Boca Grande—In a letter sent last week to the president, MRAA expressed great disappointment regarding disparaging remarks President Obama made in Nashua, New Hampshire when he equated boat buying with irresponsible behavior by consumers. 

MRAA noted the remarks were both unfortunate and inopportune and told the president that he should not have singled out boat buying just as he should not deride consumers for buying a watch, a coat, or a car or truck.  MRAA strongly believes his remarks is a slap in the face of boat dealers and other marine retailers and come at a crucial interval in the business recovery.
   
Marine retailers provide thousands of jobs and contribute billions of dollars to our economy and pay significant tax revenues.   Many marine retailers are struggling in this recession with greatly reduced sales, problems obtaining necessary financing to operate their businesses and to cover inventory, and to retain valued employees.  However, even during these hard times, they are making personal and financial sacrifices to support the economy, our country, and employees.

Full text of the letter from the MRAA's President and Chairman to the President