The Salty Barrister

What's a blog for, but to voice your opinion, right? So here goes . . . I'm in favor of Rhode Island House Bill 7487. I think it's fair and I'm big on fairness.

As I understand it, the Bill would allow for outside vendors to perform work on your boat while it's docked at your marina's slip. Some marinas, apparently don't allow this access. Of course, a marina is not going to be too jazzed about you electing to have some third-party paint your boat's hull, but that shouldn't prevent you from making such a choice. Most likely if you're hiring an outside vendor it's for one of two reasons: (1) the marina charges too much; or (2) you don't like the marina's work quality. Marinas should remain competitive by addressing the boat owners' concerns, not by prohibiting you from having someone else do the work.

Look, I know marinas probably face economic pressures that "Vendor Vic" and his panel van don't which probably makes this Bill something marinas aren't happy about. But you know what? I remember a day when marinas were more "boatyard" than mega-store. When things are run like a boatyard, there's a sense of community, camaraderie, and common interest. And dollars to quahogs, folks at a boatyard might pay a little more when they feel they're part of something.

From what I can tell, the Bill is still in committee which recommended that the "measure be held for further study." Good grief. What's that old saw about things you don't want to watch being made . . . .

Take a look at the Bill yourself by clicking this link and let me know what you think.

Underway and making way.

--- JKF

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