"It is my belief that many of the above genuinely believe it will make no difference. I also believe they are sadly mistaken, still won't affect my business as I don't sell boats & don't rely on them for a living."

Sadly Rubberduck it would appear from the apathy and inefective representations made, that they still are of the opinion that it won't harm that industry that much.

Do they really think that everyone is in the fortunate position of having bottomless pockets, and that in having to pay a 100% increase in a season's fuel costs we will all still leave enough to spend as usual on mooring fees, maintenance services, chandlery, engine servicing et al?

There's a ruddy great juggernaut heading the way of this "ostrich" if they do. Hordes of owners either giving up, moving abroad, or seriously changing their usage patterns...Yet another glorious British pastime for which we all make sacrifices to be decimated and for what?