tax effective April 1, UBP executive officer Mr. Joe Gibbons said yesterday.

However, Mr. Gibbons said Dr. Saul is willing to consider any "workable'' suggestions by boaters on how the annual tax can be assessed other than by boat length.

But the suggestions must be made by mid-summer, he said.

Dr. Saul made the announcement during a closed meeting with members of Boat Bermuda, a group formed to protest the tax.

Transport Minister the Hon. Ralph Marshall was also present at the meeting, held in the United Bermuda Party's headquarters in Chancery Lane, Hamilton.

Members' biggest gripes with the new fee include that it increases with boat size, excludes charter/tour and fishing boats, is essentially a tax on a leisure activity and is excessive.

The registration fee was $25 for all boats. It now starts at $25 and goes up to $550 for boats over 50 feet.

Boat Bermuda spokesperson Mr. Brian Hollis pointed out at the group's first meeting earlier this month that there are many large boats plying Bermuda's waters that are not valued at anything near some of the smaller, newer boats.

Mr. Gibbons said the two ministers explained to some 40 members present at Thursday night's meeting the reasons for the tax.

Mr. Gibbons said it was pointed out to boaters that running Marine Police and Harbour Radio and the upkeep of channel markers and buoys cost Government some $2 million.

"The tax is not just an all-round revenue raiser. It's to help keep up those services for boaters,'' Mr. Gibbons said.

He added boaters were told the tax was similar to the car registration fee -- according to size not newness. And they were told taxes are involved in many leisure activities -- such as the import duty on horse feed and land tax on horse stables.

MR. Joe Gibbons.