Boat buyers will get break after Christie signs tax cut

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — Gov. Chris Christie has signed a new law slashing the state’s 7 percent sales tax on boats.  Christie signed the measure on Wednesday after it passed the Assembly 64-0 last week. It previously passed in the Senate.  The sales tax will be reduced to 3.5 percent starting next month and comes after Christie vetoed an initial bill that capped the tax at $20,000, benefiting those who bought boats costing more than $285,000 a year.  The Legislature’s initial bill would also have waived the tax on boats used in the state for fewer than 90 days per year.  Christie proposed changing the period to 30 days to ensure the use tax is enforceable.  Lawmakers say the legislation will be a boon to boat mechanics, manufacturers and marina operators who suffer from slumping sales lost to other states.