Seattle Boat Co. is a full-service marine dealer with five locations in the greater Seattle area, offering boat sales and service, storage, SkyLaunch marina service, fuel docks and FunShare boat club. Last month, they acquired Tobler Marina, the oldest certified dealer and one of the largest boat dealerships serving northern Idaho and Spokane.
Alan served on the Board from 2002-2009, was Board Chair 2005-2007 and served on the Boat Show Committee from 2003-2006. He currently sits on the Health Trust Board.
What do you most appreciate about NMTA?
Thanks to NMTA’s efforts we have a cohesive voice for recreational boating in the PNW and one of the strongest marine industry environments in the country.
What’s something the Board or Boat Show committee worked on/helped impact during your involvement that you’re most proud of?
As a young boat dealer fairly new to the industry over 35 years ago it seemed there was an element of favoritism for the old-time companies. As a member of the Boat Show committee in the early 2000s, we spent three years rewriting the boat show guidelines and established a growth mechanism that is still in place today. Although it may not be perfect, it is vastly improved from prior versions.
I’m also very pleased to see NMTA make available comprehensive, competitive health benefits through the Health Trust. It’s a valuable member benefit that has provided consistent service and works hard to manage the cost of health care for our members.
Personal boating history?
Our family vacationed every year with my uncle on Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri and I learned to water ski there when I was six years old. At 15, I wanted to buy my first car, but my mother wouldn’t let me. So I talked my dad into going in 50/50 on a used 18’ Glasply with an OMC sterndrive, sometime around 1974. Today I keep a Malibu TSi ski boat at the dock along with a Cobalt R30. I’ll jump behind a surf boat every so often too.
Favorite place to go boating?
Desolation Sound. It’s the most memorable boating imaginable.
Idea of a perfect day on the water?
So many ways. Sailgating to a Husky game, cruising with friends and family, even a cruise by myself brings a smile to my face.
What are some fun things NMTA members might be surprised to learn about you?
I just returned from an unguided caribou hunting trip north of the Arctic Circle; included was a close encounter with a really large grizzly bear.
