This, of course, brings with it the need for a system of checks to ensure each boat owner pays. Another word is that perennial nasty; registration.

Right now it seems everyone wants us to fork out. Adding further to the cost of getting afloat will do us no good at all.

And we will soon have to deal with the possibility that the UK could lose its derogation on red diesel in December 2006.

The derogation has kept the price of marine diesel low for many years. The loss of the derogation could see marine diesel rocket to around 90p a litre.

While yachtsmen use rather more wind than fuel, a massive price hike could change the face of powerboating in the UK forever.

Tim Mason, managing director of Premier Marinas, was sanguine about the possible changes: "I think powerboat buyers have taken this into account, " he told BB .When asked if owners would desert UK marinas for the promise of cheaper fuel in perhaps sunnier climes, Mason commented: "The convenience of having your boat in the UK will always be the attraction for UK owners."

But Mike Bellamy of Lancing Marine felt the impact of rocketing diesel prices could be disastrous. "I reckon I would lose around 75% of my business, " he told BB .But Bellamy went on to suggest the practicalities of changing the price of red diesel would be so prohibitive the government may find life easier if it left things well alone.

"The government can press to keep the status quo, to match European prices or put marine diesel up to road car prices, " he said. "That will mean an enormous amount of work when people decide to start claiming rebates for tests and demonstrations."

Both Rod Carr of the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and Howard Pridding of the British Marine Federation (BMF) told BB they are fighting this one on a common front.

"It will significantly increase the cost of boating, " said Pridding. "We 're trying to demonstrate to government the economic impact it would have if they removed the derogation. We're working very closely with RYA on this."