Misunderstanding between consumers and boat dealers, manufacturers or suppliers happen every day. In some cases, the long and frustrating process of getting satisfaction can push anyone's patience to the edge. As the nation's largest Association of recreational boat owners, BoatUS has helped many Members resolve their problems.

The cornerstone of the Consumer Protection Bureau is its Dispute Mediation Program, which handles hundreds of complaints each year. Ours is the only such program in the USA. Click here for examples of recent complaints received by the Bureau.

BoatU.S. also maintains the nation's only Consumer Complaint Database involving boats, marine engines, boating products and related services. If you want to report a complaint about a boat, marine engine, or other marine-related service or if you just want to share a good experience, click here. The information you report will be entered into our database. You can access information by clicking here, email consumerprotection@boatus.com or by calling 703-461-2856.

We have the resources to answer your questions about your rights as a consumer and can give you advice about how to protect your interests. We are your one-stop source for information about:

The Consumer Protection Bureau also keeps you informed about specific problems with boats, engines and marine products and services through articles published in BoatUS Magazine.

Boat and marine engine companies are required to recall boats that are unsafe or don't meet manufacturing standards. To make it easier to be notified if your boat is recalled, register your ownership information at the BoatUS National Recall Alert Registry. Information you register is secure and can be accessed only by you and the maker of your boat or engine. At the National Recall Alert Registry you will also find information about the latest recalls issued by the U.S. Coast Guard.

BoatU.S. Consumer Protection Bureau
880 S. Pickett Street
Alexandria, VA 22304
Tel: 703-461-2856 Fax: 703-461-4674
E-mail: consumerprotection@boatus.com