out of business. These are the same ones you
wish would stay in business.

I do agree with Eisboch, that the government has consistently proven to
be the least effective way to encourage innovation and effective
research to solve complex problems. I would use the tax to encourage
private businesses to find solutions, via tax incentives to those who
are able to find effective solutions.

It does seem that your surcharge on fuel is like everyone's tax
recommendations, they want the next guy to pay the tax, and not them.
Your tax would not really provide a solution, but seemed to be designed
to punish those who have a bigger boat just because they have a bigger
boat.


My suggestion would have minimal if any impact on the manufacturers of
small boats.

The surtax is aimed at what society may deem is excessive use of a
diminishing asset.

Well, there are other ways to accomplish the goal of reducing the amount
of fuel pleasure boats use