Watercraft Limited

Sun., July 2, 2000

Staff

Water sports

Users of personal watercraft won a reprieve recently when Thurston County commissioners elected to limit who can ride them and when, instead of just banning the noisy machines outright.

The commission limited boaters on six multiuse lakes to 5 mph after 8 p.m. or sunset, whichever comes earlier. Drivers also must be at least 16 years old under the new regulations.

Commissioner Judy Wilson, a Republican, expressed interest in placing the issue of banning personal watercraft before Thurston County voters in November, citing environmental concerns.

Meanwhile the boating market is making some sort of statement on its own regarding personal watercraft.

Every segment of boat sales were up in 1999 except for personal watercraft, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association.

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