SB 5801 will eliminate jobs and decrease revenue collection
At Sundance, we’re a third-generation, family-run marina and yacht sales company. We’ve been serving boaters in the Pacific Northwest since 1972, and like most of the marine industry, we’re made up of hard-working folks—mechanics, dockhands, office staff, salespeople, and service crews—who take pride in helping people enjoy life on the water.
That’s why we’re speaking up about SB 5801, a new bill moving through the Washington State House. If passed, it would place a “luxury tax” on boats over a certain value. And while that might sound like it only affects the wealthy, here’s the truth: it’s working families and small businesses who stand to lose the most.
What We’ve Learned — Twice:
In 1991, we saw this movie already.
The federal government passed a similar luxury tax on boats over $100,000. It was supposed to bring in extra revenue. Instead, it gutted the industry:
- In Washington alone, sales dropped by 79%
- Boat manufacturers lost over $19 million in sales
- 431 jobs in manufacturing were lost, and 18% of retail workers were laid off
- Local dealers went from selling 108 qualifying boats in 1990 to just 24 in 1991
Washington's marine industry sounded the alarm. They surveyed local businesses, gathered data, and pushed back hard. Eventually, lawmakers repealed the tax—but not before damage was done.
And in 2022, Canada made the same mistake.
Canada passed a 10% luxury tax. The result?
- Sales dropped 77%
- Marine jobs disappeared
- Government revenue decreased, not increased
What’s at Stake Now
Washington’s recreational boating industry:
- Supports over 23,000 jobs
- Contributes $8.1 billion to the state’s economy
- Powers more than 1,200 small businesses
SB 5801 is moving fast—it’s already passed the Senate and is now in the House.
This Isn’t About “Luxury”—It’s About Livelihoods
From fiberglass shops to outboard repair techs, most of us aren’t luxury anything. We’re families putting food on the table by keeping your boats floating.
This tax will choke out sales, tank service demand, and ripple through everyone who supports boating in Washington.
Take Action: Contact Your House Rep
Tell your Washington State House representative:
Vote NO on SB 5801.
Find your rep here: https://app.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/
Together, we can protect the jobs, businesses, and way of life that keep our marine community thriving.
—from the team at Sundance Yachts & Marinas
Contact these representatives:
- Rep. Jake Fey https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/memberEmail/27/2
- Rep. Julia Reed https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/memberEmail/36/1
- Rep. Adam Bernbaum https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/memberEmail/24/1
- Rep Andrew Barkis https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/memberEmail/2/1
- Rep. Sam Low https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/memberEmail/39/1
- Gov Ferguson https://governor.wa.gov/contacting-governor/contacting-governors-office/send-gov-ferguson-e-message