In an uncharacteristic moment of sound business sense years ago, Rhode Island lawmakers opted to eliminate the sales tax on boats sold here. 

The state’s industrial base was evaporating and the thinking was that a tax break might just tip the scales in favor of one sector still hanging on. 

Today, the wisdom of that decision is evident throughout the state, nowhere more than in the East Bay. At Bristol’s Broad Common Road, Portsmouth’s Melville Marine District and beyond, companies are turning out world renowned boats big and small. From rowing shells to ocean racing sail and powerboats, from A to Z — Aquidneck Custom to Zim, some of the best anywhere are built right here.

Builders weren’t the only beneficiaries. All of these towns are full of firms that exist in part or entirely to support the boating industry. There are chandleries and boatyards, composites and cordage companies, sailmakers and spar crafters, diesel shops, electronics installers, riggers, painters … the list is long. Even bars and restaurants profit from visiting boaters and shoppers.

Rhode Island’s marine trades industry is now second only to the defense sector in terms of both annual economic impact in the state ($1.7 billion) and jobs (13,337). Third place (hotels and lodging) isn’t even close.

All of which is why it’s confounding that several lawmakers now want to strip the state’s marine trades of the sales and property tax competitive advantage that enables this success. Any tax income derived from such shortsightedness would be dwarfed by the toll of lost business, visits, companies and jobs (and taxes paid by those workers and visitors).

Rhode Island may be tiny, but it is blessed with a long coastline and superb sailing and fishing waters. The boating industry ought to be a natural for this state — and it will remain so if the legislature doesn’t scuttle it with taxes.